By John Gauger '64

Reporters and journalists from all over the Chicagoland area were assembled in a room adjoining the famous Pump room of the Ambassador East hotel. The room was magnificent to behold, but the tense expectation that was resting overhead impressed me even more.

I suppose that everyone in the room had a mental image of what Harper Lee would look like, and I was no exception. When she made her entrance, she was somewhat different than I had pictured. I was not let down, but rather relieved. My image had not been very complimentary.

Not Spoiled by Success

She was a very typical southern lady. Her southern drawl was refreshing and she had a casual manner that instantly puts one at ease. Apparently success had not "spoiled" her, for she dressed plainly and with good taste. I saw in her both the gallant image and hospitality of the old south and also a red‑blooded American.

Miss Lee moved to the podium and signaled for the questions to begin. The first came from the rear of the room. "Miss Lee, did you base your book, To Kill a Mockingbird, (which has won the Pulitzer prize) on your own experience?"

After a little hesitation, the answer came. "No, I didn't. I based it more upon my own observations."

The setting of Miss Lee's book is a small southern town as seen through the eyes of an eight year old girl. The theme is basically the struggle between white and black, and good and bad, in a town where the depression is hard on practically everyone.

The next question: "Do you like the idea of a movie from your book?"

"I like it very much."

"Are you in the process of writing any more books?"

"As a matter of fact, I am in the middle of writing one, but I can't tell you anything about it." A sigh of disappointment rose from the audience.

In answer to a question, she said that she had been writing "ever since I can remember." Following was an ill‑timed question: "How much are you making on the movie version of To Kill a Mockingbird ?"

Advises Young Writers

The answer sounded like that of a scolding parent. "That, young man, is none of your business," which justifies its own harshness by the fact that it was none of his business.

She closed the interview with some advice to young writers. "Keep the seat of your pants to the seat of your chair." With that, she gave autographed copies of her book to everyone.