To Kill a

Mockingbird
Student WebQuest
Introduction
Task: Your task is to become familiar with the author, time period, setting,
characters and theme of To Kill a Mockingbird before you begin reading the
text.

Process: Use the links and resources provided to

answer the questions

Evaluation: You were be graded on your thoroughness

And correctness of your answers
Harper Lee
Using this link answer these questions about Harper Lee.

1. Where was Harper Lee born?

2. How are Atticus Finch and Harper Lee’s father similar?
3. How is Harper Lee portrayed in this video?
4. Why do you think To Kill A Mockingbird had such a big impact?

Read about the controversy surrounding her work.

South in 1930s
Use this link to answer the following questions about Southern race issues in the
1930s.

1. What impact do you think Emmett Till may have had on this novel?
2. What does this example show about race relations in the South during this
time?
3. What was the final outcome of this trial?

Look a the following examples of poverty in the South during the Great
Depression.
Lee’s Setting
Watch this video about Harper Lee’s hometown which inspired the setting of the
story.

View this presentation and answer the following questions about the slide titled
“setting” and using the video.

1. Make a venn diagram. What are the similarities and differences between
Harper Lee’s hometown and Maycomb, AL in the book?
2. Why might it be relevant that the story is set here?
Scout, Jem, and Atticus
Read the web pages on these three characters who form the
center of the novel.

1. Who is most important?

2. Why do you think the novel is told from Scout’s perspective?
3. What is one key character trait each of them embody?

Atticus Scout Jem

BONUS: Read these key quotes by Atticus from the book and pick
one that sticks out to you
Themes
Watch this video about race, class, and gender in To Kill a Mockingbird.

The major theme that is discussed in this novel is how prejudice and
discrimination affect society.

1. How do predict that this theme will be explored through the text?
2. Do you think this book is relevant to our society now? How do you see
prejudice and discrimination in our current society?