To kill a mockingbird
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Personally, I feel that it is absolutely necessary to understand the historical and cultural context of the novel. This will allow us to understand the book and annotate a lot better. For example, as much as it is obvious, if we did not know that this book was set at a period in world history whereby blacks were extremely discriminated against, we would not understand the true context, and how come, the fact was that Tom Robinson did not have any chance of being convicted not guilty, since, no one would and could support him. Also, to know the author’s background would help to, imagine, the write was a black that had obviously been discriminated against. This would allow us to feel that the author could be more expressive in terms of his language. And help us understand it from his perspective.However, as much as I did not know the historical background of the novel and author, I could still truly appreciate the text to a certain extent, understanding that it is a good book, depicting racism and how a man risked his reputation to help a black. This also relates to topics like conscience and courage.