♬Background♪..영재
The basic time setting is in the South during the early twentieth century (1930s). Due to the Great
Depression,poverty is a subject that affects many. Instead
of using this as a binding
theme, the people in the town use it as an element of separation. Prejudice of every sort runs rampant
throughout the town, and even though things are simply "not fair", the time frame has to be remembered.
Many stories have already occurred before the course of the novel begins. The reader learns of Boo
Radley, who appears to be the "town freak". Not much is really known of him, just hearsay stories that
people whisper to one another and to their children to warn them of the evils that may occur (this is due to
their fear of the unknown). One story that is told is regarding an incident with Radley's father, who is
supposedly stabbed with a pair of scissors, while Boo is under the influence of the "wrong group of
friends". Mrs. Dubose is a story within herself. Introduced as an annoying old lady, who always screams
insulting remarks at the children, she seems like the typical crotchety elderly woman. One day, Jem gets so
fed up that he destroys every flower in her garden. As a punishment he is required, by his father to read to
Mrs. Dubose everyday.
Atticus is another prominent character throughout the
novel. As a
single parent, he faces the world, raising his two children
with his maid,
Calpurnia, (who experiences better conditions and responsibilities
than other
African Americans of her time, due to Atticus' beliefs).
He has a reputation
for being an open-minded, fair man, overflowing with
integrity. It is also
learned that he is self-educated, and tries to indoctrinate
his children to
love education and literature as much as he does. The
relationship he holds
with his children should also be noted. Even though he
is incredibly busy
Atticus always seems to find time for Scout and Jem. He comforts them in their time of need,
compromises, but always puts them back in their place,
if they get out of hand.
Tom Robinson, the accused, has a reputation within his
own black community as
an upright, honest, church-going family man. The Ewells,
as a contrast to
Robinson, aren't exactly noted for being model citizens.
Bob Ewell, the
father, has a reputation for being the town drunk, allowing
his children to
miss out on valuable education.
The major event that has started to unravel, prior to
the novel is the case
between Tom Robinson and the Ewells. Robinson, who was
a hired hand, is
accused of raping Ewell's daughter, Mayella. The case
falls into Atticus'
lap, not because he believes that Robinson is innocent,
but because it is his
job to prove the latter so.