Chapter 1-Meg

            Chapter One is the beginning of the book and the introduction to the fictional, little world of Maycomb County, Alabama. It is also the introduction to the teller of the story and her brother. The first chapter explains the Finch family history, as well as the situation of Boo Radley, the town ghost. The chapter starts with Scout narrating the information about how the Finch family came to be. When Scout and Jem go over to Miss Rachel’s yard, they meet Dill for the very first time and he tells them that he can read.  Dill is a curious seven year old boy from Meridian County Alabama, who is staying with his Aunt Rachel for the summer. Scout then narrates and tells Dill all about Boo Radley’s tragic life. Dill is fascinated with Boo’s interesting life. This arrangement then sets the scene for future themes of the book. Jem is dared to go and touch the Radley house, and he does it because of his insecurity of being called chicken. Immaturity is represented by this insecurity of Jem.

 

Chapter 2- Christian

            Chapter two is a chapter full of learning, not only for Scout, but for her teacher too. The first bit of learning is when Jem tells Scout that they can’t play together at school. Scout had thought that they would be able to play, and she starts from this point on to dislike school. She then goes to her classroom. The teacher who is new, tries reading them a story, but the kids can’t keep still. The teacher does not realize that the children are used to work and cannot sit down and listen while someone reads to them, as she is not new to the teaching business, but new to the area as well. This really shows when Scout tries to explain the Cunningham’s situation, but Miss Caroline beats her. She does not realize that this is perfectly normal talk in Maycomb, but being from the North she does not realize this.

 

Chapter 3- Jacqueline

            In chapter three, Scout and Jem invite Walter Cunningham over for dinner. On their way home, when Jem walked by the Radley house he had no fear, only because Walter and Scout were beside him. While the family and Walter were eating dinner, Scout made a derogatory statement towards Walter.

            Calpurnia ordered Scout into the kitchen. She explained to Scout that everyone is equal. The rest of the dinner Scout was silent. She was embarrassed that she made such remarks. The next day Scout talked to Atticus about what happened at dinner that night. Atticus told her to mind Calpurnia, and not to get angry with her because she is part of the Finch family.

            Scout hated her for the other night. She tried to stop thinking about her, a sign that Atticus’ advice was sinking in. That day at school Miss Caroline had a great scare. A cootie had fallen out of Burris Ewell’s hair. The rest of Burris’ body was filthy, a sign that he was probably poor.

            Miss Caroline was new to Maycomb and not used the society yet. Burris cursed at her, and called her names. She cried until Burris left the building. The school children were comforting and understanding.

 

Chapter 6- Marguax

 

 

 

Jem shows great signs of maturing in chapter six. Some examples are: when he holds she fence open for Dill and Scout and let them climb through first to get to the Radley’s yard, he waits for Scout and Dill to run through the fence to get away before him, and when he gathers up enough courage to go back to the Radley’s house to get his pants.

When Jem holds the gate up for Scout and Jem, he is showing maturity by letting them go through first. This is the first time where Jem is acting more mature than Dill and Scout. Scout also notices Jem’s better behavior, as he gets older.

When Scout, Dill, and Jem hear a shotgun they immediately run to escape. Without thinking, Jem holds the fence up for Scout and Dill so they can get away, first. This is an act of maturity for Jem. When it is time for him to climb out of the fence, his pants get caught and he has no other choice but to take them off.

When everybody in the neighborhood gathers around the Radley’s house to see what all the commotion was about, Atticus and Miss Stephanie notice that Jem did not have his pants on. Dill quick wittedly says, he lost them playing strip poker. Atticus does not really believe Dill, but he expects Jem do have his pants in the morning. When Jem and Scout are back at home in their homes and in bed, he decides he has no other choice but to go back to the Radley house and get his pants. When he gets to the Radley house, his pants are sitting on top of the gate, neatly folded, and sewed where there were holes, as if someone was expecting Jem to come back for them. Jem matures in this scene because, he has a special bond with Atticus and if Atticus ever found out Jem lied to him, or did something like sneak out, he would surely spank Jem. Jem has never gotten spanked by Atticus and wants to keep it that way.

 

Chapter 7- Sam

            Boo Radley starts to realize that the children like him a lot. Without showing it openly to the reader, the writer hints us to what is occurring. We need to look at the details. For example, when the pants were folded on the fence and stitched up. We know it was Boo Radley who did this to Jem’s pants. Also, when Jem and Scout come across the objects in the tree we know Boo placed the objects in the tree, since Scout does not know that Boo has been doing all of this, or where she got the blanket in the fire scene. Then Jem tells Atticus what happened. In relationship to Scout’s still very childish view, Jem’s more adult-ish understanding of the world is understandable here. When Mr. Radley plugs up the hole in the tree, Scout isn’t that sad, but she doesn’t want the connection with Boo to stop. Jem, on the other hand, cries because Mr. Radley has sealed off the outside connection with Boo.

 

Chapter 8- Chase

             In the beginning of chapter eight Scout wakes up and almost faints out of sheer terror because she thinks the world is coming to an end. She tells Atticus and he tells her that it is just snow. This is a very good example of how young Scout truly is and how naïve she is. When she realizes the wonder of this glorious snow she and Jem take all of the snow from Mrs. Maudie’s yard. Jem feels that since this is a special occasion and will only come around in Maycomb once in a blue moon. He wants to do something that he has never done before; he wants to build a snowman. This shows how even though Jem is maturing in more ways than one he can still enjoy the little things and the short time that he has as a child. After they had built their magnificent snowman they realized that it looked a lot like Mr. Avery. They were so exited about it they called Atticus out to show him. When he saw it he laughed but realized that it was Mr. Avery. He was turned a little uneasy and told them to put an apron and a hat on it so Mr. Avery won’t get mad. This shows a little bit about Mr. Avery’s personality and how conscience of others feelings the Finches are. After the great snow day they had Atticus wakes scout up from bed to make sure that she is safe from the burning remains of Mrs. Maudie’s house. This is an example of Atticus’s caring personality and his parenting. When Scout is outside sipping her hot cocoa Atticus points out that she has a blanket over her that she did not have before. When this happens scout is confused and a little scared.  When they go back inside Jem starts to spill all of their secrets about the pants and the knot-hole. Atticus tells Scout that it was Boo Radley who had put the blanket on her. When this happens she almost throws up. This is an example of how much Scout matures throughout the book because at this point she is afraid of Boo and does not want to see him. It makes her sick when she hears that Boo touched her. But at the end of the book she just says “Hi boo” when she actually sees him. This shows Scout’s amount of compassion and understanding for Boo at the beginning of the book and at the end. At the end she realizes that Boo is just a person who had awful parents and who has been ridiculed and picked on for his whole life and she respects him for being so nice to her.

 

Chapter 9- Audrey

 

 

 

In Chapter 9 Scout almost gets into a fight at school with Cecil Jacobs over Atticus taking Tom Robinsons case. Scout gets very angry about what Cecil said and denied it. Scout how ever dose not fight Cecil Jacobs. she wanted to fight him but she knew how hard this was for Atticus and he had said to her if she got into another fight he would be very mad. Scout knew Atticus didn’t want her to fight over something like the case or any thing else. Later after school Scout asks Atticus why he took Tom Robinson’s case. Atticus told her that he wouldn’t be able to hold his head up in town knowing that he could have defended an indicant man and done the right thing. Atticus is saying that he would be ashamed of himself if Tom had gone to jail or had died because he did not have a very good lawyer to defend him. Atticus also said that he would be able to represent the Legislator or tell Scout and Jem what to do. He is saying that he wouldn’t be doing the right thing and wouldn’t have the right to teach someone else what is right and what is wrong. He also couldn’t tell Jem and scout what to do because he wouldn’t be setting a good example for them by not doing the right thing even if it hurt him. Atticus also explains that just because when you start something you are going to lose doesn’t mean you don’t do it. If it is the right thing to do you should always do it despite the consequences. Atticus reminds scout that they many of the people that do not agree with what he is doing are their friends and will still be their friends after and some during the trial agents. There will be people who are not nice to them because of what they are doing but they will still be their friends after. When Frances and the rest of finche family members come Scout gets into a fight with her cousin Francis. Francis says to her mean and races things about her father so Scout beats him up. When Scout tells Uncle Jack what had actually happed and what Frances said she begs him not to tell Atticus. Scout doesn’t want Atticus to know about the real reason why she beat up Francis because she knows that he father will feel bad about it and will get mad. Scout would rather get in trouble for fighting for no reason then to get in trouble for fighting over something Frances said about the case and Atticus. Scout is making a family sacrifice by allowing herself to get in trouble then to upset Atticus about the case.   

 

Chapter 10- Garret

 

 

            In chapter 10, Jem and Scout learn that their father, Atticus, is not a complete loser.  They learn when Atticus was younger he was well known for many talents.  Atticus had one nickname that got Jem very excited. It was “One Shot Finch.” 

            When Jem, Scout, and Calpurnia were out in the yard, they saw something walking down the road, It was a blur to them.  When it got closer, they realized that it was the town dog Tim Johnson.  All of a sudden Calpurnia tells the children to get inside because he was rabid.  This gets everyone riled up because.  This would be a problem because there was no treatment for rabies then.  When Atticus comes home he is told that he has to kill the dog.  He has not shot a gun for a long time and if he missed he would hit the Radley’s house.  Although he wants to save the town, he does not want to miss. 

            In the end Atticus stepped up and took the shot.  He was still known as one shot finch.  Jem forgave him and told him he was sorry.  Atticus was no longer considered a loser he was considered a hero.

 

Chapter 11- Michael

 

 

 

            In chapter eleven, two very significant events happen. The first is when Jem freaks out at Mrs. Dubose and cuts down her camellia bushes. The other important incident is when Jem receives a camellia flower from Mrs. Dubose. These two significant incidents are some of the events that shape Jem into a man.

            When Jem and Scout come back from town and buying toys, Mrs. Dubose calls out and says that Atticus is a nigger-lover and many other insults of that nature. Jem is able to hear this from children because they don’t know what they are talking about half the time. Their parents are prejudice and influence how the children behave. Jem thinks this is incomprehensible at how a grown adult can be so evil. This enrages Jem and he take the baton that he bought for Scout and cuts all the camellia flowers off the bushes and after that walks away. This shows a drop in Jem maturing and also how defensive he can be. When Atticus comes home, he chastises Jem by reading to Mrs. Dubose every day for a month. Atticus punishes Jem because it is his way of saying that you have to keep your fists down like Scout. Fighting battles for other people always ends up badly. This incident is significant because it shows Atticus trying to keep things calm by giving him another good life lesson and it also shows a drop of maturity in Jem.

            The next event is when Jem receives a camellia flower from Mrs. Dubose. At first, Jem believes that Mrs. Dubose tries to take Jem through a guilt trip, even as a dead person. Atticus explains this differently. He says this is Mrs. Dubose’s way of saying that everything is okay. She sent Jem this flower because she does not want to die owing somebody something. This is why she quit morphine (a pain reliever) and was going through so much pain (obviously). Jem handles this better than he expected to and this is a representation of a climb on maturity for Jem. This incident shows how kind and smart Mrs. Dubose actually is.

In the end, we figure out that Mrs. Dubose meant no harm. Also, Jem reaction to all of this is what shapes him into a mini-Atticus. These two events are some of the most critical parts in the story because this is all part of Jem growing up.

 

Chapter 12- Alec

            In chapter twelve, Atticus is away on a work trip and leaves Jem and Scout with Calpurnia. During the day, Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to her black church.  At the end of chapter twelve Aunt Alexandra is at the Finch’s house and says that Atticus asked her to stay with them because he will not be home that much. When Calpurnia takes the children to church it shows that the Jem and Scout are being exposed to different races as they are growing up. Some whites, back then may have argued that them being taken to a black church service was wrong, and this shows people were racist. With Jem and Scout going to a black church, this is one of their steps of maturing. Because they went to the church, they are somewhat more aware of what is going on with racism, and are now more mature. When Atticus is out for business it shows that he is really working hard for Tom Robinson. It shows that Atticus cares about the case, and is not going to not try to win the case for Tom Robinson. That shows that Atticus is man of his word, if he says he is going to do something, he keeps his promise. This is shown in a chapter where someone goes up to Atticus and asks him if he actually cares about Tom Robinson’s case, Atticus replies briefly: “I took this case to represent Tom Robinson, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.” Atticus’ answer shows how he is truly a man of his word.

Chapter 14

            Chapter fourteen begins with Scout and Jem walking around town, tiny comments here and there about Scout and Jem and the entire Finch Family. One particular comment that Scout hear was, “They can go loose and rape up the countryside for all of them who run this country care.” At that moment, Scout remembered that she needed to ask Atticus what rape meant.

            Scout is too young to understand what is truly happening with this case and she does not understand why people are taking the trial so personally. The citizens of Maycomb County do not like the fact that Atticus has taken this case. Even Atticus’ sister, Alexandra, believes it to be unwise. The white citizens believe that this case is causing too much uproar.

            In this chapter, we continue to see Aunt Alexandra try to convince Atticus to give up Calpurnia. Alexandra feels that Cal is unnecessary to the family, but really she doesn’t like the color of Calpurnia’s skin. Aunt Alexandra is exactly like the rest of Maycomb County. Many people don’t want to have anything to do with the Finches, but Aunt Alexandra is trying to bring their reputation back up. She doesn’t like them going to a colored church, she doesn’t allow them to hang out with kids of a lower class, and she tries to join clubs and form groups so that other ladies will try to like her.

            Scout keeps fighting with Auntie Alexandra because they do not like her very much. She is not like Atticus in any way. Scout doesn’t feel like he has to listen to his aunt because she is not her mother.

            Because Scout is not getting along with Aunt Alexandra, and Atticus isn’t defending Scout, Scout decides to go to Jem for help. Jem tells Scout to stop antagonizing Auntie, and if he does, he’ll spank him. This infuriates Scout. Last summer Jem and Scout were equals, but now Jem thinks that he is an adult! So Scout jumped on Jem and started to wrestle with him. This made Scout happy because when they were fighting, Jem was Scout’s equal. Jem would throw a punch as hard as he could, and that made Scout happy because then Jem was trying.

            After Jem and Scouts little tussle, they are both sent to bed. When Scout is about to climb into bed, she steps on something. She believes it to be a snake, so she asks Jem. Jem tells her that a snake feels cold, dusty, and sort of rough. Jem poked at it and instantly Dill’s head appeared!

            Dill had taken a train to Maycomb from Meridian because he felt neglected. His new father had just married his mother and moved in. They loved him very much, they did not beat him, but whenever he was with them he felt like a nuisance because they always wanted to be alone. In the summers, when Dill was in Maycomb, he felt like he belonged somewhere. So he hoped on a train and came back to Maycomb.

            Then Jem broke one of the childhood codes. He went and told Atticus that Dill was there. There are some things children never do; an unwritten code. And Jem broke the biggest one. When Jem went and told Atticus, it was like he was taking the adults side rather then the kids. This was just wrong in Dill and Scout’s eyes, even if it was the right thing to do. This shows that Jem is maturing because now he realizes what the right thing to do is, rather than what other people will think.

 

Chapter 15- Rohan

            In this chapter, Scout, Dill, and Jem go to the jail-house to find Atticus. They find a mob surrounding Atticus, who in turn is in front of Tom Robinson’s jail cell. Immediately, Jem recognizes the danger. However, Scout does not realize this, and jumps into the middle of the mob, innocently yelling “Hey Atticus!” She then proceeds to start talking to Mr. Cunningham about his entailment. In this moment, she breaks the mob mentality of Mr. Cunningham. The mob was trying to kill Tom Robinson. Mr. Cunningham realizes what he is doing is wrong, and tells the mob to go home. He sees that he has a child the same age as Scout, and he cannot live with his actions. Her innocence in the midst of all of the "wild animals" brings out the goodness in Mr. Cunningham. He is ashamed with himself, and wants to make amends with Scout.

 

            A theme in this chapter is bravery. Jem refuses to leave his father’s side, realizing the danger. He doesn’t want his father to get hurt, and is scared for his father's well-being.  This is a sign of his maturity. Although he had recently broken the " His refusal to leave the jail-house shows that he has moved on from being a child. A child ould obey the command, without regard of the situation. As Jem knows what's going on, and knows that his father is in potential danger, he waits with Atticus. Atticus recognizes this bravery, and portrays this by affectionately ruffling Jem's hair.

 

 

Chapter 16- Ciara

In chapter sixteen, it is made obvious that almost everybody in Maycomb seems to know each other.  Jem is telling Dill and Scout about everyone who passed by their house (Scout already knows most of it but is there anyway, listening).  Jem knew every person who passed by their house, which shows that everyone in Maycomb knew each other’s business, but still there was class stratification.  The blacks were separated from the whites, the rich from the poor, and the educated from the uneducated.  Every family falls under one of these categories, and each family tends to stick with having better relationships with people in their own category.  Also, Maycomb is very uptight about racism.  In the book, it says that “if someone has one drop of Negro blood in their veins, they are all black.”  Some people have a very hard time in Maycomb, like Dolphus Raymond’s children.  They are half black and half white, so they are not accepted anywhere, because in the white community, they are considered black, and in the black community, they are considered white. 

There is one family in Maycomb who does not apply to this, however.  The Finch’s are a family in the category of educated, white, and rich, but they accept everybody, even the Negroes.  They don’t believe in class stratification, or racial stratification, and that is why Atticus is defending Tom Robinson; because it is the right thing to do.   

            When Scout, Jem, and Dill go into town, they hear men saying that Atticus was appointed to defend Tom Robinson.  But then they say that he actually wants to defend him and he actually tries hard to.  Scout is very confused about this.  She doesn’t understand why anyone ever told her that he didn’t have a choice to defend Tom Robinson.  Scout could’ve defended Atticus by saying that he didn’t have a choice to do what he is doing.

            Since this was kind of an “in between” chapter, there weren’t many important events, but there ws important information.

 

Chapter 17- Naquan

            In chapter seventeen, Mr. Heck Tate and Bob Ewell are called to the stand. Mr. Tate explains the bruises that Mayella had on the right side of her face. When Bob Ewell was on the stand Atticus asked him if he is ambidextrous. Mr. Ewell answers I am certainly not ambidextrous, I can write with both of my hands. Mr. Ewell is too un-educated to know what ambidextrous means. Atticus asks him to right his name out on a piece of paper. Mr. Ewell starts to write with his left hand, his dominant hand. When Atticus asked Mr. Ewell what happened on the night of the alleged rape, Mr. Ewell says that he was getting some firewood and comes back to the house to see Tom Robinson on Mayella. He runs inside but Tom Robinson escapes. When he was being cross examined he says that he heard Mayella yelling like a stuck hog and other types of descriptions that match to a pig. Mr. Ewell was calling his daughter a pig and a hog during the court case. Seeing how he treats Mayella like that he doesn’t really care about his daughter.   

 

Chapter 18- MarKuan

 

 

 

            In chapter 18, the case of Tom Robinson continues with Ms. Mayella Ewell coming to the stand. She looks like a fragile, young little girl who says she will tell nothing but the truth. Since her father Bob Ewell is a cocky, bad, and dirty man, she is seen to be no better, even though she tries to keep herself clean. The only thing that makes her stand apart from her father is her flower garden which really stands out from the junk-filled, unfinished house they live in.

            As Mayella takes the stand it is evident that she is a nervous wreck and that she does not get out much. She starts to cry because she does not want Atticus to treat her the same way her father was treated by Atticus. When Atticus refers to her as Miss Mayella, she reacts as if she is being mocked. Mayella is not used to getting treated with respect from others. She knows enough to protect her father by saying he is not abusive. At the end of the chapter she cries because of frustration and when Atticus talks to her about her father, she feels pressured. She is passionate to blame someone for her mistakes of liking a black man she only can use Tom Robinson. Also she is afraid of her father, which adds on to the pressure.           

 

Chapter 19- Charlie

            In chapter 19 the main bulk of the trial is held. At the start of the chapter Tom Robinson had to lift his own arm to swear to tell the truth. This showed that Tom had no use of his right arm. Mr. Gilmer’s questions were the main argument of this chapter. Mr. Gilmer language was mean and got the answers out of Tom the hard way. He made up lies to cover Mr. Ewel’s some what of a reputation.

            The themes of this novel are innocence and bravery which could apply to this chapter. The bravery of Tom Robinson for saying that he felt sorry for Mayella. Tom Robinson made a stupid move by saying this comment. Once he said this, the jury made up their mind that Tom was a disgrace for saying this about a white woman. This chapter also showed innocence by the way Mayella acted and lied to the world about what really happened. If she had told the truth this book would have ended with a happy scenario.

 

Chapter 19- Allison

In chapter 19 of To Kill a Mockingbird, there are many meaningful themes. In this chapter, Tom shares his side of the story with the jury.

            One theme present in the beginning of the chapter is innocence. When Atticus asks Tom many questions that are seemingly irrelevant to the case, Dill asks Jem what Atticus is doing. Jem responds with, “He is showing the jury that Tom has nothing to hide”. This is an important quote because it is exactly what Atticus is doing. However, it is also disappointing that the jury needs Atticus to show them that Tom is innocent, and that they cannot see it just by hearing his story. Atticus is smart to do this because he is showing the jury that Tom is innocent, rather than merely telling them.

            Another theme in this chapter is realization. When Tom tells the jury his side, Scout makes this observation: “It occurred to me that in their own way, Tom Robinson’s manners were as good as Atticus’s.” Scout is maturing and seeing past the color of people’s skin. Maycomb’s overall attitude towards colored people is that they are of lower class, are almost inhuman. Also, they should do their own thing while the whites do theirs. Atticus and Ms. Maudie are a few of the exceptions, both of whom have taught Scout many things. This quote shows that Scout is taking something from Atticus’ example of non-prejudice.

            An additional theme in this chapter is making mistakes. This is not so much a theme in this book as it is a general theme applying to life. When Tom Robinson says that he felt sorry for Mayella, all his efforts begin to work against him. The jury automatically questions his story, and the audience becomes doubtful as well because it is no longer about justice, but about class. This shows that the tiniest mistake can turn the tables and all one’s efforts will begin to work against them.

 

Chapter 21- Sean

            In the beginning of the book Jem starts out as an innocent child caught up in a racist world. However he does not view the world as most in Maycomb County do. He believes that blacks are equal and Tom Robinson is innocent. However when he is ruled guilty by the jury, not surprisingly, he is crushed. He has such high hopes for this case; maybe finally the town would see things as they really should be. Nevertheless Tom is sentenced guilty of raping Mayella Ewell. Jem shows his hatred of the verdict by crying. Jem is a mature young adult now, and as a mature young adult you only cry when something really touches you. Obviously this verdict and trial really mean something to Jem and when the verdict is announced he falls into a state of sadness and sobbing, he can’t understand the quality and heart of mankind at that time in the story. Scout on the other hand takes another path in coping with the verdict. She, like her father, is positive and continues to march on even after the strikingly expected yet horrific verdict is announced. She, like Dill, was not too aroused and excited about the case. Sure she knew that it was wrong to convict an innocent Tom Robinson but what she doesn’t know about the true racism that is displayed in this verdict. This blindness towards racism shown in her reaction is almost similar to when she visited the “black” church with Calpurnia. The verdict of this trial effects different people in different ways; it crushes Jem’s closely grasped position in the judicial world and it just strengthens Scouts’ blindness towards racism. This trial does have an upside though as one of the members clearly holds out the jury in the deliberation room. As Miss Maudie states, “a step—it’s just a baby-step, but it’s a step.” She means that even though Tom is judged guilty, the townspeople, not many of them, realize how racist they truly are.

 

Chapter 21-Libby

Chapter 21 is when the jury gives their final verdict on Tom Robinson’s case. He was found guilty but the black community now has great respect for Atticus. Jem, Scout, and Dill come back to hear the final verdict that Tom is guilty, Jem finally realizes that no matter what evidence there is, it will still be white mans court. When he notices that he realizes that is how his whole life is going to be That not everything is going to be fair even if you have proof .

            The last line of chapter 21, Reverend Sykes says to Scout “Rise Miss Jean Louise, your fathers passing’.” The whole colored balcony rises as Atticus is walking out of the courtroom shows that even though Atticus and everyone knew that Tom Robinson didn’t have a chance, Atticus still defended him. Tom didn’t have any chance of winning the case because it was his, a black man’s word against Mayella Ewell, a white girl. The entire black community has respect for Atticus because he didn’t care the Tom Robinson was black, he still knew that Tom didn’t rape Mayella Ewell and he deserves to get a fair trail even though he most likely will be found guilty. 

 

Chapter 22- Jason

            In chapter 22, the cases verdict has been decided and Tom Robinson has been found guilty. Jem is very upset he was crying because he knew that they were just being racist. This chapter explains the importance of racism back in the day. Only a couple of people in Maycomb are not racist, but unfortunately the jury was racist. It was a horrible thing that was happening in Maycomb, as much as Atticus wanted to be fair and for Maycomb to be a fair town, only some people would listen to him. He is raising Scout and Jem to be fair to all kids no matter what skin color they are, and everyone else thinks that Atticus is being crazy. In this chapter a little bit of guiltiness plays in Atticus’ house. Aunt Alexandra is feeling very guilty, she is upset for Atticus. She hasn’t done to much to help the family in a positive way, and when she sees Atticus down and upset, she is sorry for him and notices how hard his life is. She thought along with everyone else that Atticus is a terrible parent letting his kids run wild, but now that she is living with him she now knows that he has a lot to deal with, and he isn’t a bad parent, but he does need a feminine touch in the family. This chapter had a lot of negative drama. Atticus losing the case really brings him down, and his feelings reflect on all of the family members.

 

Chapter 24- Jasmine

            In chapter 24 Scout displays her first attempt and desire to be lady-like. Scout at first is made, by her aunt to experience this social, but decides to stay in the kitchen with the very friendly Calpurnia. Scout is a bit frightened and threatened by these women and couldn’t care less about what they are talking about. Since Calpurnia didn’t stay in the kitchen for long periods at a time Scout decided to help her take things into the ladies. Scout is trying to prove herself to be a bit of a lady and wants to show that she can serve tea and cookies to ladies and wear dresses as well as beat up guys and play in the dirt. She is proving that she can be a lady to herself more than anyone else. When Scout brings the cookies to the table Aunt Alexandra, who would also like to see Scout behave more lady-like, calls Scout to stay at the table and talk with her and the other women at the table. Scout reluctantly, but obediently follows her aunt’s commands and sits next to one of the most religious ladies in Maycomb, Mrs. Merriweather. When Scout is seated then she tries to make polite conversation and seem interested, but Scout ends up “zoning out” and only catches little glimpses’ of what the women are saying. She also doesn’t quite understand the concept of what they are talking about. Then Ms. Stephanie Crawford decided to ask Scout some questions. The first was why she had decided to eat with them and where her pants were. Scout giving her honest answer replied that she was wearing her pants under her dress, but the whole room of ladies burst out laughing thinking that she was making fun and enjoying the tea. All except Ms. Maudie who was the only lady besides Calpurnia that Scout could stand or relate to. Ms. Maudie knew what Scout was thinking and gave her a reassuring look so she would be more comfortable. Then Scout got her time to shine when Ms. Stephanie asked what Scout wanted to be when she was older. When Scout answered that she wanted to be al lady all the women were shocked, but decided that it was best to stop teasing Scout because they wouldn’t get much to talk about from her. The next subject was Atticus. This made Alexandra, Maudie and Scout uncomfortable, even though Scout didn’t quite know why. The whole feeling and atmosphere in this chapter changes at this point and becomes much more serious and tense as opposed to the light and cheery air from before. Atticus was a controversial topic and what he was doing was even more to gossip about. Mrs. Merriweather, having no respect for Atticus or his family began to “trash” Atticus while stuffing her face with the food that Atticus worked to provide for. Maudie at this point says: “Does the food stay down?” Then Alexandra and Maudie gave each other silent looks, which Scout didn’t understand at all because the women were so different and had such different views on things. Alexandra was grateful to Maudie because she couldn’t stand up for her own family and Maudie knew that. Yet Alexandra wanted something to be said because Atticus was her brother and she felt like she was to support him. The women, even though not very alike, grew stronger through their similarities. When Atticus walks in the door Maudie and Alexandra both knew something was up before they were told. The inevitable happened, but they were both sorry that it did. Alexandra cared because Atticus cared and Maudie cared because she was ahead of her time and cared about the African Americans. Scout in this moment realizes that this is what being a lady meant and that it wasn’t all about being proper, raising kids, and cooking. Being a lady took work and all feelings must be concealed and even in times of trouble a lady had to be there to support and support themselves. Ladies put on a good face no matter what happened and then were able to leave with their dignity. Aunt Alexandra and Maudie were able to go back into the room and make sure no one knew about what happened and to stop any more gossip that might make them lose their discomposure. Ladies had to be quick witted and clever and able to think of what to do in a second. In this chapter Scout goes from thinking that being a lady was boring, tedious work and she thought that it was very silly to knowing all the turmoil that happens and what composure and self control it takes to be a lady. Scout realizes what being a lady actually and is and what she thought is was is just the fluff that goes with it.

 

Chapter 25- Emma

       In this chapter, Tom Robinson dies; however, Tom Robinson brings the death upon himself. The reader does not suspect this, which causes a dramatic twist in the book. The reader suspects that someone will get angry enough to eventually kill Tom, or that Tom will be found guilty. Tom brings the death on himself by trying to run away during exercise period. But, the police are quicker to act, and quickly shoot Tom down by using seventeen bullets! In this chapter, the effect of Tom’s death is also seen in the townspeople’s’ reactions. A good percentage of the town is shocked and sad to hear that Tom had died. However, there are a few people are happy that he died.

       When Tom runs away, this shows how Tom is fed up and tired of waiting on whites to make up his own future. Therefore, he feels if any one should take his life, it should be himself. Tom has also lost hope. Atticus had tried to tell Tom that they may win the case when it gets to the Upper Court. However, as seen in is actions, Tom does not believe this and chooses to be done with all of the drama by trying to run away, which results in his death.

        After the townspeople hear of Tom’s death, many people are shocked. Even the most racist and prejudiced people, like Aunt Alexandra, are horrified, shocked and even sorry that he had died so quickly from a loss of hope. People feel that he should have held his hope for just a little longer, and he could have ended up as a free man. But obviously, he had lost hope and had disliked the idea of whites deciding his fate. Some people are happy that he died though. For example, Bob Ewell is happy, and some other racists are happy, but the biggest percentage of the town is sorry for Tom, and his family.

         Both events of Tom’s death, and the townspeople’s’ reactions show Maycomb’s overall “personality.” Even though there are many racist families and people, they are still sorry for Tom and his family. Many people send Helen Robinson food to help her and her family out in a time of struggle. The town may be racist and prejudiced, but the town is still made up of caring people, who wish to help anyone in a time of struggle.

 

Chapter 26- Matt

 

 

 

            As To Kill a Mockingbird progresses, Scout is seen maturing throughout her realizations and her adventures and the things she says.  An instance of her maturity is seen in chapter twenty-six.  Scout learns of Adolf Hitler and how he is persecuting the Jews.  Scout’s teacher, Miss Gates, says that what Hitler is doing is very wrong and cruel and should stop.  As Scout learns of Miss Gates’ feeling towards Adolf Hitler, she becomes puzzled.  Scout does not understand why Miss Gates would have sympathy towards people being persecuted in another country and does not have sympathy or care at all to the black community.  The black community is constantly being attacked and persecuted just as the Jews are being persecuting in Europe. 

            Scout consults Atticus and he does not answer her question thoroughly.  Scout then decides to speak to Jem.  Scout knows Jem is maturing and is grasping on to certain concepts.  When Scout does consult Jem, he gets riled up and throws a fit.  Scout goes back to Atticus and Atticus explains that Jem needs to let the court case fall out of his mind and become something of his memory, only then will Jem be able to control his emotions.  Jem understands racism and finds that it is extremely unfair that people should be persecuted just for the color of their skin as Atticus does.  Scout, on the other hand, is just beginning to grasp onto the idea of class division and racism.  This new realization is different from her past thoughts on these topics in other chapters because she is beginning to grow up. 

An example of Scout being naïve in the past is through this quote: “Naw, Jem, I think there’s just one kind of folks.  Folks.”  This quote shows her in her old child-like days back in a previous chapter.  Now, Scout is beginning to understand the ideas concepts of racism and class division and is walking up her just-beginning path to maturity.

 

 

Chapter 27- Emma

      During this chapter, many events occur. Some events occur when Mr. Ewell follows up on his grudges. Another main event is the Halloween party. Many things in this chapter reflect people’s real attitudes, and how good (or bad) someone is or can be when they want to be.

        The first main event that takes place in this chapter is when Mr. Ewell follows up on his grudges by conducting many unnecessary “operations.” For example, when Mr. Ewell stalks Helen Robinson, he reveals his hateful personality. He stalks poor, Mrs. Robinson out of a need to persecute someone he considers below him. She does not wish to make him look bad, and she had nothing to do with the trial. But Bob Ewell continues to stalk a woman and curse rudely at her, just to scare her. This reveals that Mr. Ewell is rude and nasty, even to women, which no man is permitted to curse at a woman in Maycomb County. But, even knowing this rule, Bob Ewell continues to curse at her. Another event that shows Bob Ewell’s rude, nasty side is when he tries to rob Judge Taylor’s house. Judge Taylor did not make the verdict, the jury did, but Bob Ewell continues to go after him. Both of these incidents show what an uncivilized man Mr. Ewell can be when he wants to be.

        In this chapter, the getting ready for the Halloween party also takes place. Scout asks Atticus and Aunt Alexandra to come, but they both make excuses and say they are tired, or have work to do. When both Atticus and Aunt Alexandra say that they can not come, this indicates that they do not care too much about Scout’s performance. Yes, it is a small performance, and they are both worn out, but Scout wants them to be there to support her. Scout wishes that they were coming, but is “thick” and does not make a big deal of them not showing up, even if supporting her meant a lot to Scout.

       Both of these events portray different sides of different people. Mr. Ewell wanting to pay off his grudges proves what a nasty person he can be. Atticus and Aunt Alexandra not going to Scout’s performance also shows that they do not take Scout’s events seriously. Even if they are tired, Scout’s performance still matters, and it is important to Scout that they show up. However, they do not go. This chapter shows a lot about who people really are and the different “sides” they have.

 

Chapter 28- Clara

            In chapter 28 of To Kill a Mockingbird is the chapter that Jem and Scout are attacked in, with Boo coming to the rescue. The attack on the children happened on their way back from the pageant, very unexpectedly. At first they think that the following foot steps behind them is Cecil Jacobs trying to scare them again. Once they find out that this is not the case they start to get scared. It has gotten much darker and you cannot really see anything but dark black. They stop walking and hear some ones footsteps still going.

            They then start running, but Scout trips and can’t get back up. While Jem is trying to help her back up someone pounces on Jem. The figure than that starts to squeeze Scout very hard, almost trying to strangle her. Someone comes in and pushes him off, at first she thinks it is Atticus. Than all she heard was a scream and than silence. She rolls around on the ground till she comes upon a stale whisky smelling body.

            When Scout rises up she sees someone holding Jem with his arm dangling going towards the house. She gets up and runs to the house not knowing what is going on. Scared she runs inside the house and Aunt Alexandra comes out to make sure she is ok. The doctor is called for Jem, and once there they figure out that he has broken an arm. While sitting around waiting for Heck Tare he finally arrives with news that Mr. Ewell was the one who attacked the children, and that he is dead on the ground with a knfie stuff through his ribs. This leaves Scout very out of it, not knowing whats happening, why she was attacked and what has happened to Jem.

 

Chapter 30- Connor

            Chapter 30 begins with the first official meeting of Arthur “Boo” Radley and Scout. The two have encountered each other multiple times before, but never actually spoken. Boo Radley is a loner who prefers to refrain from societies activities and spends most if not all of his days in his home. In the previous chapter, Jem & Scout were attacked by Bob Ewell but then protected by Boo. Arthur then killed Mr. Ewell. After defending the children, Boo brought unconscious Jem back to his house where help could be called. Although Bo is a loner who stays away from the public eye, he performs a moral and brave act. He remains quiet through most of almost all of his time at the Finch residence.

            Upon returning home and being told what had transpired, Atticus believed that Jem had killed Mr. Ewell. However, the sheriff pointed out that a dazed boy with a broken arm could not have murdered a crazed, large, able-bodied man. Atticus refuses to accept this and cannot think of any other candidates, but then, Mr. Tate (sheriff) says that he refuses to drag a man “him with his shy ways into the limelight…and to me (Mr. Tate), that’s a sin.” What Mr. Tate is saying, is that because Boo Radley did such a “great service to the town” and he is a shy man who does not want attention, it is an un-honorable sinful thing to make it known to society that he did such a service. Mr. Tate then makes up the story that Mr. Ewell fell on his knife in order to cover for Arthur. After hearing this, Atticus understands that Boo Radley killed Bob Ewell and then tries to tell Scout the same thing. However, Scout (who has been comprehending the situation much more quickly than Atticus) then says, “ It’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird…” or in other words, like chastising an individual even though that person has done nothing wrong, but instead, everything good. Scout shows a high level of maturity at this point in time. The overall theme of this incident is respect and looking out for each other, in the sense that the Sheriff respects Arthur Radley and what he did to save the children, so he helps him out by blaming Mr. Ewell for his death.

 

Chapter 31- Anthony

 

In this chapter, Boo Radley shows that he is unaccustomed to society since he is hesitant at every word and action. He is also afraid to even make sure that Jem is all right and needs Scout to reassure him. Scout also matures immensely in this chapter. She learns Boo’s body English because both of them know each other a little from childhood games and pranks. She also gets over her fear of walking Boo back to the Radley house, which she dreaded for her entire life.

            She also makes it look as if Boo is escorting her down the sidewalk when she is walking him home. She does this because she doesn’t want to bring Boo to the spotlight and she doesn’t want others who may be watching from their window, specifically Miss Stephanie Crawford, to see her escorting Boo but rather Boo escorting her like any gentlemen would. She has learned that Boo has no intent of coming back into society after years and years of staying away from it. It would be torture to him and Scout knew it.

            Scout has also matured because she thinks about all the gifts that Boo had given them and how she and Jem had given absolutely nothing back. Boo gave them many valuable, rare objects along with their lives. Yet Scout and Jem would never give anything back because they would never see Boo again.

            As scout is about to return to her house, she steps on the Radley porch and imagines how Boo must have seen life in Maycomb. She has truly learned that one can never know another person until one walks into his or her skin and sees how they have seen certain events and life itself. Scout sees all the events the took place from Boo’s window in his point of view such as the fire that burned down Miss Maudie’s house, Jem and Scout running up to Atticus in the afternoon, Atticus shooting Tim Johnson, the heartbreak of Jem and Scout because of the court case, and Boo’s own rescue of Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell.

            Scout also thinks about her own maturity, pondering about the fact that she and Jem had learned almost everything about life and that there was nothing else to learn except “possibly algebra.” She knows that Atticus had done a good job in raising her by life lessons and values in stead of sticking with the opinion of the racist town.

Then, Scout is home and she dozes off as Atticus is reading her a book she has already read. As Atticus tucks her into bed in the closing scene, Atticus explains that most people are nice when one gets to know them, referring specifically to Boo. During their childhood, Jem and Scout had thought of Boo as a monster in a way, but now that Scout has met him, she knows that he is the exact opposite. Jem would know that, too, in the morning.