Understanding to Kill a Mockingbird: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historic Documents

by Claudia Durst Johnson

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel of such profound power that it has affected the lives of readers and left and indelible mark on American culture. This rich collection of historical documents, collateral readings, and commentary captures the essence of the novel's impact, making it an ideal resource for students, teachers, and library media specialists. Drawing on multi-disciplinary sources, the casebook places the issues of race, censorship, stereotyping, and heroism into sharp perspective. Through these documents, the reader also gains a taste for the historical events which influenced the novel as well as the novel's relevance in today's world. Among the documents which speak most eloquently are testimony from the Scottsboro Case of the 1930s, memoirs and interviews with African Americans and whites who grew up in Alabama in the 1930s, and news stories on civil rights activities in Alabama in the 1950s. Most of the documents presented are available in no other printed form. Study questions, project ideas, and bibliographies are also included for ease of use in further examination of the issues raised by the novel. Thirteen historical photographs complement the text.

Following a literary analysis of issues raised by the novel, the casebook opens with testimony and newspaper articles from the 1930s Alabama Scottsboro Case. The significant parallels of this case to the novel paint a social and historical background of the novel. Memoirs and interviews with African Americans and whites who grew up in Alabama in the 1930s further complete the historical landscape. Articles and news stories from the 1950s depict the increasingly tense, volatile environment in which thenovel was written and published. Documents examine the stereotypes of the poor white, the African American, and the southern belle; and how the novel allows the reader to walk around in the shoes of those who have been stereotyped. More current articles examine the legal, literary, and ethical ramifications of the novel. These articles include a debate between lawyers over whether Atticus Finch was a hero, and discussion of attempts to censor the novel.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Rachel Mayes Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it was published in 1994, this is still a super helpful book for the classroom. It's got primary sources, commentary, and even some literary criticism. I can see it being an excellent resource for teachers.

[Bald Bull · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful tool for teachers trying to enhance unit plans on To Kill a Mockingbird and a useful tool for middle and high school students doing research on this book.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This popped up on my library computer when I searched for To Kill a Mockingbird for a book discussion group, so I decided to check it out, along with the novel. I have often been impressed by the additionaly research that some people do when they read a book, especially if they are facilitating a discussion. This book provided some fascinating history and analysis of the novel and background information about Harper Lee that definietly enhanced my enjoyment and understanding of the novel.

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In addition to a discussion on the high school English teacher's themes and symbolism, this book puts To Kill a Mockingbird into historical perspective by including such firsthand documents as transcripts from the Scottsboro trials of the 1930s, and newspaper articles from the Civil Rights era. And then it presents questions to help connect everything in your head.