The Past Informs the Present

Perhaps the most important thing to remember while preparing to read To Kill a Mockingbird, a classic by Harper Lee (http://tecfaetu.unige.ch/etu-maltt/R2D2/dacostj7/stic-2/ex14/epub/ex14.pdf), is that the past informs the present.  In fact, that is the focus of this unit.  Whether we are first, second, or third generation Americans, or even if our ancestors came over on the Mayflower or were here prior to the Mayflower's arrival, we need to understand our history in order to understand the nature of our world and our place in it.  Reading this novel isn't just about learning to analyze tone, characterization, or any of the myriad of literary elements that we talk about; reading this book is a window to our past as Americans. 

To begin to understand the historical context for this book, and this unit, we must begin to understand what slavery was, when and how the abolition of slavery came about, and what the ramifications were in the former confederate states once slavery was abolished.  We have already taken notes on some of this, and your American history course that you are taking in conjunction with this American literature course has covered other parts.  But, one thing that hasn't been covered yet is the Scottsboro Trial.  This trial highlights the extent to which revenge, hatred, social discontent, and racial conflicts affected our society.  Watch the film, take notes, and we will be discussing this trial's influence on both our culture and To Kill a Mockingbird.  Remember, the past informs the present; as this is our past let us realize how it is informing our present.  There will be a quiz on the content to follow.  Watch, be moved, and think about this content.