“Remember, it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
Nearly 60 years after publishing her renowned work “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Harper
Lee, now 88 years old, announced on Feb 3, 2015 the release of her novel’s sequel “Go Set a
Watchman.”
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is an epitome of literature that has remained etched in the minds
of several literary critics for the past several decades. The novel describes the struggles of an
innocent soul convicted of evil, i.e., the mockingbird of the story – Tom Robinson, an African
American man wrongly accused and charged with the rape of a Caucasian girl. Narrated through
the lens of a six year old girl, the author scrutinizes the mindsets of several citizens of a town
invested in thoughts of segregation, prejudice, judgement and hypocrisy.
The plot of her new novel is said to revolve around the characters of the previous book
reminiscing about their past. Rumored to be released in July 2015, the upcoming novel has
sparked the interests of readers all around the world.
“To Kill a Mockingbird is definitely one of my favorite books. I love teaching it because
there is so much going on in the story like the discrimination and social injustice,” said Chenetra
Mangum, English teacher.
According to Harper Collins Publishers, Lee wrote and finished “Go Set a Watchman”
before finishing her first novel, “Mockingbird,” but thought that she had misplaced the finished
document. It was later discovered by Lee’s friend and lawyer, Tonja Carter. After much thought
and hesitation, Lee decided it was worthy of publication.
“I’m very excited for the second book. I’m sure there will be a huge response and uproar
to the book and everyone will be interested in reading it. I definitely think it’s a good idea for her
to release another book before she passes,” Mangum added.
Julia Hader, freshman at Athens Drive High School, however, had opposing views.
“I think the first book was wonderful on its own, and if the second one isn’t as interesting
as the first it would be a waste of time and effort and the author wouldn’t want that to happen.
Given her age and all her illnesses, it may not be a good idea to release another book,” Hader
added.
Thus an inference can be made that opinions are quite different. While some people are
happy to stay in the past, some would like to move into new perspectives. Regardless of the
success of its sequel, “To Kill a Mockingbird” will continue to be regarded as a literary classic.
Renuka • May 19, 2015 at 11:01 am
I can’t wait for Go Set A Watchman to release. The hubub on sites like goodreads.com serves testimony enough for the superlative reactions to this panoramic event in literature history. The author of this article has certainly captured the essence of the matter in a startlingly professional journalistic style. One would find it hard to believe her age. Nethra – you have put my writing skills in serious inferiority complex!