Top 10 Literary and Film Allusions in 'Pretty Little Liars'

7. To Kill a Mockingbird

It seems as though the PLL writers always find a way to link allusions to a particular plot line in a particular episode and here is no different. In season 1, episode 2, Ezra is once again leading a class discussion, only this time the liars are reading To Kill a Mockingbird. He raises questions about innocence as it pertains to Harper Lee’s work, but in true PLL fashion, the theme operates on another level. In this episode, the liars recall “The Jenna Thing,” a failed prank where they accidentally blinded Ali’s arch nemesis, Jenna Marshall. Matters are only made worse when Jenna returns to Rosewood High and the police — led by Detective Wilden — continue their investigation into Ali’s “death,” asking the liars for ideas about a “potential killer.” Lee’s work is also referenced in regards to PLL character Lucas, when he starts acting like Boo Radley, as well as to “Radley,” the local mental institution where Mona is sent for treatment in season 3, episode 1.