Key moments influencing the literary works of Harper Lee include her upbringing in the racially divided South and her experiences with the court case involving the Scottsboro Boys. These events provided the backdrop for her acclaimed novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," allowing her to explore themes of justice, morality, and humanity through the lens of childhood innocence. Her meticulous portrayal of the complexities of race relations remains relevant and powerful in contemporary discussions about civil rights and equality.