In the Heat of the Night

John Dudley BallFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1965

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Download PDF

Introduction

Before Reading

During Reading

After Reading

Introduction

Teacher Introduction

In the Heat of the Night

Genre: Fiction; Mystery/Crime
Originally Published: 1965
Reading Level/Interest: Grades 9-12; College/Adult
Structure/Length: 14 chapters; approx. 184 pages; approx. 5 hours and 37 minutes on audiobook
Protagonist/Central Conflict: The story follows Virgil Tibbs, a skilled Black homicide detective from California, who finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation in the racially tense town of Wells, South Carolina. As Tibbs assists in solving the murder, he faces racism and prejudice from the local police and residents. Set in a small Southern town in the 1960s, the story addresses themes of racial tension and justice.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Explicit racial prejudice and discrimination; violence; racial slurs

John Dudley Ball, Author

Bio: Born 1911; died 1988; American author and playwright; known for his detective fiction and screenwriting; wrote several novels and screenplays; achieved critical acclaim for his portrayals of social issues, including racial discrimination; often addressed themes of justice and inequality in his work
Other Works: The Cool Cottontail (1966); Five Pieces of Jade (1972); Miss One Thousand Spring Blossoms (1980)
Awards: Edgar Award for Best First Novel (1966)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide: