Mapping Maycomb

Part I: Using Your Text

In order to fully understand the events of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, it is vitally important that you have in your mind a clear image of the physical setting of the southern town of Maycomb – how it is set up and where exactly its residents live. As such, you will be gradually working to create you own map of Maycomb as you progress through the novel. You will add to the rough draft of your map following your reading of each new segment of the text. At the end of our study of the novel, you will use your draft to create a small poster-size map of Maycomb which will be formally graded.

To begin with, you will need to find quotations from the text that reference town structures (buildings, fences, trees, etc.). You will use the quotations to evaluate existing Maycomb maps and to guide your own cartography. Search through your text to find quotations that detail the location of the listed structures for Chapter 1 and record them in the appropriate boxes on your paper. Then, locate additional town structure details on your own for Chapters 2-3.

Part II: Using the Internet

Now that you have collected pertinent quotations for drawing your map of the town of Maycomb, you will examine various Maycomb maps present on the internet and evaluate their detail and accuracy. Your goal is to find the most complete and textually accurate map on the internet and to use it to help guide you in your mapping of Maycomb.

1. For each website listed below, keep a small T-chart. On the left side, you should note properly placed town structures, and on the right, you should record any textually inaccurate placements of town elements (or placements with which you disagree), Do not make record of the placement for any structures not mentioned in Chapters 1-3 at this time.

2. When you are finished, compose a one sentence summary for each map, summarizing its strengths and weaknesses in mapping the setting for To Kill a Mockingbird.
3. Which map would you say is the most accurate based on the knowledge you have acquired thus far? Why. (Answer in at least 3 mature sentences.)

Map #1: Student-Drawn Map

Map #2: SwissEduc

Map #3: ENotes

Part III: Using Your Noggin’

Now that you have gathered necessary textual information and have evaluated existing maps of Maycomb, use the knowledge you have gained to begin drawing your own rendering of the town.

1. Begin by titling your map and creating a compass rose in the corner to indicate direction on your map.

2. Draw and label the Finch Residence first. You should locate it near the middle of the page so that you will be able to extend out in all directions from this starting point.

3. Draw and label the homes of the Finch neighbors. Then, gradually expand your map to include the other town structures located further away from the Finch home. Make sure you neatly label each item. Do NOT yet diagram any elements of the town that are not mentioned in Chapters 1-3.

4. After viewing the three pre-existing maps on the web, make sure that you avoid making the same kinds of geographical errors you detected in the existing Maycomb maps, but are sure to use the successful depictions of the existing maps to help guide you in the accurate drawing of your own. Do NOT simply copy one of the internet maps; remember that they are not necessarily accurate, nor do they include every item that I am asking you to place on your own map.