The Impact of Harper Lee
Harper Lee is considered to be one of the most adept and brilliant writers of the 20th century because of her controversial novels that expose the American south for its dark reality and its prejudiced people. Go set a Watchman, continues a story from Lee’s first book --To Kill a Mockingbird -- and incorporates topics of race and class in society. The piece also continues the clashing ironic themes of great change and lack of change. Although the book created dissension and many people were shocked at the momentous character changes, critics acclaimed Lee’s ability to create an eloquently real environment. Throughout Harper Lee’s novels she reveals the authenticity of the American south in the mid-1900s, by displaying …show more content…
Although she did not complete her law degree, she “later was awarded an honorary degree by … The University of Alabama School of Law.” (“Harper Lee” 1). This, along with her sister, Alice, (who became a lawyer) helped to educate her in regards to the knowledge of law, and essentially aided her in writing her award-winning novels (Harper Lee won a Pulitzer Prize for To Kill a Mockingbird). Her roots and her family background inspired many facets of her writings. For example, Lee’s father…” served in the Alabama State Legislature from 1927 until 1939, and was the model for Atticus Finch.” (“Harper Lee” 2). In addition, some components, such as the environment of her upbringing, helped inspire the location of her story lines. Lee’s fanaticism for writing can best be exemplified by her student publications which include the “Humor magazine Rammer Jammer.” (“Harper Lee” 1). Her infatuation with writing was well known throughout her community-- especially in her peer group. This is apparent because of the loan her friends granted her to follow her aspirations, and write full time, which instigated the writing of her …show more content…
Lee’s novel was an outstanding hit and distributed many copies in the years succeeding its publication; because of this, many schools included the novel in their curriculum. One statistic that was found stated that, “To Kill a Mockingbird has been consistently one of the ten most frequently required books in secondary schools since its publication in 1960” (“Harper Lee” 3) which proves it to be a key component in education throughout the United States. Also, the book contains the following literary elements that enrich young minds each year: metaphors, complex diction, figurative language, and imagery. The article also outlines the numerous “honorary degrees and awards” (“Harper Lee” 1) that she received during her late years (such as the Pulitzer Prize). Lee’s achievements and unsurpassed success have shown that she is a devoted and diligent author that strives for excellence. Lee has made her mark on 20th Century literature and has validated herself as a literary
Harper Lee is considered to be one of the most adept and brilliant writers of the 20th century because of her controversial novels that expose the American south for its dark reality and its prejudiced people. Go set a Watchman, continues a story from Lee’s first book --To Kill a Mockingbird -- and incorporates topics of race and class in society. The piece also continues the clashing ironic themes of great change and lack of change. Although the book created dissension and many people were shocked at the momentous character changes, critics acclaimed Lee’s ability to create an eloquently real environment. Throughout Harper Lee’s novels she reveals the authenticity of the American south in the mid-1900s, by displaying …show more content…
Although she did not complete her law degree, she “later was awarded an honorary degree by … The University of Alabama School of Law.” (“Harper Lee” 1). This, along with her sister, Alice, (who became a lawyer) helped to educate her in regards to the knowledge of law, and essentially aided her in writing her award-winning novels (Harper Lee won a Pulitzer Prize for To Kill a Mockingbird). Her roots and her family background inspired many facets of her writings. For example, Lee’s father…” served in the Alabama State Legislature from 1927 until 1939, and was the model for Atticus Finch.” (“Harper Lee” 2). In addition, some components, such as the environment of her upbringing, helped inspire the location of her story lines. Lee’s fanaticism for writing can best be exemplified by her student publications which include the “Humor magazine Rammer Jammer.” (“Harper Lee” 1). Her infatuation with writing was well known throughout her community-- especially in her peer group. This is apparent because of the loan her friends granted her to follow her aspirations, and write full time, which instigated the writing of her …show more content…
Lee’s novel was an outstanding hit and distributed many copies in the years succeeding its publication; because of this, many schools included the novel in their curriculum. One statistic that was found stated that, “To Kill a Mockingbird has been consistently one of the ten most frequently required books in secondary schools since its publication in 1960” (“Harper Lee” 3) which proves it to be a key component in education throughout the United States. Also, the book contains the following literary elements that enrich young minds each year: metaphors, complex diction, figurative language, and imagery. The article also outlines the numerous “honorary degrees and awards” (“Harper Lee” 1) that she received during her late years (such as the Pulitzer Prize). Lee’s achievements and unsurpassed success have shown that she is a devoted and diligent author that strives for excellence. Lee has made her mark on 20th Century literature and has validated herself as a literary