1. In the Heat of the Night UNIT OVERVIEW & INTRODUCTION TO THE NOVEL By John Ball S. Wilson – ENG 3C – 2010-2011

2. Contents of Presentation Goals of Unit Understanding plot, conflict, setting and character development Understanding the development of important themes Increasing the use of vocabulary and language Develop ability to think critically about what is in a novel or other text Learning history of southern United States, racial issues and equal rights movement Introduction to Novel The Characters Plot Sequence Themes & Symbols Background Issues Things to Consider While Reading Important Quotes Using Resources

3. Goals of Unit There are several topics that we will be focusing on during our study of In the Heat of the Night. These topics will help you develop important skills that you will require in all subjects throughout high school, university and your career. This unit will focus on…

4. Goals of Unit Plot, Setting & Character Development What is PLOT ? The main events that make up the beginning, middle and end of a story. Understand WHAT HAPPENS in a story is crucial to figuring out WHY things happen. What is SETTING? Essentially the setting is WHERE and WHEN the story takes place. In the Heat of the Night uses the setting of Wells, North Carolina during a hot summer to tell a tale of racism and justice. What is CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT ? As the characters develop we see changes that are reflections of the plot. As things happen they learn things and move on, hopefully keeping the reader’s interest in the process.

5. Goals of Unit Theme, Vocabulary, Critical Thinking and History What is THEME ? Theme refers to the main idea and the purpose of the work. What is the novel trying to accomplish and/or teach the reader? Improve VOCABULARY! In the Heat of the Night makes use of many words that you may not know. If you do not know the word you will not be able to understand the plot, setting, characters or theme. Therefore, this unit will focus on regular vocabulary improvement. Segregation, Stereotype… Words like that! Learn HISTORY! This novel makes mention of many historical aspects that require some knowledge in order for the novel to make complete sense. Therefore we will discuss some of the history within the novel before and during our study of In the Heat of the NIght Think CRITICALLY! You will learn how to question why authors make decisions about the words they use, the decisions of the characters and the events of the plot and how these things tell the reader an important message.

6. Introduction to the Novel To help your understanding of the novel you will be first introduced to: Characters Plot Events Conflict Themes & Symbols Background Information

7. Introduction to the Novel The Main Characters Virgil Tibbs Black Detective from California Extremely intelligent and patient Initially a suspect Treated as lower-class citizen Bill Gillespie Police Chief Extremely incompetent Believes blacks are “lower class” Tasked with solving murder in small town Sam Wood Young Policeman Must work with Virgil Initially racist but changes slightly Falls in love with Duena Mantoli Enrico Mantoli Orchestra conductor for town music festival Found murdered in middle of road by Sam Wood Eric Kaufman Enrico’s manager Close relationship with Duena Murder suspect Endicotts Town councillor who proposed music festival Mantolis are living with them Rich Live just outside Wells Ralph Young man Very racist Night Man at local restaurant Eye-Witness Murder suspect Harvey Oberst Initial murder suspect Mr. Purdy White trash father Very poor Racist Delores Purdy Young girl White Trash Poor Racist

8. Introduction to the Novel Plot Sequence In the Heat of the Night Sam Wood drives his regular night shift and finds a body in the middle of the road. He makes a call to local police chief, the incompetent Bill Gillespie, who sends his men out on a search for suspects. Wood finds black man hiding in room in train station. The man is arrested as a murder suspect and brought to the station. It is soon revealed that the man is Virgil Tibbs, a homicide detective just passing through. Bill Gillespie agrees to use Tibbs to solve the murder not because he likes him but because if Tibbs fails to make an arrest it will be his fault but if he is successful he will make Gillespie a hero in the town.

9. Introduction to the Novel Plot Sequence Virgil words with Sam Wood and both canvas the town for suspects and information. Other police officers bring in suspects and Tibbs questions all of them. Tibbs also runs into many issues of racism and hatred. Gillespie creates many barriers for Tibbs as he does not want a black man to “steal his thunder”. Eventually Gillespie suspects Wood and throws him in jail for suspicious activities that he feels are connected to the murder. Sam wood then accuses of rape by Dolores Purdy, causing the policeman to be in an even worse position. Virgil believes he is innocent and must work with the racist police chief to free the man he thinks is innocent. Virgil attacked by white men who want the black police officer to leave their home.

10. Introduction to the Novel Plot Sequence Virgil proves Dolores Purdy to be racist, exhibitionist and a liar, thus freeing Sam Wood. Virgil continues to investigate murder, seeking assistance from helpful townspeople including Endicott family, black minister and others. Towards end of novel Virgil goes for ride with Sam. Promises to reveal murderer by end of day. Murderer is revealed. Virgil, though respected, is still treated poorly by townsfolk and leaves for his home in California.

11. Introduction to the Novel Exploring Themes Moral reasoning by Sam Wood Crimes within the story Acts of the Purdy family Good vs. Evil Perspective: Life in someone else’s shoes Wood having to work with Tibbs Morals: Right and Wrong The treatment of Virgil Tibbs Racial divide between blacks and whites during time period Treatment of whites who defend blacks Social Inequality, Racism and Discrimination

12. Introduction to the Novel Exploring Symbols SYMBOL: A word or object that represents another word or object …Be on the lookout for: Small-Town Life Night Imagery What do these symbols represent!?

13. Introduction to the Novel Background Information In the Heat of the Night includes several references to historical events. Knowing some information about this events is important for understanding the novel.

14. Introduction to the Novel Background Information Southern United States Until the 1970s, the southern United States was a harsh place for black people SEGREGATION: Separation of public areas based on colour (schools, restaurants, hospitals, etc.) The “North” was seen as weak for allowing blacks to have rights Many poor communities within the area Lack of rights for black people The novel takes place during the mid-1960s at a time when the government was attempting to provide the same rights for blacks and whites. Although progress was made in most of the country the American South protested these changes.

15. Introduction to the Novel Background Information Racism and Social Classes Although slavery was abolished in the 1890s racism and discrimination were alive and well during the time of the novel. The novel is based on many historical facts that help to drive the story, (and allow the readers to explore a sad time in American history) including: Jim Crow Laws (1890s – 1960s)Scottsboro Trials (1931)Social Inequality (Forever)

16. Introduction to the Novel Background Information Social Inequality The Endicotts White folks of Wells (Wood, Gillespie) The Purdy Family Virgil Tibbs Although Virgil Tibbs was a respected detective in California, in the eyes of the “upper class” within the American South he was the lowest of the low.

17. Things to Consider While Reading The first time you read the novel should be to get a general idea of the setting, characters, plot and themes. However, because this novel can be difficult you are provided with some things to think about while reading that will help you understand the novel.

18. Things to Consider While Reading Important Quotes As you read be on the lookout for these important quotes from the novel: “They call me MISTER TIBBS!” -Virgil Tibbs “They call me MISTER TIBBS!” -Virgil Tibbs “To Gillespie’s intense relief, he didn’t smell. “ “I haven’t finished my job. The world is full of a lot of people who never accomplished anything because they wouldn’t see it through. I have two things left to do here: to get you cleared and out of here, and to deliver a murderer to Gillespie. Then I can go home.” -Virgil Tibbs “I haven’t finished my job. The world is full of a lot of people who never accomplished anything because they wouldn’t see it through. I have two things left to do here: to get you cleared and out of here, and to deliver a murderer to Gillespie. Then I can go home.” -Virgil Tibbs “I got the motive which is money, and the body which is dead.” -Chief Bill Gillespie “I got the motive which is money, and the body which is dead.” -Chief Bill Gillespie

19. Things to Consider While Reading Other Stuff to Remember As you read remember the following: The novel is a murder-mystery. Clues are laid out for the reader. What are these clues and how do they help reveal the ending? The novel inspired a movie, which was followed by several sequels featuring the Virgil Tibbs character. This was also followed by a TV series called “In the Heat of the Night”, which aired from 1988-1995. The novel inspired a movie, which was followed by several sequels featuring the Virgil Tibbs character. This was also followed by a TV series called “In the Heat of the Night”, which aired from 1988-1995. Other themes explored in the novel:  Teen pregnancy  Police Interrogation/Detective Work  Small Town Life Other themes explored in the novel:  Teen pregnancy  Police Interrogation/Detective Work  Small Town Life What similarities might this novel have to towns like Greenstone (either before or in the present)?

20. In the Heat of the Night By John Ball Presentation created by Mr. S. Wilson Geraldton Composite High School – Geraldton, Ontario Presentation created by Mr. S. Wilson Geraldton Composite High School – Geraldton, Ontario 2010-2011