will go that isn't directly from the story.
- Historical Context
- This story is set between 1940 and 1950 when black people are not as respected and don't have the same rights yet. The civil rights movement has not happened, although the Harlem Renaissance has. It would have been very rare for any black member of the community to win a court case, which is pointed out by Laura Lee in the story.
- Use of Tone
- The way in which people speak plays a huge part in this story. Laura Lee's character is revealed partly through her vernacular, as is the judge's. The story starts out with a sense of hostility towards Laura Lee and as she tells her story the tone of the story changes through adjectives and description of the room to show the sympathy felt towards her, especially from the judge.
- Meaning of the Title
- The meaning of this title is especially important. At this time it would have been very easy for Laura Lee to have been found guilty, especially in this case, with no question about it. But she plays on the court's conscience and makes them see her as a human, which she is. She gets them to see past her uneducated background and into the fact that she was only being a good person. If the court had done what it usually had, and not listened to their conscience, Laura Lee probably would have been found guilty. The title is also a step to call out all of those who should feel guilty for the things they have done to people just like Laura Lee without really hearing the full story.
The Story as Seen by Clement Beasley
Here is where a full retelling of all of the events in the courtroom as seen through Clement Beasley's eyes would go.
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