Contemporary American literature rarely presents the reader with a classic tragic hero, but the argument could be made that Jake Brigance bears a striking resemblance to such a figure. Using a good definition of the classic tragic hero, explain to what extent you feel Jake fits the required profile.

Ford County, Mississippi, starts out in the novel as a tidy, amiable southern locale where generations have gradually established a protocol for peaceful coexistence between the races. With the Hailey case looming, though, the area dissolves into senseless violence and anxiety. Can you identify the unaddressed issues or unrecognized human traits that have simmered quietly over the years, allowing such a flare-up of old hatred?

Grisham peoples his novels with a host of unique characters, some of whom add little to the plot development but help round out an interesting story. What is the role...