Harper Lee

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

— Harper Lee

Life & Background:

Born in 1926 in Alabama, Lee was a lifelong friend of Truman Capote and wrote just one novel in her lifetime (until a controversial second release in old age). To Kill a Mockingbird became a landmark in American literature and civil rights awareness.

Inspirations:

Southern small-town life, racial injustice, and moral upbringing. Deeply inspired by her own childhood.

Themes in Her Work:

• Racism and moral integrity

• Childhood innocence and growth

• Justice, empathy, and fairness

• Family and social norms

• Courage in the face of prejudice

Notable Works:

• To Kill a Mockingbird

• Go Set a Watchman (released posthumously, 2015)