Just Mercy

Just Mercy

by

Bryan Stevenson

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Just Mercy makes teaching easy.
The term “Confederates” refers historically to the confederation of the slaveholding Southern States that fought the North (the Union) during the Civil War. In modern times, Confederate symbols are usually associated with white supremacy. The term “Confederate,” as used in the book, can also refer to pride in the white Southern identity.
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Confederates Term Timeline in Just Mercy

The timeline below shows where the term Confederates appears in Just Mercy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1: Mockingbird Players
Resistance and Advocacy Theme Icon
Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization Theme Icon
...from Judge Robert. E Lee Key. On hearing that the judge is named after the Confederate general, Stevenson is amused. Judge Key warns Stevenson not to take on the case of... (full context)
Chapter 5: Of the Coming of John
Resistance and Advocacy Theme Icon
Empathy, Mercy, and Humanization Theme Icon
...many local white people who defend Walter’s character, including Sam Crook, a self-proclaimed son of Confederates who worked with Walter. Crook calls Stevenson to offer his help, saying he and his... (full context)
Chapter 10: Mitigation
Resistance and Advocacy Theme Icon
Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization Theme Icon
...goes to visit Avery. In the prison parking lot, he sees a truck decorated with Confederate symbols and threatening racist bumper stickers. He explains how, since the post-Reconstruction era, confederate pride... (full context)
Resistance and Advocacy Theme Icon
Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization Theme Icon
Empathy, Mercy, and Humanization Theme Icon
...the hearing affected him. In the parking lot, Stevenson again sees the truck with the Confederate symbols. Inside, the same white guard is now exceptionally kind, which takes Stevenson by surprise.... (full context)