To Kill a Mockingbird Introduction (Historical Context) - Google Slides or Prezi

This presentation begins by noting some of the autobiographical elements in the story and then gives students all of the historical context they need to understand allusions to The Great Depression, segregation, gender roles, and Europe. It also includes a section to preview and introduce the main characters in To Kill a Mockingbird as well as its major themes. It integrates many photos and primary sources as well as three embedded videos. There is a Prezi version AND a Google Slides version. (Click here for PowerPoint version)

The videos are:

1. A short clip on the Stock Market Crash with footage of bread lines, etc.
2. A short clip from FDR's inauguration speech including his famous "nothing to fear but fear itself" line - it's great to preview this clip with students so that they pick up on the allusion to the speech in the first chapter of the novel.
3. A video about Emmett Till, which is a great historical example of the racism that was rampant in the southern legal system. This background information later helps students to understand why Tom Robinson is unable to receive a fair trial.

Other Literature Resources:

Character Analysis Unit

Irony

Elements of Plot

Figurative Language Project

Point of View

Comparison Essay: Novel vs. Film

Grammar & Sentence Mechanics Lessons