Famous author, progressive thinker, and outspoken introvert, the legendary Harper Lee passed away early last Friday morning. Lee was an inspiration to lovers of literature and aspiring writers everywhere. Her beloved novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, is still studied by high school and college students around the world.

Lee’s novel outlines the experiences of her young protagonists, Scout and Jem Finch, as they grow up in a small Alabama town. Full of mischief and adventure, To Kill A Mockingbird starts off as a warm eulogy of childhood. However, the mood shifts as Lee’s renowned character, Atticus Finch, takes the case of an African American man accused of raping a white woman. The novel wreaked havoc in the southern States as it challenged many social constructs and prejudices that existed there. In several places, people attempted banning Lee’s masterwork. To this day, To Kill A Mockingbird remains on the banned book list along with others such as Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.

Although she never expected success, Lee’s novel was an instant hit. Within the first year after its publishing, To Kill A Mockingbird received the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. This rapid rise to fame would have been enough to turn any young writer’s head, but Lee was seemingly impervious to these effects. Harper Lee became one of the most notable literary recluses of the century.

Harper Lee’s novel continues to affect the lives of all who love and study literature. Mrs. Sally White, an English teacher at Central, and her profound love for To Kill A Mockingbird is a well-known fact at Central High School. “The book was published during a time when there were many misconceptions between white and black people,” White explained. Harper Lee’s exposure of controversy drew people’s interest. “And then there’s Atticus,” she stated with a smile. Atticus Finch, the moral backbone of To Kill A Mockingbird, is Mrs. White’s favorite character.

White believes that the novel continues to affect people because of how relatable the characters are. “[To Kill A Mockingbird] is a coming-of-age story,” she said, “and the novel tells of the good old days.'”

Harper Lee will be dearly missed by all of those who were impacted by To Kill A Mockingbird. However, her legacy will continue to change lives through the ages.