To Kill A Mockingbird \\ What Is A "Great Soul"?

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel that explores themes of racial injustice, childhood innocence, and moral courage in the American South. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of a crime. Lee's powerful storytelling captures the complexities of race relations in the Jim Crow South, highlighting the prejudice and injustice faced by Black people. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes of empathy, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.

Plutarch's Lives, also known as Parallel Lives, is a collection of 48 biographies of notable men from ancient Greece and Rome. The work is structured in pairs, with one Greek and one Roman figure of similar destiny, such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, or Demosthenes and Cicero. Plutarch's primary concern was not to write strict historical accounts but to explore the moral virtues and failings of his subjects, aiming to provide examples of conduct to imitate or avoid. The biographies are significant not only for their insight into the individuals but also for their historical value, offering a glimpse into the times in which they lived.

In 'In Cold Blood', Truman Capote chronicles the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, on November 15, 1959. The book follows the lives of the victims, Herb Clutter, his wife Bonnie, and their children Nancy and Kenyon, as well as the perpetrators, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. Capote uses a nonfiction novel approach, blending factual reporting with narrative techniques to create a deeply human and emotionally engaging story. The book explores the psychological states of the murderers, the community's reaction to the crime, and the investigative efforts led by Alvin Dewey of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. It delves into themes of innocence, evil, and the complexities of human nature, particularly through the empathetic portrayal of Perry Smith. The novel was first published serially in 'The New Yorker' in 1965 and later in book form in 1966, marking a significant contribution to the 'new journalism' genre.

Written by Louisa May Alcott, 'Little Women' is a semi-autobiographical novel that details the lives of the March sisters in 1860s Massachusetts. The story is loosely based on Alcott's own childhood and that of her three sisters. It explores themes of domesticity, work, and true love, and is known for its portrayal of the sisters' distinct personalities and their struggles with societal expectations. The novel follows their experiences with poverty, illness, and personal growth, and it has been praised for its realistic and empathetic depiction of family life and the challenges faced by women during that era.

Published in 1958, 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' is a novella by Truman Capote that follows the life of Holly Golightly, a charming and mysterious woman living in New York City. The story is narrated by a young writer who befriends Holly and recounts their time together in the 1940s. Holly, born Lulamae Barnes, is a country girl turned Manhattan socialite who lives by socializing with wealthy men and dreams of a secure life. The novella explores themes of identity, friendship, and the complexities of Holly's character as she navigates her life in the city. The book also includes three other short stories: 'House of Flowers', 'A Diamond Guitar', and 'A Christmas Memory'.

Tarzan of the Apes, written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, is the first book in the Tarzan series. It tells the story of John Clayton, a baby boy whose parents, Lord and Lady Greystoke, are marooned and killed in the African jungle. Adopted by a female ape named Kala, he is raised among the apes and named Tarzan, meaning 'white skin' in the ape language. As Tarzan grows, he discovers his human heritage through his parents' cabin and teaches himself to read and write. He eventually becomes the leader of the apes and protects a group of humans, including Jane Porter, whom he falls in love with. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the clash between human and animal instincts.