To Kill a MockingbirdTo Kill a Mockingbird

Chapter Previews and notes

Chp. 1 - A Cast of Characters

An older woman reflects on how her brother’s elbow was broken.

As she reflects on the incident she introduces the reader to her family history and the people who reside in her town and neighborhood

Pay particular attention to Boo Radley and the Radley family, the Ewells, and Miss Stephanie Crawford

We are also introduced to Dill (Charles Baker Harris). Dill will be a participant in many of the adventures Jem and Scout have.

“…and then it was Dill who gave us the idea of making

Boo Radley come out.”

Chp. 2 - “School Daze”• Scout reflects on her first day of school.• Scout struggles because she is far ahead of her peers academically and she has a deep knowledge of the town of Maycomb.• Our first theme – Social divide (rich, poor, middle class)

is introduced.• We meet Walter Cunningham of the Cunningham family. • Think about how the Cunningham’s would fair in today’s

society.

“Had her conduct been more friendly toward me, I would have felt sorry for

her.”

Chp. 3 - Life’s Lessons

• Scout has three major episodes in this chapter.

• After fighting Walter in the school yard she invites him for lunch. – Scout learns about social classes and manners. (Atticus and Walter’s conversation)

• Burris Ewell and Little Chuck Little square off in the classroom – Scout learns about the Ewells and tolerance.

• Scout tells Atticus they are no longer allowed to read to gether – Scout learns to think about things from different points of view.

A Simple Trick“You never really understand

until you consider things from his point of view.”

Chp. 4 - Mystery Summer

• The school year comes to an end with no further trouble.• Scout and Jem find gifts in the Radley tree.• Dill returns with tall tales of his train ride and his father• The threesome creates a new game – “Boo Radley”• Eerie foreshadowing at the end of the chapter.

Through the all the head shaking, quelling of

nausea and Jem yelling, I had heard another

sound, so low I could not have heard it from the

sidewalk. Someone inside the house was

laughing.”

Chp. 5 - Out in the Cold of Summer

• Jem and Dill begin spending a great deal oftime together leaving out Scout.• Scout begins to spend a great deal of time with Miss Maudie.• Miss Maudie is wealth of information about many things

including religion and the real name of Boo Radley.• The boys devise a plan to get Boo to come out but are caught

by Atticus.

“His name’s Arthur and he’s

alive.”

Chp. 6 - Off by the Seat of my Pants• It is Dill’s last night in Maycomb.• The kids (Jem, Scout, and Dill) decide to try and get a look at Boo Radley.• Dill is lifted up to the window but cannot see anything.• As Jem comes onto the porch, Mr. Radley comes out with a shotgun.• As the children flee, Jem loses his pants when they get caught on the

fence.• The neighborhood gathers around the Radley place to see why Nathan

fired his gun.• Jem arrives with no pants on and Dill makes up the excuse that they were

playing strip poker with matches.• Jem goes and retrieves his pants that night. “Where’re pants

son?”

Chp. 7 - Stonewalled!• The chapter starts with Jem being in a foul mood.• Scout is confused until Jem tells her what happened the night

he got his pants back from the Radley place.• Scout and Jem find more gifts in the knothole of the tree.• As a result, Scout and Jem decide to leave a note for their benefactor.• Mr. Radley then fills the hole with cement.• At the end of the chapter Jem is crying. Why do you think this

is?

“When I went back they were folded

against the fence … like they were expectin’ me.”

Chp. 8 - What in the Sam Hill?!• A major cold spell hits Maycomb• Mrs. Radley dies.• SNOW!• During their day off the children build a snowman.• Miss Maudie’s house burns down.• During the fire Scout gets an unusual gift without her

knowledge.• Jem figures out who gave it to Scout and tells Atticus

everything.

“And I’d ‘ve sense enough to turn around, too.”

Chp. 9 - I can only take what I can take!

• Scout almost gets in fight at school due Atticus defending Tom Robinson (a negro)• Atticus explains to Scout why he is defending a man that can’t possibly be found innocent.• Scout continues to endure taunts at school.• The holidays come and Uncle Jack arrives.• Uncle Jack is a favorite of Scout but they begin to clash over Scout’s language and behavior.• We are re-introduced to Aunt Alexandra. Pay attention to her demeanor.It will be in direct contrast to Atticus and will be important later in the story.• Scout pounds Francis and catches hell from Uncle Jack.• Scout overhears Uncle Jack and Atticus at the end of the chapter. Why do

you think that Atticus wanted Scout to hear their conversation?

“But I never understood how

Atticus knew I was listening, and it was not until many years

later that I realized he wanted me to hear every word he said. “… don’t

say nigger, Scout. It’s

so common.

Chp. 10 - A Different Point of View?

• Atticus and Boo Radley – Why are they similar?• We get great insight as why

Atticus is respected among his peers in the community.• Pay particular attention to the comments of Miss Maudie

and the incident with Tim Johnson.• One shot Finch• By the end of the chapter the children have a changed

view of Atticus.

“… but remember, it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

Chp. 11 - Tough as Nails or Just a Mean Old Woman?

• This chapter focuses mainly on Jem and Scout’s relationship with Mrs. Henry Lafyette Dubose.• Mrs. Dubose is rarely nice to Jem and Scout (although she is the only person in this story that ever makes reference to Mrs. Atticus Finch.)• While on the way to town Jem and Scout are subjected to a barrage of

insults – Jem responds by destroying the Camilla plants in Mrs. Dubose’s front yard.

• Jem is forced to read to Mrs. Dubose everyday.• Jem is very upset with the fact that Mrs. Dubose dies.• Pay attention to 1. How Boo Radley is kept in the story and 2. How Atticus

explains the term “nigger lover” to Scout.”

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his

hand”

Chp. 12 - My Black and White World

• This chapter is important because we are exposed to the two worlds of Maycomb and the “double life” Cal leads.

• At the beginning of the chapter we see a separation between Jem and Scout due to Jem getting older and we find out that Dill will not be coming to Maycomb that summer.

• When Atticus leaves to go to the legislature, Cal is left in charge of Jem and Scout.• The bulk of the chapter is devoted to Scout and Jem experiencing going to church in the black

part of Maycomb.• The children are immediately confronted by Lula. Pay attention to how Cal reacts and how

she speaks.• The service is different that the one Scout and Jem are used to.

– Reverend Sykes calls out specific members of the congregation.– Reverend Sykes demands more money for Helen Robinson.– The church doesn’t use hymn books. They participate in “lining.”

• It turns out Atticus is respected highly in the black community of Maycomb as well.• On the way home Scout questions Cal on her “double” life.• A surprise guest is waiting for the threesome when they arrive home from church.

“Again I thought her

voice strange: she was talking like the rest of

them.”

Chp. 13 - A Cold Wind in the Summer

• Aunt Alexandra arrives to watch over Jem and Scout while Atticus is working on the trial.

• While she is greeted warmly by the townspeople (even Nathan Radley stops by) she turns Scout’s World into

a miserable existence.• One positive of this chapter is that we get more history on Maycomb.

“She never let a chance escape her to point out

the shortcomings of other tribal groups to

the greater glory of our own.

Chp. 14 - One Rough Night• The chapter opens with several compelling questions posed to Atticus from

Scout.– What is rape?– Can I go to Calpurnia’s house ?

• Aunt Alexandra becomes enraged when she finds out that the children were at First Purchase.

• Aunt Alexandra and Atticus fight over Cal but Atticus refuses to let her go.• Alexandra is also critical of Scout.• Jem and Scout get in a fight.• Dill returns in the middle of night.

• A familiar friend is brought up at the end of the chapter.

“Maybe he doesn’t have

anywhere to run off to …”

Chp. 15 - Dangerous Times in Maycomb

• As the chapter begins, Dill is allowed to stay.• Heck Tate arrives to speak with Atticus along with Link Deas and a group of men.• The Tom Robinson case is supposed to start on Monday and Tom has been moved to Maycomb.• Heck and Link are worried about harm coming to Tom Robinson.• We see the patient and cerebral side of Atticus – “Do you really think so?” Atticus’ sense of justice.• Pay attention to who the KKK hates.• Atticus will go to the jail to guard Tom. What does this tell you about him?• Jem, Scout, and Dill go to the jail to check on Atticus.• It will be Jem and Scout who stand up to the Old Sarum bunch.• As a result of Scout’s conversation with Mr. Walter Cunningham the group decides to leave and Tom

Robinson is saved.• While Scout saved the day we find out that Braxton Underwood also had plan to help Atticus.• At the very end of the chapter we see how much Atticus loves his children.

“I was surprised to see him fall back in real pain. I intended to

kick his shin but aimed too high.”

Hey, Mr. Cunningham. How’s

your entailment gettin along?””

Chp. 16 - Trial Day• It will be the first day of the Tom Robinson trial.• At breakfast the events of the previous day are discussed, in particular,

the friendship of Mr. Cunningham and the disapproval Aunt Alexandra has for what happened. Pay attention to the dialogue about Braxton Underwood and “table talk” in front of Calpurnia.

• It turns out that the trial is going to be the “big event” in Maycomb.• We meet Dolphus Raymond and Judge Taylor. • Scout finds out that Atticus was assigned to take the case and had no

choice in the matter. Why is this important?• Interestingly the children will sit with Rev. Sykes.• The chapter ends with the first witness being called – Heck Tate.

The witness stand was to the right of Judge Taylor, and when we got to our

seats Mr. Heck Tate was already on it.

Chp. 17 - The Set Up• Heck Tate is called as the first witness. • Key points of Heck’s testimony –

– No one called a doctor to treat Mayella’s injuries.– There were marks all around Mayella’s neck.– The right side of Mayella’s face was all bruised

• After a description of the Ewell place Bob Ewell is called.• Key points of Mr. Ewell’s testimony –

– Mr. Ewell claims to have seen Tom Robinson “in the act”– Mr. Ewell confirms that he did not go to the doctor with Mayella.– We find out that Mr. Ewell is left-handed (in fact he is

ambedextrious).• Why are these facts important?

“Tricking lawyers like Atticus Finch

took advantage of him all the time

with their tricking ways.”

Chp. 18 - “Mayella Violet Ewell - !”• Mayella Ewell is called to the stand –

– remember the red geraniums and pay attention to Scout’s observations regarding Mayella’s hygiene

• Pay attention to how Mayella becomes sympathetic and how she responds to Atticus’s display of good manners.

• We get a sad but detailed account of life a as member of the Ewell family. (tires for shoes)

• Atticus eventually is able to break Mayella’s story and show it as a lie.• Mayella responds with an impassioned and volatile monologue and

refuses to answer any more questions.• Scout offers a final observation on the trial to this point.• Think of Mayella compared to Burris and her father.

“Your fancy airs don’t come to nothin’ – your ma’amin’ and

Miss Mayellerin’ don’t come to

nothin’ Mr. Finch. –”

Chp. 19 - Stuck In The Middle With No Place To Go

• We get to hear Tom Robinson’s version of events.• What is Tom’s dilemma?• Pay attention to many of Scout’s observations – anyone lonelier than

Mayella Ewell – you may be surprised at who reappears.• Link Deas stands up in the courtroom and defends Tom Robinson.• Mr. Gilmer treats Tom Robinson poorly – are you surprised?• Dill and Scout leave the courtroom because Dill starts crying.• At this point, who do you believe – Tom Robinson or Bob and Mayella

Ewell?“Well, Dill,

after all he’s just a negro.”

Chp. 20 - The Facts of Life and the Final Argument

• Dolpus Raymond clues Dill into the way of the world.• After Dill relaxes, he and Scout return to the courthouse to

hear closing arguments.• Atticus once again points out the facts – Is Tom Robinson

actually the victim?• Jem expresses confidence that the verdict will be not guilty.

Do you think he is wise? Do you think he is right?• A surprise comes storming into the courtroom at the end of

the chapter. “She was white and she

tempted a negro.”

Chp. 21 - The End or is it just the beginning?

• It is Calpurnia who has entered the courtroom.• Aunt Alexandra wants them at home.• Atticus allows the children to return to the

courtroom to hear the verdict.• After two hours we find out that Tom Robinson is guilty.• Are you surprised?• What do you think will happen now?

“Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father’s passin.”

Chp. 22 - The Beginning of the End

• Jem is still upset over the verdict.• Atticus is shown some major love by Maycomb’s black

community. Have you seen this before?• Miss Maudie explains to Jem why Atticus is so respected by

the community. Who should have been trying the case?

• Bob Ewell has some bad news for Atticus.“We’re so rarely called

on to be Christians, but when we are,

we’ve got men like Atticus to go for us.”

Chp. 23 - The Truth about Race and Juries in Maycomb

• We find out what happened between Bob Ewell and Atticus• Atticus takes the high road and assures the children that no

harm will come to him.• Atticus and Jem then discuss the rape statutes and how juries

work.• Pay attention to the attitude of Atticus and his explanations to

Jem.• We are also told the identity of the juror who held out.• Pay attention to the comments regarding social classes at the

end of the chapter. “… its because he wants to.”

Chp. 24 - Attitudes and Bad News

• Aunt Alexandra hosts a tea party for her missionary circle.• This provides the reader with a cross-section of attitudes

towards race in Maycomb.• Who is J. Grimes Everett and why is ironic that Miss Grace

Merriweather thinks so highly of him?• Upon hearing of the horrific news of Tom Robinson, we see a

side of Alexandra we have not seen before.

“Tom’s dead.”

Chp. 25 - Flashback

• Scout recounts the tale of when Jem and Dill accompanied Atticus to the Robinson place.

• We also find out that Braxton Underwood is not happy with the verdict or Tom’s death.

• Most importantly, we find out the Bob Ewell is very happy and is planning revenge.

“… that Mr. Ewell said that made is one down and two more

to go.”

Chp. 26 – News, Notes, and Irony

• Jem has entered high school and is playing football.• Scout no longer fears the Radley place and reflects on the

past – Boo, Mrs. Dubose, and the Tom Robinson case.• We are once again shown how Atticus is smart and respected

– pants and re- election.• Hitler is persecuting Jews – Does this remind you of anything?

“… but that ain’t no reason to

persecut’em. They’re white, ain’t

they?”

C. 27 – The Start of Our Longest Journey

• 3 odd things happen in Maycomb in October– Bob Ewell gets and loses a job.– Judge Taylor has visitor.– Trouble for Helen Robinson.

• All seems to be forgotten with Boo Radley.• A Halloween prank creates the need for a Halloween

festival at the high school.• Ham anyone?• A dire foreshadowing.

“Thus began our longest journey

together.”

C. 28 – Things That Go Bump in the Night

• Jem and Scout go to the Halloween festival.• Cecil Jacobs (who seems to be in better with Scout) plays a practical joke

which will turn out to hinder Scout at the end of the chapter.• Scout gets embarrassed at the school play.• As a result, she and Jem wind up walking home alone after everyone is

gone.• Scout and Jem are attacked but Scout is unable to see by whom because

of her costume.• We do not know who attacks the children or, more importantly, who

saves the children.• Heck Tate tells Atticus that Bob Ewell is dead. “Run, Scout! Run!

Run!”

Chp. 29 – Just the Facts Ma’am

• Scout is asked to recount the events leading to the attack and the attack itself.

• Scout then meets the person that saved she and Jem.

• Spoiler alert!“Hey, Boo,”

I said

C. 30 – It’s the Way We Do it in Maycomb

• Atticus is under the impression that Jem killed Bob Ewell-

• Heck Tate will tell Atticus otherwise• Heck Tate makes a strong, if not

confrontational argument, as to what people will be told happened to Jem, Scout, and Bob Ewell.

• What really happened? “God damn it! I’m

not thinking of Jem.”