The document provides a plot summary of the first 19 chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird. It describes Scout Finch and Jem's summer adventures with their friend Dill, their interactions with their mysterious neighbor Boo Radley, and the beginning of their father Atticus Finch taking on the case of defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman named Mayella Ewell. The summary also includes details of the beginning of the trial, with testimony provided by Sheriff Tate, Bob Ewell, and Mayella Ewell, with Atticus poking holes in their stories through cross-examination.

1. To Kill A
Mockingbird
- Harper Lee

2. Plot Summary

3. Chapter One
• The narrator of the book is Scout Finch, the youngest child of
Atticus Finch. Scout begins by telling us of her brother's injured
arm and of her family history. The earliest ancestor is Simon
Finch, a fur trader who established Finch's Landing outside of
Maycomb Alabama. Scout's father is a lawyer and her mother
passed away when she was two. She has an older brother named
Jem. It is the summer and their neighbor's nephew Dill has come
to stay for the summer. They spend the summer playing together
and speculating about the Radley house. The most suspicious
resident of the Radley place is Boo, who neighbors believe stalks
the neighborhood at night. Dill challenges Jem to touch the
Radley house, and after a couple of days of pressure, Jem gives in.

4. Chapter Two
• In the fall Dill goes back to his home in Meridian and Scout is about to begin
her first year of school. Scout seems to start out on the wrong foot with her
teacher, Miss Fisher. Miss Fisher is bothered that Scout reads so well. Scout
explains that she has inadvertently learned from her father, and Miss Fisher
requests that Scout's father teach her no more. She believes that children
should learn by the school's teaching methods. Scout has also learned writing
from their African-American cook, Calpurnia. Soon after this exchange, Miss
Fisher finds that Walter Cunningham has no lunch. She tries to give him
money, but he will not accept. Scout tries to explain that the Cunningham's
take no charity they cannot return. Scout learned this when her father took a
case for the Cunningham's and they had to pay in crops, refusing to accept
Atticus' generosity. Scout cannot make this concept clear and gets in more
trouble with Miss Fisher.

5. Chapter Three
• Scout starts a fight with Walter at lunch since she blames him for
getting in trouble with their teacher. Jem stops the fight and
invited Walter back to their house for lunch. When at home Scout
criticizes Walter for the way he eats his food, and Calpurnia
scolds her for her behavior. Back at school, Miss Caroline reacts
badly to the "cooties" in a student's hair. The student is Burris
Ewell, who is from an extremely poor family. She sends him home,
but the class explains that Ewell children only come to the first
day of school anyway. When Burris leaves, he shouts obscenities at
Miss Fisher, causing her to cry. The class tries to placate her.

6. Chapter Four
• While walking home Scout finds two pieces of gum in the tree on the
edge of the Radley lot. Later, she and Jem find two pennies in the same
tree. The children have no idea who is leaving the items in the tree. School
gets out for the summer and that means the arrival of Dill. The children
start coming up with games to keep them occupied. During a game,
Scout is rolled onto the Radley while in a tire. This gives Jem the idea for
them to pretend to be the Radley family. Atticus finds them playing in
the yard and suspects that their game is at the expense of their neighbors
and tells the trio to stop. Scout tells Jem that they should listen to Atticus
and do what he says, but Jem thinks they can keep plying without getting
in any further trouble. Scout, though, is afraid. She believes that the
afternoon she rolled into the Radley yard, she could here someone inside
of the house laughing at them.

7. Chapter Five
• Scout begins to spend more time with Maudie Atkinson, their
next door neighbor. She asks Miss Atkinson about Boo Radley.
Miss Atkinson explains that the Radleys are very strict Baptists
and they stay reclusive for religious reasons. Meanwhile, Dill and
Jem hatch a plan to give a note to Boo Radley. Dill and Scout are
instructed to stand watch while Jem tries to slip the note into the
house. Dill sounds the alarm that Atticus is coming down the
street. The group is caught and Jem admits that they were trying
to give a note to Boo. Atticus tells them to quit harassing the
Radleys.

8. Chapter Six
• On Dill's last evening in Maycomb, the group begins the evening at Miss
Rachel's pond. Dill and Jem decide to make one last attempt to see Boo.
Scout reluctantly agrees to go with them. The trio sneaks to the house in the
dark. As they move to the window, someone is out in the yard. He walks
close to them, and after he passes, the children run for the gate near the
schoolyard. A gunshot goes off as they try to escape. Jem's pants are caught
on the fence and he has to remove them to go free. When the children
return to the street, they see a large crowd gathered in front of the Radley
house. Nathan Radley tells the crowd that some nigger was in his collard
patch and that he fired the gun to scare off the intruder. As the crowd
talks, Atticus notices that Jem has no pants on. Dill comes up with a quick
story that he won them from Jem in a poker game. After evading Atticus,
Jem decides to return and get his pants.

9. Chapter Seven
• School begins and Scout enters the second grade. Jem finally
admits to Scout what happened the night he went back for his
pants. He found them folded neatly on the fence and someone
had done a poor job trying to repair the tear. On another walk,
home they find a grey ball of twine in the tree on the Radley lot.
Later, the find two carved soap figures; one of a girl and one of a
boy. Another time they find gum and a pocket watch. Scout and
Jem decide to leave a thank you note in the tree for whoever is
leaving them the gifts. The next day the hole in the tree has been
filled with cement. Jem asks Nathan Radley why cement was
poured in the tree, and he explains that the tree is ill and needed
it.

10. Chapter Eight
• Maycomb sees it's first winter in years and it startles Scout, who has never seen
a snowfall. She and Jem decide to take the opportunity to make a snowman
and enjoy what little snow is on the ground. That evening Scout is woken by
Atticus to find that Maudie Atkinson's house is burning. The town gathers to
help move out furniture and personal belongings. The house finally collapses
and the firefighters rush to make sure that no other houses at threatened by
the flames. Jem and Scout watch in awe and fear, so taken with the scene that
they do not realize that someone has places a blanket around Scout. Atticus
tells Scout that it was Boo Radley who placed the blanket around her. Jem is
overtaken with all that has happened and tells Atticus all that has happened
with the Radleys. Jem and Scout go to see Maudie the next morning. They are
shocked with her positive attitude about the fire. Maudie sees the fire as a
chance to start over and move on.

11. Chapter Nine
• Scout gets in a fight at school with a boy who says that her father defends niggers. Scout
tells Atticus about the fight and asks him what they boy meant. Atticus explains that he
is defending Tom Robinson, a black man, and many in the town believe that he should
not have taken the case. When someone at school makes a similar comment, Scout heeds
her father's advice about fighting, and backs down. Christmas arrives, and so does
Atticus' brother Jack. On Christmas day Jem and Scout receive air rifles as gifts. After
opening presents, everyone goes to Finch's Landing to spend the rest of the day. Scout
has to deal with her bratty cousin Francis for most of the day. After dinner Francis calls
tells Scout that her father is a nigger lover. Although Scout has been good about
fighting, Scout attacks him and demands he take it back. This brings the day to an
abrupt end. Scout receives a spanking from her Uncle Jack. She explains to Jack why she
started a fight with Francis, and he becomes more understanding. That evening, Atticus
talks to Jack about the case and all of the problems that may arise because of it.

12. Chapter Ten
• Atticus sets some rules with Jem about the use of his new gun. He doesn't
wanting him shooting at birds, but he is sure that Jem will. He explicitly
tells him never to shoot a mockingbird, since they are the most innocent
of the birds. That afternoon a mad dog wanders down the street.
Calpurnia rushes the children inside and calls Atticus to tell him. Atticus
arrives with the town sheriff, Heck Tate. Heck aims for the dog, but
realizes that he might miss. He tells Atticus that he should take the shot,
to the surprise of the children. Atticus kills the dog instantly. The event
greatly affects Jem and he warns Scout not to mention this at school.
Scout is confused but Jem tells her that if Atticus wanted them to know
what a good shot he was, he would have told them.

13. Chapter Eleven
• The summer after second grade the children decide to expand their horizons. They spend
more time going into town, which requires them to pass the house of Miss Dubose, who never
misses an opportunity to shout at the children. This infuriates Jem, but Atticus tells him not to
get upset. On a particular walk, Miss Dubose makes remarks about Atticus to the children.
Jem becomes enraged and on the walk home destroys Miss Dubose's bushes. Atticus sends Jem
back to clean up his mess and to work on her shrubs for every weekend. When Jem returns he
tells Atticus that Miss Dubose wants him to read to her instead. The next weekend Jem,
accompanied by Scout, goes to read to Miss Dubose. Miss Dubose is very ill and spends most
of the afternoon in a fog. After several weekends, they are free of reading to her. Atticus goes to
visit Miss Dubose one weekend. When he returns he announces that she has passed away.
Atticus explains to the children that Miss Dubose had become addicted to morphine as a
result of her illness and that she had spent the final months of her life freeing herself of the
addiction. He tells them that their company helped her keep her mind off her pain. Atticus
opens a box with a piece of her shrub in it. It is a gift for Jem, who is angered by the gesture.
Atticus tells them what a strong and brave woman Miss Dubose was for fighting her
addiction.

14. Chapter Twelve
• As Jem grows older he also grows moodier, leaving Scout to spend more time
with Calpurnia. Scout watches Cal and realizes that maybe being a girl isn't so
bad. Atticus has to leave the family to attend an emergency session of the
legislature. Calpurnia has to stay with the children and take full care of them
in his absence. She is not sure if they should be going to church by themselves
and decides that they should come with her on Sunday. When they arrive at
Cal's church, the children cause quite a stir. They are the only white faces in the
congregation. One woman seems to resent their presence, but the rest of the
congregation welcomes them freely. They know Atticus and have the utmost
respect for him. While in attendance, the children overhear things about Tom
Robinson and his case. His wife cannot get any work in the town and Tom has
been accused of rape. Scout is not sure what rape is, but knows it can't be
anything good. As they walk home from church, Aunt Alexandra is waiting on
the porch for them.

15. Chapter Thirteen
• Aunt Alexandra notifies them that she has come to stay with
them. She immediately makes herself at home. When Atticus
returns he explains that Aunt Alexandra is here to teach the
children, Scout in particular, something about breeding and
refinement. Alexandra is not pleased with the way Atticus is
raising the children and feels that she is needed. The kids are
not pleased by the news, having no idea that they have been
behaving improperly.

16. Chapter Fourteen
• Scout asks what rape is. Atticus asks her where she heard the word and
Scout explains about the trip to Cal's church. Alex is shocked to hear that
the children were in a black church. She tells Atticus in confidence that
they should let Calpurnia go, but he is adamant that she is part of the
family and will not be leaving anytime soon. Jem takes Scout aside that
evening and tells her that she should do her best not to upset Aunt
Alexandra. Scout believes Jem is trying to act superior and starts a brawl
with him. She is sent to her room and thinks she hears a snake under her
bed. Upon closer inspection, they realize it is not a snake, but a runaway
Dill. He confesses that he doesn't like living at home and took the train to
Maycomb. Atticus allows Dill to stay with them, but informs Dill's Aunt
Rachel about the situation.

17. Chapter Fifteen
• Dill's parents allow him to stay in Maycomb. One evening, the
sheriff stops by the house with a group of men from town.
Atticus talks with them and Scout tries to overhear. They talk
about Tom Robinson's case and how Tom is being moved into
the Maycomb jail.

18. Chapter Sixteen
• Everybody from Maycomb heads downtown. Atticus suspiciously leaves that evening. The children
decide to follow him. They find him in a chair outside of the jail reading a book. They continue to
watch him when a group of men approach the courthouse. The group demands that Atticus let
them get to Tom, but Atticus won't give in. Jem, Scout, and Dill burst into the scene, much to the
shock of Atticus. Scout recognizes one of the men as Walter Cunningham and tries to strike up a
conversation. Eventually this awkwardness breaks the group up and they leave. Tom calls out from
his cell asking if the men have left. Atticus tells him everything is fine now. Mr. Underwood, editor
of the local newspaper next door, calls out to them and says that he had his eye, and his gun, on the
situation the whole time from his window above. Atticus takes the children home. Later in the
afternoon, the children decide to head into town as well. The children see Dolphous Raymond, a
white man sitting with all of the black citizens. Scout and Dill are confused as to why he would keep
such company when it goes against most social rules. Jem explains that Mr. Raymond is gossiped
about in town and prefers the company of the black community. The court is uncharacteristically
crowded and the children cannot find anywhere to sit. Reverend Sykes, the minister from Cal's
church, takes them to where the black citizens are sitting and finds them seats. When they are all
seated, Sheriff Heck Tate is the first to take the stand.

19. Chapter Seventeen
• The trial begins with testimony from Sheriff Tate. Tate says that Bob Ewell came to his
office, saying his daughter had been raped and beaten by a black man. Together they
droveback to the Ewells' place where they found a beaten Mayella on the floor. She
identified her attacker as Tom Robinson. On cross-examination Atticus establishes that
no doctor was called and that it was the right side of the girl's face that had taken much of
the beating. This indicates that her attacker is left-handed. When Bob Ewell, Mayella's
father, takes the stand, Scout gives some backstory on the Ewells, saying every town has a
family like the Ewells: steeped in poverty and angry as hell about it. Bob Ewell's time on
the stand shows him to be a bitter, nasty man. Although his story supports what Sheriff
Tate had laid out, Atticus is able to poke holes in it, beginning with the fact that, despite
Mayella's condition, no one called a doctor. Before Ewell leaves the witness stand Atticus
shows him to be left-handed—a fact that suggested he could have been Mayella's
attacker. After the first set of witnesses has testified, Jem is excited about the direction the
trial is going, but Scout doesn't share Jem's confidence.

20. Chapter Eighteen
• Mayella takes the stand. She testifies that she asked Tom into the
house to do some chopping. Once they were in the house alone she says
that Tom beat and raped her. Atticus makes her clearly state that it
was Tom who choked her, beat her and raped her. When she does,
Tom stands up to reveal an almost useless left arm. It was badly
injured in a farming accident leaving it damaged and much shorter
than his right arm. Atticus finally asks Mayella if it was her father, not
Tom Robinson, who attacked her that evening. After the intensity of
the testimony, the court takes a small recess.

21. Chapter Nineteen
• After the recess, Tom takes the stand. According to his testimony, he had been on the
Ewell's property many times, helping Mayella with different chores. The evening of the
accused crime, he said that she asked him in the house to fix a door. While his back was
turned, she wrapped herself around him. He shook her free and she tried to kiss him. Bob
Ewell saw them from the outside and called his daughter a whore. Tom testifies that he
was very afraid of what would happen to him and so he ran. Link Deas, Tom's employer
for many years, suddenly stand up in the courtroom and says that Tom Robinson has
never been a problem for him and has never done anyone harm, which causes a stir in the
courtroom. When the prosecution questions Tom, they ask him about his previous
conviction for disorderly conduct. He had been in a fight with a man and spent a month
in jail for it. The prosecution also asks Tom about why he was always helping out Mayella
and what his motives were. Dill finds the prosecutors attitude to Tom so upsetting that he
and Scout leave the courtroom

22. Chapter Twenty
• Dolphous Raymond calls over Scout and Dill. He says that he
has something that will help Dill's stomach. He gives Dill a sip
of the drink in his paper bag, which the town has always
believed to be alcohol. It turns out to be Coca-Cola, which
surprises the children. Dolphous explains that he leads the
town to believe that he is a drunk so that they have a reason
to dislike him. After Dill's stomach improves the children
head back into the court for final arguments. When Atticus
finishes his closing arguments, Cal enters the courtroom.

23. Chapter Twenty-One
• Cal has brought a note for Atticus. It is from Aunt Alex
stating that the children have been missing all day. Mr.
Underwood points out that the children have been in the
colored gallery of the courtroom. Atticus tells them to go
home for dinner, but that they may return to here the jury's
decision. The children go back home with Cal, who chastises
them the whole trip home. After a long dinner, the children
return to court to find the jury still deliberating. Later the
jury returns with a guilty verdict.

24. Chapter Twenty-Two
• Tired and upset by the verdict, everyone goes to bed. When the Finch family
wakes up in the morning, food has been brought by many of the families in
town. Atticus becomes upset and leaves the house. The whole town is
gossiping about the case. The children talk to Miss Maudie about the case.
They are very upset that Tom is going to jail and the town did nothing. But
Miss Maudie points out that some people did what they could. She tells the
children that Judge Taylor appointed Atticus for a reason; he knew that
Atticus was the only lawyer in the town who would do his best to defend
Tom. When the children leave Miss Maudie, they hear the newest bit of
gossip. Bob Ewell ran into Atticus in town, spat upon him, and told him he
would get revenge one way or another.

25. Chapter Twenty-Three
• Atticus seems unaffected by Ewell's threats, but the children fear
for him. Atticus tries to calm them and explain that Bob Ewell was
just letting off steam. Later, Scout and Aunt Alex have a fight
about Scout's choice of friends. When Scout mentions that she
would like to have Walter Cunningham back to the house, Aunt
Alex explains that the Cunnunghams are below them and they
shouldn't get too close. Scout goes to her room in a mood. Jem
approaches her and tells her not to be bothered by their Aunt.
And Jem has good news. He shows Scout his very first chest hair.

26. Chapter Twenty-Four
• Aunt Alex hosts a meeting of the missionary league at the
Finch home one afternoon. Scout tries her best to associate
with the women, but would rather stay in the kitchen with
Calpurnia. Atticus comes home with that bad news that Tom
Robinson has died. He was shot by guards at the prison who
claim he was trying to escape. Everyone is upset by the news,
even Aunt Alexandra. Atticus and Calpurnia leave to go
break the news to Tom's wife, Helen.

27. Chapter Twenty-Five
• The fall arrives and Dill goes back home to Meridian and Scout
remembers what Dill told her about the day Tom died. Dill and
Scout were picked up by Atticus on the way to the Robinson home,
but left in the car. Dill watched as Atticus broke the news to Tom's
wife, and she fell to the ground and had to be taken into her
house.Scout also remembers an editorial that Mr. Underwood
wrote in the paper. Underwood wrote about Tom's death and the
sin of killing a crippled man, even if he was trying to escape. The
editorial confuses Scout because she cannot understand the
motives of those who wanted to punish Tom.

28. Chapter Twenty-Six
• Jem begins his first year of high school and Scout starts the
third grade. The class talks about Hitler. Scout's teacher
explains how horrible it is the way Hitler treats the Jews. But
Scout cannot understand her teacher's position. Scout sees
the teacher's attitudes towards Tom as the same thing as
Hitler's attitudes towards Jews. After school, Scout asks Jem
about this discrepancy, but the discussion only angers Jem.

29. Chapter Twenty-Seven
• Helen takes a job with Link Deas, Tom's former employer. After
being harassed by the Ewell's on her walk to work, Helen has to
take the long way to Link's house. When Link finds this out he
goes to the Ewell' to threaten Bob. Later, Bob begins to follow
Helen.One evening, while alone in his home, someone tries to
break into Judge Taylor's house assuming it was empty for the
evening. All signs point to Bob Ewell. Due to last Halloween's
pranks, the town organizes an evening at the high school for the
children. Scout is recruited to be in the evening's pageant, as a
ham hock.

30. Chapter Twenty-Eight
• Jem and Scout walk to the school, carrying Scout's bulky ham costume.
Someone follows them in the dark field, who turns out to be a friend of theirs
hoping to scare them. After the pageant, they head home, Scout staying in her
cumbersome costume. They hear footsteps following them, but believe it to be
the same friend trying to scare them. They become less certain the situation is
harmless and begin to run. Scout runs right into an unidentified person in the
dark field. There is a scuffle, but Scout cannot tell what is happening. She runs
to the street and sees a man carrying Jem in his arms to their house. She arrives
home and finds that a doctor has been called for Jem. Aunt Alex helps Scout
out of her costume. The doctor examines Jem. He has a broken arm and is well,
but unconscious. The man who saved Jem is in the house, but Scout doesn't
know who he is. Heck Tate comes in and says that Bob Ewell is dead under the
tree in the field from a knife wound.

31. Chapter Twenty-Nine
• Tate asks Scout to explain to him what happened out in the
field, but Scout is confused about the details. The costume
obstructed her view and it was very dark. While talking,
Atticus points out that the unidentified man who helped
rescue Jem was none other than Boo Radley.

32. Chapter Thirty
• Scout is shocked to find she is looking at Boo Radley after all
these years of mystery. They all move to the porch to discuss
what happened, and Heck Tate insists that Ewell fell on his
own knife. Atticus, believing that Jem stabbed Ewell, will not
allow Tate to cover up what happened. Tate continues to
insist, but Atticus won't allow the sheriff to lie for his son.
Tate implies that Boo was the one who stabbed Ewell, and he
will not force Boo into the town's limelight.

33. Chapter Thirty-One
• Boo goes to say goodnight to Jem, who is still unconscious.
Scout walks Boo back to his home, the second time she has
ever been on Radley soil. When she returns, she finds Atticus
reading in Jem's room. She falls asleep as Atticus reads to her
and he carries her to bed.

34. Plot Analysis

35. Part One (Chapter 1-8)
• The first chapters of the novel paints the town of Maycomb as a quiet and
idyllic town. The children play freely, the neighbors gossip innocently on the
streets, and everything moves very smoothly. Of course this will not be the case
throughout the novel. These chapters set the tone for a town that is going to be
exposed. The lazy rural façade will crumble and the racism and double
standerds that have been in the mind of the citizens for years will be exposed.
This is where Boo Radley comes to the play. The town shows a fear and
confusion towards the Radley family. They are bdifferent, and this leaves them
on the outskirts of the community. The children’s games and gossip about the
Radleys will mirror the town’s attitud eto tom Robbinson and his plight later.
It is fear of the different and the unfamiliar trhat shakes the this town, and the
Radleys are perfect example of it. They have been neighbours for years, but the
town still treats them like fresh news.

36. Part Two (Chapter 9-14)
• As Scout fight with school children, her cousin Francis, would
suggest, the trial is going to be a major hurdle for the finch family.
In an old fashioned southern town like Maycomb, racism
abounds. The town is not so much upset that Atticus is defending
tom, which is his job. They are upset that Atticus plans to defend
Tom to his best ability. Maycomb residents believe Atticus should
not put any effort into the case and let it all be done with. When a
black man has been accused of raping a white woman, the verdict
has already been decided regardless the facts. Even Atticus’s own
family sees it this way which explains Scout’s fight with Francis.

37. Part Three (Chapter 15)
• Again Scout’s innocent perspective makes the reader unaware of
the possible violence outside the Maycomb jail in chapter 16. The
men who came that evening are a mob with the intension of
killing Tom Robbinson. Atticus was staying outside the jail with
the hopes of disarming the situation. When Scout and the boys
appear on the scene, they don’t truly comprehend what is
happening. Scout does not understand these men intend to kill
tom before he can even go to trial. It is the children’s presense that
disrupts the mob and eventually cause them to leave. The children
make the men awkwardly aware of their cowardice and shame.

38. Part Four (Chapter 16-21)
• When Maylla Ewell takes the stand, she calls into question the characters of the
white men in the courtroom. The fact that her word is not automatically taken
over the word of a black man causes her to lash out and accuse the men of not
being true gentlemen. Given the age-code of southern chivalry, this is a piercing
accusation, and one that wins the case. The true southern gentlemen is always
supposed to defend the character of white woman. Despite the certainty of
most of the people in the courtroom, tom will go to jail for his crimes no matter
what the facts presents. A fear resides in Maycomb, and the south of this era, to
render any other verdict. Old habits of racism and false nobility, like cede of
southern gentlemen, die very hard. It is seen as a victory that the jury took so
long to deliberate. Atticus knew he would never win this case, but perhaps he
could cause the town to reflect on their notions of race and justice . In this
regard, the trial was success.

39. Part Five (Chapter 22-26)
• These becomes the hardest times for the family., Jem in
particular.Scout because of her young age can move on the
past events of the trial. But as Jem gets older and wrestles
with his maturing feelings and values, most of what has
happened only angers and upsets him. In chapter 26, when
Scout goes to Jem for an explanation about her class
discussion, Jem can only become angry. He is not angry
because Scout is being inquisitive, he is angry because there
are no easy answers to what scout is asking and he is just as
confused as she is.

40. Part Six (Chapter 27-31)
• Although Jem and Scout could have died, the incident with
Bob Ewell serves as a vindication of the Finch family and their
values. Bob Ewell, who the town stands behind during Tom’s
trial turns out to be a man so cowardly that he not only stalks
Helen Robbinson, he tries to kill two innocent children. The
man who came to their rescue was Boo Radley. A man who
was not a monster but indeed a true gentle men who used to
have a place in his heart for Jem and Scout.

41. Plot Diagram

42. 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Plot diagram of To Kill A Mockingbird
12
Introducti
on
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution

43. Plot Diagram
1. Dill arrives; characters, relationships are introduced.
2. Gifts begin appearing in the knot-hole.
3. Nathan Radley shoots at the Finch kids.
4. Miss Maudie's house burns down.
5. Atticus shoots Tim Johnson.
6. Aunt Alexandra moves in.
7. The lynch mob confronts Atticus outside the prison.
8. At Tom's trial, characters give their testimonies.
9. Tom Robinson is found guilty.
10. Tom is shot trying to escape prison.
11. Bob Ewell attacks the Finch children.
12. Scout finally meets Boo Radley.

44. Character
s

45. Jean Louise Finch “Scout”
• Jean Louise Finch is the daughter of widowed lawyer Atticus Finch.
Known affectionately by her nickname, Scout is nearly six years old as the
story begins. A tomboy through and through, Scout is eager, inquisitive,
and observant. Her father teaches her to read at an early age, so she has
the ability to soak up information wherever she finds it. She is mature
and wise far beyond her years, which doesn't always sit well with the
adult citizens of Maycomb. Even at six Scout shows herself to be open-
minded and openhearted. She sees people as individuals and does not
prejudge them according to the color of their skin. Scout goes into
situations expecting as much goodwill as she brings, and has difficulty
coping with deceit. By the book's end when she is nine, she learns to deal
with the fact that the world is not as kind or honorable as she grew up
believing.

46. Jeremy Atticus Finch “Jem”
• Jeremy Atticus Finch (Jem) is Scout's older brother, 10 years old at
the novel's beginning. He is as wildly imaginative and curious as
Scout, especially when it comes to the reclusive Boo Radley, but he
also has the capacity to be thoughtful and considerate. Jem is
more introspective than other boys his age, perhaps because he
misses his mother (who died three to four years before the events
of the book). Jem's thoughtfulness is characterized by a deliberate
and deep ability to think. At times we see the youthful Jem at war
with the Jem who is growing up; this dichotomy, or split
personality, makes his character all the more real.

47. Atticus Finch
• Atticus Finch is a lawyer in Maycomb, Alabama, and the widowed
father of Jem and Scout. Atticus is well-respected personally and
professionally. He is an honest man with an open heart, a quick
and fair mind, and a gentle disposition. At the same time Atticus
is strong and focused in everything he does. His levelheadedness
and legal training give him a solid backbone and strength of
conviction, particularly during Tom's racially fueled rape case.
Neighbor Miss Maudie tells Jem and Scout that Maycomb citizens
are paying a great compliment to their father by placing faith in
him to do the right thing. Throughout the novel Atticus shows
himself capable of living up to that trust.

48. Calpurnia
• Calpurnia has been the Finch family cook since Jem was born. When
Atticus's wife died, she became a mother figure of sorts for the kids and a
strict disciplinarian. Atticus considers her an integral member of the
family. Her presence gives Jem and Scout insight into the African
American community and a greater understanding of the racial tension
in Maycomb. Calpurnia is a strong character, a bit like a female version
of Atticus. While she may not have extensive formal schooling, she has
gained much wisdom from life's experiences. She, like Atticus, isn't quick
to judge, a rare quality in the racially divided town of Maycomb.
Calpurnia serves as a bridge between the black and white communities.
She knows Tom Robinson, which makes the case all the more personal
for Atticus.

49. Arthur Radley “Boo”
• Arthur Radley, or Boo, is the reclusive neighborhood legend who
becomes the object of Jem, Scout, and Dill's obsession over the
summer. He lives three doors down from the Finches in a
foreboding house, where he hasn't been seen for years. According
to local lore Boo's father kept him imprisoned in the house after
Boo got into legal troubles as a teenager. The children's fear and
prejudice against Boo runs parallel with the town's prejudice
against Tom Robinson, the black man accused of raping a white
woman. But the real Boo is quite a different person than the town
believes. By the end of the novel the children have a more nuanced
and sympathetic opinion of the former object of their curiosity
and fear.

50. Charles Baker Harris “Dill”
• Charles Baker Harris, or Dill, is the six-year-old nephew of
Rachel Haverford, the Finches' next-door neighbor. Jem and
Scout meet him at the beginning of the novel when he comes
to stay for the summer. Dill becomes a good friend to both
Jem and Scout, and Atticus and Calpurnia regard him as one
of their own. Dill, who is being shuttled among relatives after
his mother remarries, protects himself with a vivid
imagination. When he hears the story of Boo Radley, he
entices Jem and Scout to help him lure the reclusive Boo from
his house.

51. Bob Ewell
• Bob Ewell is the father of Mayella Ewell and Tom Robinson's accuser. He
is jobless, racist, and tends to drink away the relief checks that are meant
to feed his many children. As the trial unfolds he becomes even more
belligerent and vicious toward Atticus Finch for defending Tom
Robinson. He is a racist because it gives him someone to look down on; he
has no softness, no kindness, and no goodwill. He is unable to see the
value of pulling himself up, even when the opportunity presents itself. In
particular he has great feelings of inferiority, which, in this case, are
aroused by Tom Robinson, who says at one point in the trial that he feels
sorry for Mayella Ewell because she has no one to help her. Out of
ignorance, Bob Ewell finds Tom Robinson's compassion for his daughter
an insult to him and his family.

52. Tom Robbinson
• Tom Robinson is the black man accused of raping Mayella
Ewell. A good-hearted man of about 25, Tom is married, has
children, and is known to be honest and hard-working. It is
Tom's misfortune to be living in proximity to the Ewells.
When Mayella Ewell asks for his help with small tasks, he
obliges because he knows her father never helps her.
Unfortunately it's Tom's thoughtfulness that puts him in Bob
Ewell's sights where, like the mockingbird killed for sport, he
is eventually destroyed.

53. Miss Maudie Atkinson
• Miss Maudie is the neighbour of the Finches. She was brought
up in the Finch’s Landing and had a close tie with Atticus
and his brother Jack. Miss Maudie was a mother like figure to
motherless Scout. Some of her advices helped Scout to get over
the prejudice and the stereotypes of the society. Miss Maudie
helped the character Scout to develop into a fully matured
character. By sharing views with Miss Maudie, Scou started to
understand the feelings of many people like Boo. Miss
Maudie herself was very wise and selfless.

54. Character Map
Father Companion
Father Friends
Attorney Brother
Neighbors
Enemy
Suitor Neighbors Motherly Figure
Atticus
Boo
Jem Dill
Tom
Miss
Maudie
CalpurniaBob Ewell

55. Scout- Character Development
Before
• Scout used to think that Boo Radley
was a monster who is just a
symbolization of evil and
destruction.
• Scout was ashamed about the fact
that Atticus was not involved in any
extra-curricular things like sports.
• She thought that being called a girl
was very shameful.
After
• Scout understood that Boo is a
human being like them who put
himself in isolation because of the
prejudicing society.
• Scout found out that Atticus was the
sharpest shooter in the whole town
but he did not want to show his
violent side which can kill any being.
• She realized that at the end of the
day she is a unashamed girl.

56. Jem- Character Development
Before
• He used to say to Scout not to be like
a girl
• He used to think that the world has
only good people and not the bad
ones who don’t like others.
• Used to sneak into the Radleys to
lure Boo Radley out with the help of
Scout and Dill for their own
amusement without knowing the
truth.
After
• He understood that at the end of the
day, Scout was a girl .
• After the trial he understood there
are bad men as well in this world who
are trying to bring good down.
• Finally he realized that how Boo
Radley feels and that he wanted to
be locked inside the house because if
he came out, he would have to face
the harshness of the society.

57. Atticus- Character
Development
Before
• Thought they can save Tom
Robbinson if they can present
necessary facts to the court.
• Thought that the children would
never be able to defend him. Instead,
they will fall in trouble or harm
themselves in any other way.
• Thought that the society might reject
him if he defends the black man but
still continued to do it.
After
• Understood that a black man would
never be given positive verdict no
matter what the facts suggested.
• Realized that his children were
responsible enough to take care of
themselves and also to save him from
the lynch mob.
• Came to know that many white
people supported him even though it
was contradictory to the society.

58. Boo- Character Development
Before
• Boo locked himself up because he did
not want to expose himself up in the
society
• Boo was thought to be a villain in the
city Maycomb and was a symbol of
terror. Many legends grew about him
which drove him towards a corner.
He had no place in the so called
society of Maycomb.
After
• Came out of the cover for just a
moment to save Scout and Jem, who
he thought as his own children
• People like scout, Jem and others
came to know that he was not
someone bad after all.

59. Themes

60. Racism and Stereotype
• Racism is discrimination based on racial concepts. Stereotype is when people
assumes something without knowing the actual detail of it.
• Tom Robbinson is the victim of racism. Because of being an African American, he
was given a guilty verdict in the charge of raping a white girl. Boo is stereotyped in
the novel. He is thought to be a monstrous being when actually he was a kind
man.
• Atticus, though being a ,white resented racism. He gave his 100% in the Tom
Robbinson case to prove Tom innocent.
• Tom was given guilty verdict although it was evident that he did not rape Maylla
this shows racist legal system.
• The novel suggests that Racism will be overcomed as the new generation like
Scout, Jem and Dill were fully against racial discrimination..

61. Superstition and Prejudice
• Superstition is unscientific belief like Radley lot being haunted. Prejudice is
judging someone based on appear and like Dolphus Raymond was considered a
bad man.
• Many superstitions are related to prejudice as many people judge others based on
superstitions. Like some people say black cats are unlucky. It is making a pre-
assumption about black cats. People said Boo Radley was evil which led the
youngers judging him without knowing.
• There are superstitions that Radley Lot is haunted and that no living being can
exist there.
• Tom Robbinson case showed superstition and prejudice leading to injustice.
• The author conveys this message that prejudice and superstition will lead to
discriminating society.

62. Law and Justice
• Justice is when people are proven innocent or guilty based on facts. Injustice is
when this condition is not followed.
• Law does not always uphold justice, it can lead to injustice as well like Tom
Robbinson was given guilty verdict even though it was evident that he was not
guilty.
• Tom Robbinson and Boo Radley’s case was example of injustice.
• Tom Robbinson was innocent, but still at the end of the novel he was killed for the
false accusation. It’s injustice’s fault.
• Main characters like Jem and Scout breaks-down at this realization that the
society supports injustice. Same goes with Atticus, miss Maudie and Calpurnia.
Bob Ewell was glad to send tom to jail.
• Lee is trying to say that the judicial system was not dependable and justice and
injustice solely depended on jury’s wish.

63. Good vs. Evil
• We can see the presence of both good and bad in the novel. We can see many
characters being good and many being evil and they tend to go against each other.
• Atticus, scout, Jem, miss Maudie, Calpurnia, tom, boo Radley they play the good
while Bob Ewell, Mayella plays evil. These characters were not in disguise but
Dolphus Raymond portrayed himself as bad man although he was good.
• Jem realizes that the society has both good and bad people.
• In the novel, we could see characters like Atticus to be purely good and bob Ewell
to be purely evil.
• At the end of the novel, good triumphs over evil as bob Ewell gets kill while
attempting to kill Jem and scout.
• The novel suggests that good can stand up against evil.

64. Social Inequality and Class
• Maycomb society shows inequality and classism in the novel.
• The fact racism led to social inequality between whites and blacks. Superstition led
towards treating Boo Radley unequally.
• The blacks, Ewells, Cunninghams are victims of inequality and class
discrimination. Because of the class discrimination, they cannot live a normal life.
They need to hear the discriminative words from the mouths of the so called
aristocrats. One such example is aunt Alexandra who thought Scout should not be
friend with Walter Cunningham jr. because he belonged to a lower class than the
Finches.
• Tom Robbinson fought against inequality as well as Atticus but they were
unsuccessful to make the society realize the need of inequality.

65. The Importance of Moral
Education
• In the novel, we could see that the base of the finch household was moral
education. Atticus taught the children to be morally and ethically good human
being.
• Educational system of Maycomb suggested that it was not to create a ny human
being. The teachers themselves were untrained and did not know how to manage
children. Miss Caroline Fisher is an example.
• Atticus know the children well and acknowledge their triumphs but the teachers
thinks that the children should not know beyond the teaching like Caroline Fisher.
Atticus was not a racist but one of scout’s teacher was.
• Lee suggests moral education for all the children to create a brighter nation.

66. Destruction of Innocence
• Mockingbird is a bird which only amuses people and don’t harm anyone so
Mockingbird the symbol of innocence.
• People lose innocence when they grow and mature in a twisted world. It can make
the person either cruel or aware of the cruelty of the world.
• The false accusation of rape leads to the death of innocent tom Robbinson.
• Mayella here lost innocence as she was seducing to on one hand and on the other
hand d she was charging him with rape case.
• When people lack morality, they loose innocence like Mayella. It makes them
cornered and lonely.

67. Fear and Courage
• Courage is standing up against something with bravery and dignity.
• Atticus, Jem, Scout, Tom, Boo, Miss Dubose they all portray courage in the novel.
Atticus by defending a black man, Jem and Scout by entering into the Radley's,
Tom by trying to defend himself even though he knew he won’t win, Boo by saving
Jem and Scout and finally Miss Dubose by quitting morphine.
• Scout is able to over come her fear about the Radley's and so is Jem.
• Lee shows that the fear inside should be turned into courage by us. The characters
Jem and Scout were able to do this and so was Atticus.

68. Women and Femininity
• Younger Scout thought being called a girl was an insult because she grew up with
boys around. If she had an elder sister instead of brother, her perspective would
have been different.
• The women have to act polite no matter what in the era that time so they needed
different skills than men.
• Femininity is portrayed both negatively through aunt Alexandra's strict policies
and positively through Miss Maudie love and kindness.
• In this novel, we could see that all the feminine characters were strong by
themselves like widowed Maudie, aunt Alexandra and even their educated black
cook Calpurnia who was one of the few literate black in Maycomb society. We
could also see rude Miss Dubose fighting her own war with morphine. Lee’s ideas
though, contrasted with the society back then.

69. Symbols

70. Mockingbird
• The mockingbird is a symbol of innocence or vulnerability. Several
characters lose their innocence in the novel—most notably Tom
Robinson. When he is killed the newspaper editorial compares his death
to the "senseless slaughter of songbirds," a direct reference to Atticus's
earlier warning to his children that it's a sin to shoot a mockingbird
because a mockingbird does nothing but bring joy to people. Similarly
the sheriff refuses to arrest Boo Radley because doing so would be "sort of
like shootin' a mockingbird," meaning that Boo is such a vulnerable
character that it doesn't make sense to bring him extra hardship. In the
same vein Scout's last name Finch, another songbird, suggests that her
innocence (or loss of) will be integral to the story's plot.

71. Physical Challenges
• Many characters in the novel face a physical (or mental) challenge:
Tom Robinson has a mangled left arm; Jem breaks an arm badly
enough that his arm, too, is forever altered; Boo Radley has a damaged
spirit; Atticus has poor eyesight. These disabilities—or differences—
are outward signs that everyone as weaknesses and carries with them
the damages inflicted by life.

72. The Knothole
• Boo has been living as a recluse for many years but obviously wants to
connect with the outside world. Boo leaves gifts for Jem and Scout in
the knothole of the tree as a way of connecting with them without
making himself vulnerable. When Nathan Radley learns what Boo had
been doing, he fills the knothole with cement, breaking Boo's ties with
the outside world in an attempt to keep him secluded.

73. The Rabid Dog
• Tim Johnson, a dog well known in Maycomb, becomes
rabid—and a danger to the community. The dog's disease is
symbolic of racism in the town. Just as Sheriff Tate refuses to
serve justice in the Tom Robinson case, so does he refuse to
shoot the rabid dog—he urges Atticus to fight it, just as
Atticus fights for justice in the courtroom. Miss Maudie aptly
tells Scout she believes that Atticus "decided he wouldn't
shoot till he had to, and he had to today."

74. Quotes

75. Chapter 1-10
• "Never ... understand a person ... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.’’
— Atticus, Chapter 3
Atticus is teaching Scout the importance of understanding others and their point of view.
Atticus models this belief in his own life by defending Tom Robinson and protecting Boo
Radley. The quote sets up the major change and growth in Scout's character that will occur
over the course of the novel, as she too will learn how to do this.
• "Atticus told me to delete the adjectives and I'd have the facts.“
— Scout, Chapter 7
This statement is Atticus's way of telling Scout that behind Jem's exaggeration there is a kernel
of truth: school will become more interesting as she gets older.
• "When a child asks you something, answer him ... But don't make a production of it.“ —
Atticus, Chapter 9
This statement, spoken to Uncle Jack, reinforces the idea that children understand much
more than adults give them credit for. This underscores the importance of having a child
narrator in a novel full of adult themes.

76. Chapter 11-20
• "Before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself.“ —
Atticus,Chapter 11
This statement provides insight into Atticus's character. He loves his
community but cannot abide injustice. Even if his actions make
enemies Atticus has to do what's right.
• "A gang of wild animals can be stopped, simply because they're
still human.“ — Atticus, Chapter 16
Scout realizes that even though people do bad things, they're still
human. If you can connect with a person human to human, you
often can effect change.

77. Chapter 21-25
• "One place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a
courtroom.“ — Atticus, Chapter 23
This statement gets to the core of the novel's themes. Racism has
prevented Tom Robinson from getting a fair trial even though the
charges against him were obviously false. This statement continues to
resonate with modern readers who see that despite America's great
democracy, injustice is still commonplace.
• "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.“ — Scout, Chapter 23
Scout's childlike statement expresses the moral worldview of the
novel that all people are deserving of equal treatment.

78. Chapter 26-31
• "Well, it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?“ —
Scout, Chapter 30
With this question Scout shows her understanding of Heck Tate's
decision not to prosecute Boo Radley for killing Mr. Ewell since Boo
acted to protect the children.
• "Atticus was right. ... Just standing on the Radley porch was
enough.“ — Scout, Chapter 31
Scout shows her maturity in her newfound understanding of Boo
Radley's perspective on life. As she stood on the Radley porch she was
able to imagine how Boo had watched Jem and her over the years,
and realized that he had come to think of them as his children.