In the Heat of the Night

1. By John Ball In the Heat of the Night UNIT OVERVIEW & INTRODUCTION TO THE NOVEL S. Wilson – ENG 3C – 2010-2011

2. Contents of Presentation

3. Goals of Unit There are several topics that we will be focusing on during our study of In the Heat of the Night. These topics will help you develop important skills that you will require in all subjects throughout high school, university and your career. This unit will focus on…

4. The main events that make up the beginning, middle and end of a story. Understand WHAT HAPPENS in a story is crucial to figuring out WHY things happen. Goals of Unit What is PLOT? Essentially the setting is WHERE and WHEN the story takes place. In the Heat of the Night uses the setting of Wells, North Carolina during a hot summer to tell a tale of racism and justice. What is SETTING? Plot, Setting & Character Development As the characters develop we see changes that are reflections of the plot. As things happen they learn things and move on, hopefully keeping the reader’s interest in the process. What is CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT?

5. Goals of Unit Theme, Vocabulary, Critical Thinking and History Theme refers to the main idea and the purpose of the work. What is the novel trying to accomplish and/or teach the reader? What is THEME? In the Heat of the Night makes use of many words that you may not know. If you do not know the word you will not be able to understand the plot, setting, characters or theme. Therefore, this unit will focus on regular vocabulary improvement. Segregation, Stereotype… Words like that! Improve VOCABULARY! You will learn how to question why authors make decisions about the words they use, the decisions of the characters and the events of the plot and how these things tell the reader an important message. Think CRITICALLY! This novel makes mention of many historical aspects that require some knowledge in order for the novel to make complete sense. Therefore we will discuss some of the history within the novel before and during our study of In the Heat of the NIght Learn HISTORY!

6. Introduction to the Novel To help your understanding of the novel you will be first introduced to: Background Information Themes & Symbols Characters Plot Events Conflict

7. Introduction to the Novel The Main Characters

8. Introduction to the Novel Plot Sequence

9. Introduction to the Novel Plot Sequence

10. Introduction to the Novel Plot Sequence

11. Introduction to the Novel Exploring Themes

12. Introduction to the Novel Exploring Symbols SYMBOL: …Be on the lookout for: Small-Town Life Night Imagery A word or object that represents another word or object What do these symbols represent!?

13. Introduction to the Novel Background Information In the Heat of the Night includes several references to historical events. Knowing some information about this events is important for understanding the novel.

14. Introduction to the Novel Background Information The “North” was seen as weak for allowing blacks to have rights Many poor communities within the area SEGREGATION: Separation of public areas based on colour (schools, restaurants, hospitals, etc.) Southern United States Lack of rights for black people Until the 1970s, the southern United States was a harsh place for black people The novel takes place during the mid-1960s at a time when the government was attempting to provide the same rights for blacks and whites. Although progress was made in most of the country the American South protested these changes.

15. Introduction to the Novel Background Information Although slavery was abolished in the 1890s racism and discrimination were alive and well during the time of the novel. Racism and Social Classes The novel is based on many historical facts that help to drive the story, (and allow the readers to explore a sad time in American history) including: Jim Crow Laws (1890s – 1960s) Scottsboro Trials (1931) Social Inequality (Forever)

16. Introduction to the Novel Background Information The Endicotts Social Inequality White folks of Wells (Wood, Gillespie) The Purdy Family Virgil Tibbs Although Virgil Tibbs was a respected detective in California, in the eyes of the “upper class” within the American South he was the lowest of the low.

17. Things to Consider While Reading The first time you read the novel should be to get a general idea of the setting, characters, plot and themes. However, because this novel can be difficult you are provided with some things to think about while reading that will help you understand the novel.

18. Things to Consider While Reading Important Quotes As you read be on the lookout for these important quotes from the novel: “They call me MISTER TIBBS!” -Virgil Tibbs “To Gillespie’s intense relief, he didn’t smell. “ “I haven’t finished my job. The world is full of a lot of people who never accomplished anything because they wouldn’t see it through. I have two things left to do here: to get you cleared and out of here, and to deliver a murderer to Gillespie. Then I can go home.” -Virgil Tibbs “I got the motive which is money, and the body which is dead.” -Chief Bill Gillespie

19. Things to Consider While Reading Other Stuff to Remember As you read remember the following: The novel is a murder-mystery. Clues are laid out for the reader. What are these clues and how do they help reveal the ending? The novel inspired a movie, which was followed by several sequels featuring the Virgil Tibbs character. This was also followed by a TV series called “In the Heat of the Night”, which aired from 1988-1995. Other themes explored in the novel: Teen pregnancy Police Interrogation/Detective Work Small Town Life What similarities might this novel have to towns like Greenstone (either before or in the present)?

20. In the Heat of the Night By John Ball Presentation created by Mr. S. Wilson Geraldton Composite High School – Geraldton, Ontario www.wilsonteacher.ca 2010-2011