Friday, February 26, 2016

Of Mockingbirds and Cowbirds

Thought for the day:  Before I can live with other folks, I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience. [Harper Lee]

Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 2005 [wikipedia]
Nelle Harper Lee had strong opinions about right, wrong, and the role of conscience, but she never sought fame or fortune. In 1964, she said,

I never expected any sort of success with "Mockingbird." I was hoping for a quick and merciful death at the hands of the reviewers but, at the same time, I sort of hoped someone would like it enough to give me encouragement. Public encouragement. I hoped for a little, as I said, but I got rather a whole lot, and in some ways, this was just about as frightening as the quick merciful death I'd expected. 


Last week, Ms. Lee passed away peacefully in her sleep, so she finally got that merciful death she was talking about, but whether she wanted it or not, she also got plenty of attention over the years because of her book, too. She never wanted to be in the limelight, but ever since To Kill a Mockingbird was published to great critical acclaim in 1960, she's been one of the most celebrated and beloved writers of our time. She rarely gave interviews or made public appearances, but she did accept numerous awards and honorary degrees over the years, beginning with the Pulitzer Prize for literature in 1961... but she adamantly refused to make a speech while accepting them. As she put it, Well, it's better to be silent than to be a fool. 

But she most definitely was not a fool. In 1964, when a school board in Virginia wanted to ban her book on the grounds of it being immoral literature, she wrote them the following letter:


Recently I have received echoes down this way of the Hanover County School Board's activities, and what I've heard makes me wonder if any of its members can read.
Surely it is plain to the simplest intelligence that To Kill a Mockingbird spells out in words of seldom more than two syllables a code of honor and conduct, Christian in its ethic, that is the heritage of all Southerners. To hear that the novel is 'immoral' has made me count the years between now and 1984, for I have yet to come across a better example of doublethink.
I feel, however, that the problem is one of illiteracy, not Marxism. Therefore I enclose a small contribution to the Beadle Bumble Fund that I hope will be used to enroll the Hanover County School Board in any first grade of its choice.

(Isn't that letter GREAT???

In a 2011 interview, longtime family friend Reverend Thomas Butts revealed what Lee, or Nelle, as her friends knew her, had told him regarding why she had never written another book: 

Two reasons: one, I wouldn't go through the pressure and publicity I went through with "To Kill a Mockingbird" for any amount of money. Second, I have said what I wanted to say, and I will not say it again. 

So isn't it kind of surprising that she agreed to last year's publication of the re-discovered manuscript of her Go Set a Watchman? In essence, it isn't a sequel to Mockingbird, but rather, an early, unpolished draft of Mockingbird itself. I haven't read it, and don't know if I ever will, because I don't think I want to see Atticus Finch portrayed as a racist. How about you? Any of you read it? If you have, I'd love to know what you think.


May Nelle Harper Lee rest in peace, happily out of the limelight, and may her Mockingbird continue to inspire readers for many generations to come. Here are some of her more memorable quotes:

  • You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.
  • Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through, no matter what.
  • Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.
  • I think there's one kind of folks. Folks.
  • Sometimes, the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than the whiskey bottle in the hand of another... There are just some kind of men who're so busy worrying about the next world, they've never learned to live in this one.
  • People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.
  • People in their right minds never take pride in their talents.
  • You just hold your head high, and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don't you let 'em get your goat. Try fightin' with your head for a change. 
*******************
Do you remember the significance of the mockingbird in Ms. Lee's book? It is described as a songbird that does nothing but bring pleasure to people, and Atticus told Scout it's a sin to kill one of them. Within the context of the book, the mockingbird has most commonly been recognized as a symbol for innocence
photo by Galawebdesing [wikipedia]

Which brings me to the other part of this post. The cowbird part. Not saying those birds are inherently guilty, but they do lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, relieving them of the responsibilities of nest-building and raising their young. (I realize some mockingbirds do the same, but for the sake of argument, let's ignore that inconvenient little fact for now, shall we?) 

Now then, let's talk about cowbird-like people. You know, the ones who can't be bothered to raise their children in a responsible manner. John Rosemond, who writes a syndicated column on parenting, recently wrote an excellent article about the rights of children. According to him, one of those rights is to not be protected from the consequences of their actions. You've gotta know who I'm thinking about here. Ethan Couch, the privileged teenager who killed four people while driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and faced scant consequences, because of his Affluenza defense, which essentially claimed his (cowbird) parents had coddled him into a sense of irresponsibility. I've already written two posts about this case and his flight to Mexico after breaking his probation, so I won't belabor it now, but I wanted to give you a quick update. Shortly after I wrote the last post about him, he stopped fighting extradition, and was returned to the States. Last Friday, he appeared before a Texas judge, who ruled that the case WILL be handled in adult court this time. That means he will most likely be sentenced to four months or so behind bars before resuming his ten years of probation, and if he breaks probation again, he could get up to ten years in jail for each of the people he killed. For now, he is being held in maximum security, and in solitary confinement for 23 hours out of 24. Think he's taking it seriously now? With any luck, maybe, just maybe, he will develop the kind of conscience Harper Lee so famously wrote about. For his sake, I sincerely hope so.

                                                        Okay, bye... gotta fly!

                                Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other. 

78 comments:

  1. I think many, perhaps most, people are missing the crucial point of the title.
    If you have a bible, turn to Isaiah 21:6.
    That should give you a clue as to why Atticus seems to be racist.

    Yes, I read it, from curiosity and my opinion is still that Lee did the right thing in re-working that story as "Mockinbird." It was muddled and lacked the humour which helped "MockingBird" become so popular.
    I very much doubt that she agreed to publication.She was old, frail and, I suspect, worn down or bullied.

    Well, I've spent my two pennies.And damn' glad I got "Watchman " from the library and could give it back!

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    1. Ahhh, it never occurred to me that's where the title "Go Set a Watchman" came from. Quite brilliant, actually, isn't it? Your assessment of the book validates what I expected of it. It's hard to imagine any writer wanting their first draft (rarely a pretty thing) to be sent naked out into the world, so you may be right about her being coerced into the agreement. Making money may not have been her goal, but it was evidently SOMEBODY'S, because that book has made oodles of moola.

      Nah, not two cents... at least three. (Inflation!) Thanks. I appreciate your comment.

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  2. Susan, of all the posts I've read of yours, this ranks as one of the most compelling and forceful, and one with which I thoroughly agree. Not only do you excel in humor and information, but you are also a formidable and competent essayist. My compliments, appreciation and admiration.

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    1. Wow, dude! Coming from you, that's quite the compliment. Thank you so much. You made my day. :)

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  3. I haven't (yet) read it, but probably will. And agree with dinahmow that she was probably worn down.
    Love those quotes. An admirable human.
    And yay for justice (finally) being served albeit late and gently in the case of Mr Couch.

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    1. If I do end up reading "Watchman," which I doubt, I'll likely follow dinahmow's example, and get it from the library. (Yeah, I'm a bird... cheep! cheep! cheep!)

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  4. I haven't read Go Set A Watchman, and have no plans to. I don't want to have my memories of To Kill A Mockingbird spoiled.
    Like you, I'm glad Ethan couch is facing the music and hope he learns from his time in jail.

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    1. I agree. The characters in "Mockingbird" are soooooo wonderful just the way they are, why would I want to see them depicted in a less pleasing light?

      He's only eighteen, or nearly eighteen, now, so hopefully, it isn't too late for him to get it right.

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  5. Ethan Couch is a spoiled little brat and I rather doubt 4 months in jail is going to change that. I am glad, however, the judge ruled that his case will be handled in adult court.

    Loved Harper Lee's letter to the school board.

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    1. Those four months in jail might not change anything, but the prospect of doing a long stretch if he breaks probation again might. It IS a bit disconcerting, thought, to hear law enforcement folks in Texas say they've yet to see any sign of contrition.

      I loved that letter, too. She had such a sharp wit.

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  6. excellent salute to Harper Lee. She didn't mince words, and just had plain old fashioned sense. I would have liked to meet her and sit on a front porch, drink some lemonade, and bask in silence. Her words shall live on. In regards to Couch - we can only hope that Big Boy jail and court will somehow snap this kid into shape. Have a good weekend

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    1. Thanks. I totally agree. I would have loved to have known her personally, too.

      I also agree with your comment about Couch. His parents certainly haven't done anything to snap him into shape, so maybe the reality of jail will.

      You have a super weekend, too. Lots of warm sunshine predicted here, so we'll have to get out and about somewhere. :)

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  7. That was very interesting - I enjoyed the exceptional quotes and the excerpt from the letter to the school board. I listened to an interview last week on CBC with one of Harper Lee's longtime friends. She spoke about Harper Lee's abhorrence of publicity of any kind, her love of simple things, including eating out in obscure diners - lovely interview.

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    1. Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Sorry I missed that interview. It sounds terrific, and Harper Lee sounds like the kind of person I would choose as a friend.

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  8. Yeah, I ignored that so called sequel. All the attention I can imagine would be as crazy, if not worse, then a few haters. But wouldn't complain about the $$$ lol

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    1. HA! Few people would disagree with you about the money.

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  9. A truly wonderful salute to Harper Lee, Susan! I remember hearing of some obscure high school theater group that put on To Kill A Mocking Bird. Miss Lee attended, all unbeknown.

    Before the 'sequel' came out, I did a lot of research and reading, including a friend's firsthand account (written after all the hoopla began) of 'finding' the manuscript in the safe-deposit box. It was, as Nelle herself said, the book that became TKAM. (And if you get your jollies from reading textual criticism, there's plenty of internal evidence to so support that even if you ignore what all those who knew said.)

    And my favorite quote, which you put in your post:
    Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through, no matter what.

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    1. HI-ya, Diana. It's great to hear from you again.

      I heard about a number of incidents like the one you mentioned. She was truly a humble woman who didn't want any of the hoopla, but she'd quietly support activities at schools and libraries.

      I've read enough to believe the "found" manuscript is nothing but an early draft of "Mockingbird."

      That is a good quote, but I'd have a difficult time picking one as my favorite. Maybe the one about conscience. All terrific, though.

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  10. There seems to be no end to "cow bird humans" these days. Dropping babies like flies and expecting the rest of us to care for them. But, that's neither here nor there. How've been Susan. Long time no type. It's funny you began with Harper Lee, tomorrow, Saturday, I'm going to see Mary Badham, who played Scout in the film, give a little talk here in Cowford. No idea what's she's going to say. I'll let you know if it's interesting.

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    1. Mr. C!!!! Hey, it's great to hear from you. I hope all is well with you.

      Yeah, indeed, there are far too many cowbird-like people around.

      All is well here. My hubby has added a Harley Davidson to his herd of motor vehicles. Can't say that I'm ecstatic about it, but he's thrilled to have one again.

      Very cool that you're going to hear Badham speak tomorrow. That should be doggone interesting.

      Hey! Don't be such a stranger! Take care.

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  11. I have always felt she was bullied into this, and I doubt that it's even all her work. Yes, someone wanted to make money. The idea that for years she claimed to have never written a second book, while knowing there was a first book! It doesn't ring true, not the story, not the finding of it! But I'm a cynic and in this case seriously so! Margaret Mitchell had it right - burn it, all of it!

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    1. You may be right about her being bullied into it, but from what I've read, it was her work. Her very early work. (How many of YOUR first drafts would you want the world to see?)

      Good tie-in to bring up Mitchell's words. :)

      Have a super weekend.

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  12. I am not sure I could read the previous book... I love To Kill A Mocking Bird too much, just like you... I love her quotes, so down to Earth and true... She is amazing I adore the letter she sent to them about them wanting to ban her book... it is sad that anyone would have thought to do that at all... what a crazy world we live in...

    As far as Ethan... I often wonder if he will ever learn his lesson, at least if he breaks parole again, he will have to do the time ... so sad for the families of the people that died because of him...

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    1. I agree. After thinking of Atticus as a character with such high integrity and kindness for all these years, I'd hate to see him depicted as a racist.

      I feel badly for the teenager who was paralyzed for life because of that accident. He'll never be released from his prison.

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  13. Again, a wonderful post !
    I love the letter and the quotes.
    As for Ethan, I think his parents should be held responsible for some of their actions. Why do people have children if they are not going to care for them ?
    When I grew up I was held accountable for my actions by my parents. Right from wrong. It is easy ! You chose the wrong path you should pay the price.
    You know or should know driving drunk/drugs and killing 4 people is wrong.

    Have a nice weekend.
    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Thank you. I'm very happy you liked it. :)

      I agree. The parents should definitely be held accountable, especially the mother, since she ran away with him to Mexico to escape the consequences (yet again!) when he broke probation. Maybe the rich really ARE different... I sure don't understand their thinking.

      You have a super weekend, too!

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  14. What a beauty of a post. Such elegant prose. I loved the quotes, too.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Thank you, dear sir. I'm glad you liked it.

      Greetings right back atcha.

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  15. That letter that she wrote to that critical school: wonderful!!!

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    1. I agree. She said her piece quite beautifully, while rightfully putting the school board in its place. What a lady!

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  16. Harper Lee was a gifted writer and a great lady - truly an inspiration. Unfortunately, "Go Set a Watchman" is not a new novel, but rather the original, sketchy, unrevised version of "To Kill a Mockingbird". Harper Lee never intended this to be published and wouldn't have consented to it. It was underhandedly published for profit by greedy people (including her former attorney).

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    1. Well, I dunno about that. I understand she DID agree to having that manuscript published in an "as is" condition, because she didn't want to do any editing. I'm sure there was a lot of persuasion involved to get her to agree, though. I think I even read somewhere that someone... a friend or relative, can't remember which... tried to stop its out of a desire to protect Ms. Lee's interests, on the basis that she was incapable of making the decision. But a judge ruled her competent. So who knows? Your description sounds entirely feasible, too.

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  17. I didn't know she passed. And NO I dont' want to see Atticus Finch portrayed as a racist, so I'll very likely pass too. ;)

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    1. Yeah, the thought of the "bigger than life" character we all loved diminished to a blatant racist makes me shudder.

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  18. I love the letter she wrote. I like her quotes you posted too. She seemed quite wise to me.

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  19. I loved the book when I first read it (as a young teenager?). Curiously, in the German translation the bird was a nightingale. The title was translated as "Those who disturb the nightingale."

    I remember I wanted to name my daughter Scout when I read the book. Turns out Demi Moore had the same idea. And I, no daughter.

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    1. How interesting! I wonder why the mockingbird was changed to a nightingale in the German version? I'm sure there must have been a very good reason. Maybe Germany isn't a natural habitat for nightingales? At any rate, it's very interesting.

      It's a wonder more girls weren't named Scout after that book came out. (The name would have worked for a boy, too...)

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  20. Nobody ever forgets reading Mockingbird. Many wish they could forget Watchman. It made me sad when I heard of the latter's release and no amount of curiosity could make me read it. I would rather savor my memories of a book well written that will live in the hearts and minds of people for a lifetime. RIP, Nelle, we hardly knew ye, but we are so grateful that you put pen to paper ( or fingers to a typewriter) and gave us your masterpiece.

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    1. Well-said. That's exactly how I feel about "Mockingbird" vs. "Watchman." When I first heard about a "lost manuscript" had been found, I was beside myself with excitement, but alas, not for long. I'd much rather re-read "Mockingbird" than sully it by reading its first rough draft.

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  21. What a formidable, but humbling woman. To Kill A Mockingbird is a true classic in every sense of the word. She really didn't need to write anything more after that as it's a novel that stands the test of time.
    I won't be reading Go Set A Watchman, because it's basically just an earlier draft of 'Mockingbird.' I would hate for anyone to read the drafts of my writing.

    Thank you for the update of Ethan. I'm kinda hoping that he breaks his parole and has to finally pay his dues. He needs to learn that life isn't his for the taking.

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    1. Agreed. When someone achieves a first book as monumental as "Mockingbird," there's no need to write another.

      It's probably naive to think Ethan will follow the rules of his probation for ten full years, so I think it's a good bet that he's going to screw up. Thus far, he still hasn't shown a lick of contrition. I wouldn't be surprised if he feels like he's the victim in all of this.

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  22. Hi Susan - I'm afraid to say "To Kill a Mockingbird" is still not read - I will one day I'm sure. Interesting extra information about Watchman and the Isaiah reference.

    Ethan - that seems quite a light sentence for what he did .. but he's really been through the mangle - but 4 people are dead. I hope his parents had some judgemental recourse too ...

    Yes RIP Nelle - and that letter you wrote was amazing to read today ... so many decades later - and still so appropriate so often. I'd say she didn't have much choice in the publication .. trouble with being old, but at least she did die in her sleep ...

    Cheers Hilary and have a good weekend - Harley Davidson and all!

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    1. Hi-ya, Hilary. Wow, do I ever envy you! The first reading of "Mockingbird" is an unbelievable treat. It's a truly brilliant work of writing. I will likely read it again another time or two before all is said and done, but the impressions made on the premiere reading are always the most profound.

      As for Ethan's parents, last I heard, his mother was under house arrest, pending charges for spiriting her son to Mexico after he broke probation. In my opinion, she deserves jail time, too.

      Cheers back atcha! You have a great weekend, too. The weather is certainly perfect for an outing on the Harley, so we'll see...

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  23. Hi Susan. A lovely post re Harper Lee. I adore her book and teach it every year. Hard to believe she had such low expectations when it came out, but it goes to show that people like a book with a message. I've only read excerpts from Watchman. It could be a more 'real' book than TKAM, but no, I hate to think of Atticus as racist too!

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    1. Hi-ya, Denise. It's good to know some schools, or at least some teachers, are still teaching TKAM. It wasn't required reading when our kids were in school, and I think it should have been.

      Yeah, it shows that people like a book with a message, but it also shows that even a brilliant writer can doubt her ability.

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  24. Mockingbird and Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" pretty much calibrated my moral and political compass.

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    1. After reading so many of your blog posts, I'm not at all surprised those two books had such an influence on you. You definitely chose well.

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  25. Blessings.....
    Insightful read.
    I read to Kill A Mockingbird years ago and it was heart wrenching for me because some of those injustices are all to real.

    stay blessed.
    Rhapsody

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    1. And what's worse is some of those injustices are still happening today. You'd think we'd have figured things out by now, wouldn't you?

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  26. By coincidence, I had tickets to see a local production of To Kill a Mockingbird the week she passed away. It was a wonderful way to revisit this classic, especially since one of my former students was playing the role of Jem.

    I haven't read Watchman, and I don't think I will unless it is to look at the evolution of a story from an early draft to a classic.

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    1. That is quite a coincidence. It must have been pretty special to see one of your former students onstage.

      Now, that is one good reason to read Watchman... but I still doubt if I will.

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  27. I have no desire to read Watchman. Like River, I don’t want my memories of To Kill A Mocking Bird sullied. As for Ethan Couch, I don’t believe you can develop a conscience. You can act in ways that violate your conscience, but you have to have a conscience to begin with. There’s no evidence Couch does. Most narcissists don’t.

    VR Barkowski

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    1. Really? You don't think it's possible for someone to develop a conscience? That'd be a sorry state. I'll have to chew that one over. I'm still disgustingly optimistic enough that I like to think it's usually possible for people to change for the better. Maybe not so for a true narcissist, though.

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  28. Hi Susan,

    In our country, in schools Mockingbird is part of English curriculum. And to think she didn't had any expectations of it.

    Great post.

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    1. Hi, Nas.

      I'm glad to hear that. It's awesome how well-known this book is all over the world. The fact that she had such low expectations for it shows that even the best writers have self-doubts.

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  29. I'm ashamed to admit, I've never read To Kill a Mockingbird. Isn't that bad? I may need to turn in my Good Reader Card.

    I fear we've eroded the importance and value of good parenting. As a stay-at-home mom, I don't know how many times I have been made to feel like a second class citizen for my choice. But to me, raising my kids was never secondary to anything in my life.

    I'm not saying everyone has to make that choice, but don't judge women who do as goalless. I did have a goal. It just wasn't a glamorous one.

    Love those quotes. She's so right about the Bible in the wrong hands.

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    1. No, not bad, but I AM surprised you've never read it. Then again, I don't think any of my kids have read it, either.

      Don't let anyone make you feel like a second class ANYTHING for being a full-time stay-at-home mom. I was, too, and I've never regretted it. It did cause some snide remarks at times, but I was usually able to laugh them off. Like the time my hubby and I went out to dinner with a bunch of his co-workers. The gal sitting next to me kinda looked down her nose at me and asked with a sneer, "So how does it feel to be a kept woman?" I gave her my brightest smile, and said, "I LOVE it!" (And I DID!)

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  30. Wow I love that letter she wrote. Awesome! Great quotes as well - especially the one about the Bible and whiskey.

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  31. I'd like to read Go Set a Watchman. We can all learn a lot from Harper Lee, both from her life and her writing.

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    1. If you read it, I'll be looking forward to hearing what you think of it.

      For sure, Ms. Lee knew a lot, both about writing, and about life.

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  32. Having read all you have written here with interest I have but one comment to make....I feel there are many people in the world today that need to find a conscience such as Harper Les described so well.
    Thank you for much food for thought.

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    1. Unfortunately, I think you're right about the lack of conscience in today's world. It seems to have taken a powder with common sense.

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  33. I remember reading Mockingbird in school and liking it more than I liked the other classics we were all forced to read. Sadly... I don't remember much more than that.

    And similar to what Jon said, I found it sketchy that she hadn't wanted Watchman to be released for years upon years, with her sister acting as her protector, and then suddenly 2 months after her sister dies, she agrees to put it out, while most people that knew her at the time attested to her being nearly blind and deaf, wheelchair bound, and as one person said, "will sign anything put before her by anyone in whom she has confidence."

    Truly sad if that's the case, but I won't be reading it either way.

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    1. You and Jon may be right. If so, it'd be a real shame that people she trusted did her dirty.

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  34. I love TKAM. And I am so torn about reading Watchman. Partly, I want to read it because I love Lee's writing so much. Partly, I want to read it because I want to see how she grew as a writer. But the biggest part of me is afraid that if I read it, it will taint my feelings about TKAM. So, for now, I'm not reading it. But I probably will someday.

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    1. Sounds like your arguments with yourself about whether or not to read "Watchman" pretty much parallel mine.

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  35. I'm so glad Harper Lee went peacefully. No better way to go. I read TKAM when I was in Jr. High, and I was forced to do it. As in against my will. Can you imagine how that went down for a rebellious literature lover? Oh I had all kinds of awful things to say about the book. I have a funny feeling if I revisited it these days, I'd love it.

    I'm with you on parents being parents and holding their children accountable. Sometimes I'm too gentle with my youngest boy, but you'd have to meet my son. He's a particular challenge. What doesn't kill us...

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    1. I think you're right. If you were to read TKAM now, you'd probably love it. (YOU? Rebellious??? I never woulda guessed!)

      Too gentle? Now that, I can believe. :) When our kids were growing up, I tended to be more on the gentle side with our sons, but that was to make up for how tough my hubby was with them. On the other hand, he was willing to let our daughter get away with just about anything, so I had to be the enforcer with her. Somehow or another, we managed to balance each other out.

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  36. Hi Susan, this is a great post regarding Harper Lee and I loved reading all the comments too.

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  37. Ooh, love that quote about being silent, and not a fool. More people need to take that to heart, I think! That letter is pretty fantastic, too...

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    1. In that quote about silence, I think Ms. Harper was referring to an Abraham Lincoln quote: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." And you're right; that's one we should all heed from time to time.

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  38. To Kill A Mockingbird is on my list of favorite books. I remember reading it after my children did in school. Didn't Harper Lee also work with Truman Capote on In Cold Blood? She was such a talent, and I also prefer to remember Atticus as a fair and honorable man.

    Julie

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    1. She sure did. She and Capote grew up together as close friends, and maintained their friendship into their adult lives. When he asked her for help researching for that book, she obliged.

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  39. Thanks for this fitting post on Harper Lee.

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