To Kill a To Kill a MockingbirdMockingbird

Things to know

Harper Lee

0Born in Monroeville, AL, April 28, 1926.0Studied law at the University of Alabama.0Pulitzer Prize for best novel in 1960.

bildungsroman

0German word: literally means “a novel of education or formation”

0Focuses on the maturation (coming-of-age) of the novel’s central character

Learning Experiences

0Be able to cite examples of each:

0prejudice and its effect upon the processes of society and the law

0courage as shown in both physical and other ways

0respect for individuals0justice and injustice through the Tom

Robinson trial

Motif/Symbol

0The mockingbird represents innocence. Hunters kill mockingbirds for sport; people kill innocence or those who are innocent, without thinking.

0This motif arises four times in the novel. As you read, look for the places where the motif is used.

Thematic Topics0 What is Lee saying about:

0 Prejudice and Discrimination (Social, Racial, Gender)

0 Striving to reach adulthood0 Man’s inhumanity to man0 Education0 Superstition0 Religion0 Courage0 Sympathy