1- Early life and ambitions: Harper Lee, born Nelle Harper Lee on April 28, 1926, in Monroeville, Alabama, had a modest upbringing in a small Southern town. She was the youngest of four children. Her father, Amasa Coleman Lee, was a lawyer, and her mother, Frances Cunningham Finch Lee, was a homemaker. Lee developed an early interest in literature and writing. In high school, she was an avid reader and contributed to the school newspaper. She attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, before transferring to the University of Alabama to study law. However, her passion for writing led her to drop out of law school and move to New York City in 1949 to pursue a writing career. In New York, Lee worked as a reservation clerk for Eastern Air Lines to support herself while she focused on her writing. She began writing short stories and fiction, but her breakthrough came with her debut novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," which was published in 1960. The novel drew on Lee's own childhood experiences in Alabama and tackled themes of racial inequality and moral courage. Lee's ambitions as a writer were evident in her desire to explore social issues, challenge prevailing attitudes, and tell stories that resonated with readers. Her dedication to her craft and the impact of "To Kill a Mockingbird" firmly established her as a significant voice in American literature. 2- Literary Writing Style: Harper Lee's writing style is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and powerful storytelling. Here are some key elements of her writing style: a. Direct and Accessible Language: Lee's prose is straightforward and easy to understand. She avoids excessive ornamentation or complex sentence structures, allowing the story to flow naturally. Her writing is accessible to a wide range of readers, contributing to the universal appeal of her work. b. Authentic Dialogue: Lee excels at capturing the authentic voices and speech patterns of her characters. Through dialogue, she conveys their personalities, regional accents, and social backgrounds. The dialogue feels natural and realistic, adding depth and credibility to the characters and their interactions. c. Vivid Descriptions: Lee uses vivid descriptions to bring the settings and scenes to life. Whether it's describing the streets of Maycomb or the Radley house, her detailed descriptions create a strong sense of place and immerse readers in the story. d. Deep Emotional Resonance: Lee's writing evokes a wide range of emotions in readers. She skillfully explores themes of love, loss, injustice, and moral courage, creating an emotional connection between the characters and the audience. Her ability to evoke empathy and stir emotions is a hallmark of her writing style. e. Balanced Blend of Humor and Seriousness: Lee masterfully balances moments of humor and lightness with the serious themes she tackles. The novel's humorous episodes provide relief from the weightier subjects, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative. f. Social Commentary and Critique: Lee uses her storytelling to address social issues and critique societal norms. Through the lens of Scout's childhood observations, she exposes the injustices, prejudices, and hypocrisy that existed in 1930s Southern society. Her writing sparks reflection and encourages readers to examine their own beliefs and prejudices.