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• April 1, 2025
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Just three more months…you all will sit for the UGC-NET English Literature exam. How is your preparing going on? All good! We hope so… Don’t worry. Keep yourself updated and revise more than you have ever done for the exam. There is too much to cover and yet, no peace. We understand your situation. Today, we are going to discuss some of the prominent works by Harper Lee, the author of To kill a mocking bird, her first breakout work. Let us know her more. Are you ready? Hmmm…obviously. No excuses. It is a part of the UGC-NET English Literature syllabus.

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Who is Harper Lee?

Harper Lee was an iconic American author who was best-known for her thought-provoking works. Her novels mainly dealt with themes such as morality, racial justice, and the complexities of human nature. Surprisingly, she has published only two novels. However, her literary works are considered significant in American Literature. Let’s explore some literary works produced by Lee that are considered timeless classics.

Literary Works by Harper Lee

1. To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)

Harper Lee’s first breakout work, To Kill a Mockingbird, is arguably one of the best classic novels of all time. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1961. Set in the 1930s in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, the novel explores the themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl.

The novel’s exploration of racism, innocence, and the coming-of-age experience has made it timeless. It’s widely considered Harper Lee’s most celebrated work and was instrumental in her success as a writer.

2. Go Set a Watchman (2015)

Released in 2015, more than 50 years after To Kill a Mockingbird, Go Set a Watchman is a sequel that explores the life of Scout Finch as an adult. The novel was originally written before To Kill a Mockingbird, but it was rejected by publishers. Lee’s publisher later unearthed it after her death, which led to its posthumous publication. Although it was controversial for its portrayal of Atticus Finch, one of the most beloved characters in Mockingbird, it offers a unique perspective on the South during the civil rights era. In this novel, Scout Finch is not happy with her father’s changed behaviour and thought process.

3. The Long Goodbye (1960s Draft) – Lost and Unfinished

Although not fully completed and never published, The Long Goodbye was a draft that Harper Lee worked on after finishing To Kill a Mockingbird. The manuscript was later discovered in the 2000s, and it revealed Lee’s growing interest in writing about the complexity of human relationships and struggles with identity. While it remains unfinished, the work’s discovery further highlighted Harper Lee’s mastery of character development and narrative structure.

4. The Emperor’s Cool Clothes

A funny, clever adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale in an imaginary kingdom where emperor penguins, walruses, albatross, seals and polar bears all live – and shop – together. It is the story of an emperor who can never find a perfect outfit. He later meets the Rogue brothers who find him a perfect outfit, but nobody can see it.

5. To Kill a Mockingbird: The Graphic Novel (2018) – A New Interpretation

For those who may be new to To Kill a Mockingbird or those who enjoy graphic novels, the 2018 graphic novel adaptation of Lee’s classic work is a beautiful reimagining. This version of the story captures the essence of the original novel while giving it a fresh perspective through visual storytelling. It’s a compelling way to engage younger readers with Harper Lee’s powerful themes of justice, empathy, and courage.

Interesting Facts About Harper Lee

Lee led a private life and shied away from fame even after the success of her first breakout novel. She also had an interesting educational background—Lee attended Huntingdon College and later studied law at the University of Alabama, though she never finished her degree. Interestingly, it was during her time in New York City that she began focusing on her writing career, which led to the creation of her literary masterpiece.

The Mockingbird Next Door: Life with Harper Lee (2015) – A Biography by Marja Mills

While not a novel, this biography by Marja Mills on Lee offers an intimate look at her life. It gives a deeper understanding of the reclusive author, her writing process, and her relationship with her hometown. This memoir provides interesting facts about her and reveals how much she valued her privacy while reflecting on her monumental work.

When Was Harper Lee Considered a Success as a Writer?

Harper Lee’s success as a writer was solidified when To Kill a Mockingbird won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1961. This prestigious award marked her as one of the foremost writers of the 20th century. However, the book’s impact went far beyond the literary world—it became a cultural touchstone and an essential part of conversations about race and justice in America.

Two Memorable Characters Created by Harper Lee

1. Atticus Finch: Perhaps one of the most iconic characters in American literature, Atticus Finch is the epitome of moral integrity. A lawyer and father in To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, and his calm wisdom resonates with readers.
2. Scout Finch: Scout, the novel’s young protagonist, represents innocence and curiosity in the face of a flawed society. Her journey from child to young adult in To Kill a Mockingbird provides readers with a fresh lens through which to view the complexities of human nature and justice.

Harper Lee’s Cause of Death

Harper Lee passed away on February 19, 2016, at the age of 89. Her death marked the end of an era for fans and literary scholars who had admired her works for decades. Although her life was marked by years of relative silence after the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird, her literary legacy continues to influence writers and readers around the world.

In conclusion, Harper Lee’s books and her profound impact on literature will continue to resonate with readers for generations. Her works, especially To Kill a Mockingbird, remain a powerful reflection on the human experience, tackling difficult themes with grace and insight.

We hope you enjoyed reading about Harper Lee’s most iconic works. If you want to read more such blogs, follow us! You will find all related links at the end of this blog.

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