Harper Lee was born in 1926 in Monroeville, Alabama and was the youngest of four children. She grew up in Monroeville where her father was a lawyer and member of the state legislature. Lee first developed an interest in writing in high school and attended Huntingdon College. In 1956 she found a literary agent and worked to finish the manuscript for her novel, originally titled "Go Set a Watchman" and then "Atticus". Her novel To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960 and won the Pulitzer Prize. The book drew from Lee's own experiences growing up in Alabama and dealt with racial prejudices of the time.
2. EARLY LIFE
Lee was born April 28, 1926
Born and grew up in Monroeville, Alabama
Youngest of 4 children
Her father was a lawyer, a member of the
Alabama State Legislature
Her mother suffered from a mental
disease, barely leaving the house
3. DEVELOPMENT AS A WRITER
First developed an interest in writing while
enrolled in Monroe County High school
Attended the all-female Huntingdon College in
Montgomery.
Found a writing agent in November, 1956
Working with her editor, she finished her
manuscript for her novel.
Novel was originally titled ‘Go Set a Watchmen,’
then ‘Atticus’.
4. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
First and only novel
Published in 1960
Many connections can be made to her own life
Reflected racial prejudices apparent in the
South
Won the esteemed Pulitzer prize and other
various literary awards.
5. PERSONAL TIES TO ‘TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD’
Lee, like Scout, is the daughter of a well respected
lawyer
Before adopting the profession of title lawyer, her
father defended two black men accused of
shoplifting, and who were later hanged.
Her mother never left the house, a situation similar
to that of Boo Radley’s.
Was a notorious tomboy, like Scout.
Boo Radley was based on a man who lived down
the street from Harper Lee
