(Adapted from material developed by Milwaukee Repertory Theater) • Monroeville in the 1930s was a much smaller and rural town than the city of Syracuse is today. How does the size of a community affect the relationships? • Although 52.5% of the population of Monroe Country was African-American, Tom Robinson’s jury was entirely white. What can you infer about the selection of juries in 1930s Alabama? Harper Lee knew about many cases like the Tom Robinson case. Research these historic cases to learn more about the inspiration for the novel’s fictionnel trial. • The Scottsboro Boys, a group of 9 black teenage boys accused of raping two white women in 1931. • Walter Lett, a black man accused of raping a white woman in 1934. • Emmett Till, a black teenager murdered for flirting with a white woman in 1955. Taking it into today—FURTHER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS. The events of To Kill a Mockingbird took place almost ninety years ago. What has changed in American society concerning race relations? What has not changed? Can you cite incidents and cases that support your opinion? The publication of Go Set a Watchman caused controversy on many fronts. Does the presentation of Atticus Finch in Watchman change your view of him in To Kill a Mockingbird? Do you think the book, which is a virtually unedited draft of a rejected novel, should have been published? Childhood memories often cluster around a single event or series of events. Scout’s look at the summer of Tom Robinson’s trial is detailed and evocative. Is there one childhood event that you can recall with that type of detail? Was it an important event? Why did it stick with you?
SYRACUSE STAGE EDUCATION
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