Harper Lee's Only Recorded Interview About 'To Kill A Mockingbird' [AUDIO]

Summary

In a thoughtful interview, Harper Lee reflects on her life and the unexpected success of her iconic novel, *To Kill a Mockingbird*. Born in Monroeville, Alabama, she shares her passion for writing, contrasting her joy in the craft with the common burdens many writers face. Lee attributes her storytelling ability to her Southern upbringing, where community and conversation thrived in a simpler time. She expresses a deep desire to document the essence of middle-class Southern life, fearing its gradual disappearance, and fondly recalls the respectful adaptation of her work into film. Her aspirations center on preserving her cultural heritage through literature.

Takeaways

• 😀 Harper Lee was born in Monroeville, Alabama, on April 28, 1926.
• 📚 The release of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in 1960 marked a significant moment in literature, achieving record sales and critical acclaim.
• 😮 Lee experienced sheer numbness upon the book's success, not expecting such a positive response.
• ✍️ Despite being a slow writer, Lee enjoys the process of writing and often immerses herself in her work for extended periods.
• 🎥 The film adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was met with gratitude from Lee, who felt the filmmakers respected the source material.
• 🌍 Lee attributes the prevalence of fine fiction from Southern writers to their rich storytelling heritage, rooted in a blend of Celtic and agricultural traditions.
• 🗣️ Southerners have a unique culture of storytelling, developed through conversation and community interactions in small towns.
• ⏳ Life in the South encourages slower-paced living, allowing for deeper observation and absorption of experiences.
• 📖 Lee aims to chronicle the nuances of small-town middle-class Southern life, emphasizing its value and the lament of its decline.
• ✉️ Overall, Lee seeks to make the most of her talent, aspiring to be a chronicler of Southern life akin to Jane Austen.

Q & A

What is the significance of the summer of 1960 in relation to Harper Lee?

The summer of 1960 marked the release of Harper Lee's novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' which became a record-selling book in both hardcover and softcover formats.

How did Harper Lee initially react to the success of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?

Harper Lee felt a sense of numbness and disbelief at the book's success, describing it as a surprising hit that she never expected.

What does Harper Lee say about her writing process?

Harper Lee describes herself as a slow but steady worker who enjoys writing, often losing track of time and neglecting other responsibilities when engrossed in her work.

What was Lee's opinion on the film adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?

Harper Lee expressed gratitude for the film adaptation, noting the respect and integrity the filmmakers had for her work.

Why does Harper Lee believe many fine fictional writers come from the South?

She attributes it to the Southern tradition of storytelling, influenced by a mix of cultural backgrounds and a lack of urban distractions, fostering a rich narrative culture.

How did Harper Lee's childhood influence her writing?

Lee's childhood in a small Southern town, characterized by limited entertainment options and a strong community bond, encouraged her to use her imagination and engage in storytelling.

What does Harper Lee say about Southern humor compared to other regions?

She describes Southern people as having a more humorous disposition, emphasizing their conversational culture as opposed to being taciturn or laconic.

What are Harper Lee's objectives as a writer?

Lee aims to chronicle the experiences of small-town middle-class Southern life, highlighting its decency and lamenting its decline in modern society.

What literary tradition does Harper Lee feel connected to?

She connects her work to that of Jane Austen, desiring to capture the essence of her Southern upbringing in her writing.

What does Harper Lee indicate about the passage of Southern life?

She observes that the traditional Southern way of life is rapidly disappearing, which she finds significant and worth documenting in her writing.