Chapter+Summaries

=Chapter 1 Summary = toc Introduces: Most main characters.

The first paragraph sets the stage for the rest of the book by identifying most of the main characters. The setting of the book is Maycomb, which is portrayed as a quaint, poor town in Maycomb County and is home to a very closely-knit community. The author of the book, Jean Louisse, commonly referred to as Scout, gives descriptions of most of the other main and supporting characters. Jem is introduced as her brother and often partner for most of her adventures. It hints at one of the first problems in the book, which is the mystery of Boo Radley, the 'ghost' of the Radley House. The action in this chapter culminates when Dill dares Jem to touch the house. = = Chapter 2 Summary Introduces: The Cunninghams, Miss Caroline

The summer comes to a close at the beginning of this chapter, and the story focuses mainly on the first days of school for Scout and Jem. Problems arise almost immediately when Miss Caroline, the new first grade teacher, is shocked to find that first-grader Scout already knows how to read and write sufficiently. She repeatedly shows her annoyance with Scout. The Cunninghams are revealed through Walter Cunningham. Problems arise when Walter brings no lunch to school. Not knowing that the Cunninghams are among the poorest families in the town, Miss Caroline offers to pay for the lunch, stating that he should pay her back tomorrow. Scout explains to Caroline that the Cunninghams could only pay it back in other services, as they have no money. Angered by Scout’s outbreak, Miss Caroline sends Scout to the corner and ‘whips’ her.

Chapter 3 Summary Introduces: The Ewell Family

The Walter Cunningham problem continues when Jem invites Walter for lunch. After noticing his unusual practices at mealtime, Scout points them out as strange, and unusual, shaming Walter. Calpurnia pulls Scout into the kitchen, and explains to her why those actions are rude, showing her motherly attitude towards Scout. Back at school, Miss Caroline is shocked to find lice crawling in one of her students hair, who is introduced as Burris Ewell. Telling him to go home and wash his hair, she gives him leave for today. It is revealed that the Ewell family is notorious for only attending school for the first day. Shocked by all the day's unfortunate events, Miss Caroline finally breaks down. When the day ended, Calpurnia surprised Scout with a batch of crackling bread, one of Scout's favorites, in order to make up with her. Soon afterwards, Scout tells Atticus about Miss Caroline's order that he stop teaching her to read, and states that she does not want to go to school. Atticus explains to her that, "If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." After his teaching, Atticus compromises with Scout, saying that he will continue teaching her as long as she 'keeps quiet' about it.

= = <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter 4 Summary <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">School ends near the beginning of this chapter, but not before Scout discovers some Wrigley double-mint gum, a precious find in Maycomb, in, of all places, the oak tree at the Radley House. It seemed like a once in a lifetime event, but on the last day of school, as Jem and Scout walked together, there was something else in the oak tree. It is revealed to be a box containing two old Indian-heads pennies. Believing it to be a kid's hiding place, they decide to ask around when school starts again.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dill soon arrived, as imaginative as ever, and the three tried to decide what to play. After a small argument with what 'Hot Steams' were, Scout angered Jem. They soon decided to roll around in a old tire they owned. Scout went first, and Jem, seeking to get back at Scout, pushed her as hard as he could into the Radley House's front steps.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Soon after the event, Dill decided they would make a new play, this time about Boo Radley. They soon formed the play using bits and scraps of gossip, and to anyone watching, it became clear who the play was about. Atticus confronts them about it one day, and Scout becomes nervous about the play, not just because of Atticus, but because the day she was in that tire, she heard someone laughing in the Radley House.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter 5 Summary <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There is a falling out between Scout and the boys in this chapter, and they constantly call her a girl when she voices her disproval of their actions. In the beginning of this chapter, Scout grows close to Miss Maudie, one of their neighbors, a kind widow who is also a garden fanatic. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The real action takes place, though, when the Dill and Jem decide to place a note for Boo in the side window of the Radley house using a pole, inviting him to come out. Scout is pulled into their plan as a lookout. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sadly, they are unsuccessful in their endeavor, and are caught by Atticus. He reprimands them for their attempt, as well as their play about him, saying that they were 'putting his life’s history on display for the edification of the neighborhood.'

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter 6 Summary <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The trio once again gets into trouble with their fascination of the mystery of Boo Radley in this chapter. With summer coming to a close, Jem and Scout accompany Dill to Miss Rachel's pond. Soon after, Dill and Jem invite Scout to go on a 'walk' with them. It is soon revealed that they plan on looking through the window of the Radley House to see if they could get a view of Boo Radley. Once they get into the yard, however, they can not see anything.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">They snuck to the back door, and Jem peered into back door, this time seeing a figure. Turning to run, the roar of a shotgun echoed through the neighborhood. In a panic, they struggled under the wire fence that went around the yard, Jem had to take off his pants in an effort to escape. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">They swiftly ran back to the neighborhood, where a small crowd of people had gathered.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Jem was soon questioned about his absence of pants, to which Dill lied that they had played strip poker at the fishpond. They quickly left to see Dill off. When they were safely in bed, Jem snuck off to get his pants. He returned soon after, visibly shaken.

= = <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter 7 Summary <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Jem reveals what rattled him that night he stole back into the Radley yard. He informs Scout that when he returned, he found the pants neatly folded and hastily sewn, as if they were waiting for him. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Soon, they come upon another gift from the knothole, this time a ball of yarn. They decided to find out once and for all if this was a child's hiding place. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">After leaving it alone for three days, and finding it still sitting there, Jem was assured it okay. From then on, they quickly took the items, and decided to write a letter, thanking the kind sir who was giving them the gifts. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">After writing the letter, though, they found the knothole cemented, with Mr. Radley claiming it was 'sick’. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">They were sad.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter 8 Summary <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Snow falls at the beginning of this chapter, a rare anomaly in Maycomb. Jem, having only heard of snow before, wastes no time in charging outside, dragging Scout in his wake. Sadly, the snow outside was not enough for any classic winter games, wether it be building a snowman, or even making a snowball. Jem, though, would not be deterred. He created a snowman made only of dirt, and covered it with snow.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The joy of the day was short lived, however. A fire overtook Miss Maudie's house at night. The street was soon was bustling with would-be fireman, trying desperately to get the furniture out of the house. As the activity went on, Jem and Scout watched from the in front of the Radley House, with Scout wrapped in a blanket to combat the cold.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The fire finally burned out after Maudie's house had collapse, and everyone went to their homes. Then, Atticus pointed that the blanket was, in fact not theirs. With Nathan helping to cobalt the fire, and Mrs. Radley having passed away, it seemed that there was only one person who could have done it. Jem and Scout realized that Boo was not as bad a person as they thought.

= = <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter 9 Summary <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Racism shows up blatantly throughout this chapter, showing the racist prejudices all throughout Maycomb. It is unveiled that Atticus has been assigned to protect Tom Robinson, a black man, in court. When Scout is subjected to a tidal wave of insults to herself as well as Atticus about this, she confronts Atticus about this.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He explains to her that he didn't try to defend Tom, he couldn't hold his head up with that on his heart. He tells her to keep her head high and her fists down for him, even when the talking gets ugly.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Christmas soon arrives, along with Uncle Jack, who comes to stay with them every Christmas. When Jack notices Scout's new interest in cursing every chance she gets, he pulls her aside. He explains to her that she is growing older, and that she should act her age.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Soon afterwards, they travel to Finch's Landing, as tradition dictates. Soon, Scout finds herself stuck entertaining Francis, as Jem felt that he stick with the adults, showing the difference in maturity levels between Scout and Jem. Francis, their nephew is revealed as a snob, and is dropped off by his parents at Finch's Landing every Christmas. Their presents are revealed to be air guns, much to the pleasure of Scout. Tensions arise as Francis begins mocking her and Atticus. The actions culminates when Scout begins beating Francis, until she is quickly stopped by Jack, who slaps her.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">They quickly return to Maycomb, where, after Scout explains her side of things to Jack, who claims he will tell the others about Francis' rudeness. Night settles, and the children are called to bed. As Scout goes to get a drink, she eavesdrops on a conversation between Jack and Atticus, in which he reveals his belief that Jem and Scout will receive 'hell' and that he hopes that turn to him for answer instead of the town.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter 10 Summary <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The beginning of this chapter consists of Scout's woes about Atticus's lack of 'manliness'. She states that he never engages in poker, never drinks, and does not partake in other manly activities. Scout asks Maudie about this, who attempts to show Scout what interesting things Atticus can do unsuccessfully. Disappointed by Maudie's examples, Scout runs off to play with their air guns. When Atticus finds Scout aiming at Miss Maudie, he scolds her, telling her never to aim at someone else again. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Beforehand, he had told Jem it was a sin to kill a Mockingbird, as it only brought happiness, and never did wrong, alluding the teaching to the general hate of Tom Robinson. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">After they abandon their game of air guns, Jem spots Tim Johnson, the town dog, walking strangely. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He points this out to Calpurnia, who immediately recognizing that it was a mad dog. She quickly contacted the rest of the neighborhood, as well as the authorities and Atticus.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Atticus and Heck Tate, the town sheriff soon arrived; Heck sporting a large rifle. Seeing the dog, he handed the gun to, surprisingly, Atticus, stating he could shoot better than him. Atticus quickly kills the dog in one shot, much to the astonishment of Jem and Scout. After chumming around with Tate, who is revealed to be on of Atticus' old friends, Heck explains to the kids that Atticus was in fact, the best shot in Maycomb.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Scout instantly wants to begin boasting about the fact her father was the best shot in town, but JEm, again showing his maturity, tell her not to. After asking why, he explains to her that, if Atticus wouldn't tell them, maybe he didn't want them to know and go around boasting. Maybe he wanted to be humble about his talents. Scout, reluctantly, agrees.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter 11 SummaryIntroduces: Mrs. Dubose

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the beginning of this chapter, it is shown that since the kids had matured, they began to frequent the town, even if it meant passing Mrs. Dubose's house. They describe her as a very cantankerous old woman, often taking potshots at them when they pass. One such insult went to far, however, as they passed in order to purchase several toys; a miniature steam train and a baton, for themselves with Jem's birthday money.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Remembering Atticus's warning that they may be subject to insults due to his case, they quickly passed by the house. Before they could get far however, Mrs. Dubose left a stinging insult.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Your father’s no better than the niggers and trash he works for!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Not saying a word, Jem and Scout depart, Jem almost scarlet. They went about their activities, but as soon as they neared Mrs. Dubose's residence with the new trinkets, Jem snatched away Scout's twirling baton and whacked almost all of Mrs. Dubose's plants to death, and promptly shaped the flimsy baton in half.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Once at home, both waited for the eventual arrival of Atticus, dreading the repercussions of Jem's outbreak. Atticus, strangely, was not as furious as either had predicted. He informed Jem that he should apologize to her immediately. Jem swiftly hurried off, not wishing to tarry. Once Jem returned, he informed Atticus that she had asked him to read to him every day to her for a month in payment for his actions. Atticus heartily agreed, and the next day Jem and Scout arrived at her home right on schedule.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">After reading to her for the allotted time, an alarm clock went off, and Jem and Scout were shoo'ed off by Dubose's daughter, Jessie. As they continued this ritual, they began to notice that Mrs. Dubose was beginning to suffer fits the further into their time together, and began to make fewer interruptions. Soon, their punishment was done, but Mrs. Dubose furthered it, asking for another week, and furthering the time slot, this time allowing them to leave by telling them herself, not the clock.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Eventually, however, their time was up, and they continued their spring, glad to be out of that house. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A little time later, Mrs. Dubose passed away, but left a candy box for Jem and Scout. Atticus explained that she had been an heroin addict, and that she had wanted desperately to be free of it before she passed, using Jem's reading time away from it as long as she could, slowly extending the time. By the time she had died, she was free, with the help of Jem and Scout, from the clutches of heroin for good.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Atticus told Jem that this was true bravery, not someone holding a gun.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter 12 Summary <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Introduces: Lula, Reverend Stykes

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Atticus is absent throughout this chapter, having had left for an emergency session in State Legislature. At this time in the book, the Great Depression is either drawing near, or already in swing. Scout is quite distressed in the beginning of this chapter, with Jem becoming an 'adult', and Dill not going to arrive.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He had sent a letter earlier, saying that he had a 'new' father, and would not be going over this summer. He also said that Scout, being the only girl he could ever loved, should stay put, he would marry her as soon as he had enough money.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A problems soon arises due to Atticus' departure. Calpurnia believe that they would be better off if they don't attend church alone, and instead go with Calpurnia's church. Soon, Calpurnia shows how much she cares about Church when she rigorously cleans both of them, as well as dresses them in their best. They departed to First Purchase, the only church with a bell and steeple, located outside of the southern city limits.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">AS they neared the entrance of the church, the church-goers gave them the utmost respect, as well as curiosity, for it was a strange sight to see white men going to a black church. Since Atticus was widely respected throughout the black community, they gave moved out of their way, allowing them to enter the church first.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Then, from the back, a tall woman named Lula called out, demanding to know why Jem and Scout were attending church here. Calpurnia explained in a speech the same as the other, no longer proper, that they were her company.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Church started, and Scout was amazed at their singing, without any hymn books at all. They were not allowed to leave until ten dollars was collected for Helen, Tom Robinson's wife, who had no way of making money, due to the accusations that were made against her husband, who was currently residing in jail.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> When Scout asked why they had no hymn books, Calpurnia explained that only four of the members could read, her and Zeebo, her child; now grown up, among them. She said that they had to lead the others in song. Scout had one more question, however. She asked why Helen couldn't work, and what accusation were made against Tom.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Calpurnia quietly said that Tom was accused of raping one of the Ewells. When asked what that word meant, she told Scout to ask her father.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A surprise awaited them when they returned to their home. Aunt Alexandra sat on the rocking chair on their porch, eying them.

= = <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter 13 Summary <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Atticus returns, and, after being questioned about Aunt Alexandra sudden appearance, he reveals that Aunt Alexandra will be living with them as she knows, ‘what’s best for the family.’

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Scout, content with Atticus’ return, does not realize the consequences at that point. It is soon revealed that, while Aunt Alexandra fits in well with the residents of Maycomb, she does not with Jem and Scout. She constantly gets into fights about the children with Atticus, as she believes they are not properly brought up. She constantly points out their ‘impoliteness’ and at the climax of this chapter, she forces Atticus to try to invoke ‘family pride’ in Scout and Jem after seeing a lack of it in Scout during her telling about the stories of Cousin Joshua.

Chapter 14 Summary Atticus and Alexandra are again at each other's throats, this time about Calpurnia. The argument had started after Scout had asked Atticus if she could go to Calpurnia's home. Alexandra, who had been listening in, abruptly informed Scout that she may not. Scout looked at Atticus for support, but he told her that she had better listen to Calpurnia as well as Aunt Alexandra as long as she was in this house.

After Scout sulked for a little while, Jem lead her into his room, then told her that she better mind Alexandra. Angered by Jem's attempt to 'exhibit authority' over her, she lashed out at Jem, hoping to make themselves equal again. It transformed into a brief scuffle before Atticus broke them apart, and sent them off to bed. While on her way to bed, Scout stepped on what she believed to be a snake. Requesting Jem's help, they managed to extract a dirty Dill out from under Scout's bed.

Dill explains to them that he had ran away from home due to their negligence of him. Jem, 'betraying them', informs Atticus of this, who informs Dill he can remain for the night. Safely in bed, Scout ponders if Boo has ever run away, to which Dill replies, 'Maybe he doesn't have anywhere to run off too…'.

= = Chapter 15 Summary After a series of calls to his parents, Dill is allowed to stay at Miss Rachel's home. everything seems fine for the week, until a knock resounds through the Finch household. Opening the door, Atticus us greeted by group of people. Jem and Scout, thinking it is a mob, silently watch from the living room window.

They catch something about them moving Tom to the county jail, and are relieved when Atticus returns after Jem lies about Atticus having someone on the phone waiting for him. After listening to their questions about the crowd, he tells them that the group, composed of Heck Tate, Mr. Avery and others were in fact their friends.

Soon, it is time for dinner, and Atticus informs them he is 'going out' for a while. When Jem hears the start of the family's chevy, a car used only for business trips, as Atticus walks around town, he becomes suspicious.

Once in bed he sneaks out, a curious Scout and Dill in tow. They end up walking to The Maycomb Tribune, ran solely by Mr. Underwood, having seen Atticus talking with him earlier. Soon, they see a light by the small Maycomb Jail, adjacent to the Tribune. They sneak closer, enough to discreetly hear and see what was going on.

They find Atticus sitting by the jail, light lit, reading. Soon, a group of cars show up, and an angry mob quickly forms in front of Atticus. They demanded that Tom be handed over to him, and, in an attempt to help Atticus, the three run forward.

Seeing Mr. Cunningham, Walter's father, Scout tried her best to be friendly, asking him to say hi to Walter fro him. This one sentence crumbles the hostility in the crowd, as the men it was composed of thought of their families at home.

Cunningham walked towards her, took her by her shoulders, and said, 'I'll tell him you said hey, little lady.' With that, the mob shrunk by to their vehicles, and they were gone.

Chapter 16 Summary With the mob situation averted, the next morning went smoothly as Atticus prepared for court. When Jem and Scout walk outside, they see that people of all kinds are gathering at the courthouse, eager to see the day's events. Soon, Mr. Dolphus Raymond, who is viewed by the public as an evil man, and a drunkard. They say this because he lives among the blacks and even has mixed race kids with one. He always drinks from a small burlap sack, filled with whiskey.

Atticus, feeling that the kids should not see this case, inform them to stay home, but they soon sneak in with the mass of picnickers. Unable to find seating, they found themselves surrounding by the black population, who came in after the white. Reverend Stykes, seeing them, ushered them into seats beside him in the black balcony. As they seat themselves, they notice that Mr. Heck Tate is on stand.

Chapter 17 Summary Several holes in the Ewell's story becomes evident throughout the Heck Tate's and Mr. Ewell's, testimonies.

Heck Tate tells Atticus that he was called to the scene by Mr. Ewell. After getting to the scene, he and Mr Ewell found Mayella beaten, with most of the wounds on the right side, indicating that the attacker was left handed. No doctor was ever called to the scene.

Atticus, who was on to something, called Mr. Ewell to the stand, whom he asks to write his signature on a piece of paper. Through this, it is revealed that Mr. Ewell is left handed.

Jem, understanding more than Scout on this matter, believe that they had already won the case.

Chapter 18 Summary Miss Mayella Ewell is called to the stand, who was the alleged victim in this case.

It is shown in Atticus's cross examination that the victim, Mayella, is generally a female version of Boo Radley. She does not go out often, and is obviously neglect and abused by her father. She believe that Atticus is mocking her through his politeness.

Mayella's story is as follows;

Mayella needed a chifforobe brought down for kindling. After Tom did this, Mayella went inside to give him a nickel. Tom followed her inside, beat her, and then took advantage of her.

The main problem, besides her repeated corrections her in story, is the fact that Tom, when he stood so she could get a look at him, had a useless and shriveled left arm, which would have made it extremely difficult to beat her mostly on the right side. Eventually, after his pestering, she finally breaks down and court is adjourned for 10 minutes. Even after her almost confession that what he said was true, Atticus still believes that he will not win this case.

Chapter 19 Summary Tom Robinson is called to the stand by Atticus, who asks mostly about his relation to the Ewells. Tom explains that he passes by their home on his way to work in Link Deas' field.

Tom's story, which seems infinitely more true than the Mayella's hastily brought together story, is as follows. After asking Tom for help in a project, she started to call him often, until she lured him inside and made sexual advances toward him. Tom resists until Mr. Bob Ewell, her father, see them, and runs inside. Tom, realizing the repercussions, runs out the door as Mr. Ewell comes in, who beats Mayella.

Then it comes to Mr. Gilmore's turn to cross-examine Tom. everything is running smooth, until Tom slips up when he says he pitted Mayella, which shocks most of the white men present. Mr. Gilmore's use of racist overtones sickens Dill, whom Scout has to take outside. They are confronted by Mr. Dolphus Raymond, who voices his disgust of racism overall.

Chapter 20 Summary Mr. Dolphus offers Dill a drink from his bag, which is in fact Coca-Cola, not whiskey as the kids previously thought. After being asked why he wanted the town to think he drank whiskey, he replied that he wanted them to think that he lived life as he did because he was a drunkard, and not because he wanted to.

Back in the courtroom, things began to heat up, as Atticus made his closing statement. He hits hard with his abolishment of slavery, hitting home with most of the occupants. He talks about the fair rights that every courtroom is suppose to poses, which alludes to the lack of equality in this courtroom. Before he can finish, however, Calpurnia struts up to the front of the courtroom.

Chapter 21 Summary Calpurnia informs Atticus that Jem and Scout have gone missing, and Mr. Underwood informs him that they have been up in the colored balcony, watching. Atticus tells them to eat supper, and after hearing pleas from Jem, he allows them to come back and watch the verdict.

When they return, the jury is still out, having been for almost 30 minutes. While Jem banters about the case to Reverend Stykes, Scout sits, not understanding the concept of racism, although Jem doesn't seem to understand it as well. As Scout is almost lulled to sleep, Jem happily watches, believing the case to be won.

The jury returned, having been out for several hours, and Scout, noticing their inability to look at Tom, knows that the case has been lost. Judge Taylor polls the votes, and realizes that the unanimous decision is that Tom Robinson is guilty. As Atticus turned to leave the courtroom, exhausted, all the black occupants stood up as he passed, proud that he, a white man, had stood up for them since the beginning, even though there was no hope of him winning the case.

Chapter 22 Summary

This chapter shows the children's various reactions to the outcome of the trial. Jem is seen crying, unable to understand why they would condemn Tom. They walked home, and, upon entering, Aunt Alexandra, hugged Atticus, and tried to comfort him. Atticus, tired, and disgusted by the jury, retires for the night.The next day, as they awoke, they found Caluprina cooking and dressing a chicken, and the kitchen filled with piles of food. Calpurnia informs them that the food was sent by the black community in thanks for Atticus's defense of Tom. Soon, Dill arrives, and, after speaking lowly of Ms. Rachel, Alexandra scolds him, but it is obvious he is actually angry about the trial. When they step outside, they find Ms Stephannie, the local gossip, telling Mr. Avery and Miss Maudie all about the children's watching of the trial in the colored balcony. Miss Maudie call the kids for some cake, and, after noticing Jem's depression, tells him he should open his eyes, and see that there arr good people in Maycomb, like Judge Taylor, Heck Tate, and Atticus. She points out that Taylor had given the trial to Atticus for a reason, as any trial should have gone to the new lawyer, Maxwell Green, who needed experience. When they ste outside, Miss Stephanie informs them that Bob Ewell had just spat on Atticus' face and told him that, 'he would get him even if it took the rest of his life.'

Chapter 23 Summary

Atticus reaction was a simple one. "I wish Bob Ewell didn't chew tobacco.'

After 3 tellings of the story, Miss Stephanie had effectively placed herself within the story, saying that Atticus had just taken out his handkerchief an swipe his face as Ewell had cursed at him.Scout and Jem, scared for their father's life, asked him if he might borrow a gun, since, after all, he had been the deadest shot in the county.

When Atticus realized their great distress, he told them to step into Mr. Ewell shoes. He had just shred his last credibility in that case, and he had a right to be angry. He did this act to make a sort of comeback from this. Atticus dismisses their worrying, and the children returned to normal.

Soon, Jem again accuses the jury of not being right, going so far as to say that the jury should be removed. Atticus explains that he will see this numerous times as he grows older. He explains to him that he believes that if a white man takes advantage of a black man, whether he is rich or poor, he is trash. He continues to answer Jem's questions, eventually leading up to him telling Jem that a juror's vote is never a secret, although it is suppose to be. He tells them that there was one person who fought for Tom's innocence, a Cunningham. Scout, amazed at the Cunningham's change of heart, asks if she can have Walter over for dinner. Unfortunately, Aunt Alexandra overhears, and forbids her to invite him, saying that the Cunninghams, 'Aren't our kind of folks.'

Jem takes her into another room to help cheer her up, and also shows that he is beginning to mature, and recognizes the social classes in their small community. He also explains that, the more he thought of Boo Radley, he realized that maybe he wants to stay inside, away from the prejudice.

Chapter 24 Summary Scout is once again introduced to Aunt Alexandra's Missionary circle in this chapter. With summer coming to a close, Jem was horrified when Dill informed them he couldn't swim. They now spent their days at the creek, not allowing Scout to come beacuse they were skinny dipping. Thus. Scout spent her days with Calpurnia, who was currently serving Aunt Alexandra's Missionary circle. When the women adjourned for their refreshments, Scout helped bring in a coffee pitcher and served the women of the circle. She was quickly told to stay by Aunt Alexandra, and she sat down, listening to the gossip. Although Scout was unable to understand most if the conversation, the hypocracy of most of the group members quickly became known through their tale of J Grimes Everett. Atticus unexpectedly returns early, calling Aunt Alexandra, Calpurnia, and Scout into the kitchen away from their guests. He delivers shocking news, 'Tom is dead.' He was killed trying to escape from prison, as he knew his penalty was going to be death. Atticus takes Calpurnia to go tell Helen the grime news. Even under the harsh situation, Aunt Alexandra returns to the circle as if nothing had happened. Scout, admiring her Aunt for one of the first times, comes back just as lady-like as Alexandra.

Chapter 25 Summary Jem hints at his growing maturity in the beginning of this chapter when he denies Scout the opportunity to smash a roly-poly, starting that, 'It never did anything to harm you.'

With Dill gone, Scout begins to reminisce about his time spent here, ultimately leading to Dill's story about Atticus informing Helen about her husband's death. The story begins like this.

Barker's Eddy, the creek where Jem had trained Dill, was a short walk from the highway, where it was simple to catch a ride off a passing motorist back into town. Dill and Jem planned to do this, and as they got on the highway, they quickly flagged down a car. Atticus, as it turned out, was behind the wheel, with Calpurnia in the back. He finally allowed them to let them get in the car, stating that he won't go home for awhile. He then told them the news about Tom.

As they reached Tom Robinson's house, Dill saw a crowd of children p[laying in his yard. Atticus told one of them to get Helen. When they told her the news, she fell to the ground, and they had to carry her inside. Atticus came out alone.

There was no more news or gossip about Tom's death before the Maycomb Tribune came out. There was an obituary in the news, but, what was more important was the editorial that day. He lashed out, and was more bitter in his writing than Scout had ever seen. He stated that, 'Tom was dead the moment Mayella opened her mouth and hollered.'

= Chapter 26 Summary =

The hypocrisy of some of Maycomb's residents again becomes clear in this chapter. With summer over, Scout once again had to go to School, now at the 3rd grade. One day, they had a current event period, in which students would have to show the class a newspaper clipping. After one student talked about Hitler's current persecution of the jews, Miss Gates, the teacher, spoke up.

She told them about the concept of democracy, and how,'Over here we don’t believe in persecuting anybody. Persecution comes from people who are prejudiced.'

She goes on to rant about how she can't believe what Hitler is doing, and how we would never do that here. Scout, showing the she, too, is maturing, catches this, and asks Jem about this. She mentions that she heard Miss Gates saying that, 'It’s time somebody taught ’em a lesson, they were getting way above themselves, and the next thing they think they can do is marry us.'

Jem becomes furious, stating that he never wants to hear about the court case again.

= Chapter 27 Summary =

Things began to quiet, with no new events except for three strange occurrences. The first was an attempted break-in to Judge Taylor's home, the burglar could not be identified. The other occurrence was not as shadowy as the previous; being Bob Ewell's harassment of Helen Robinson. He did this in plain daylight, as Helen went to work. This was quickly put down by Link Deas, who had employed Helen out of pity as his cook. The third was even more known than his harassment of Helen. It was said that within the course of a few days, Bob both obtained and was fired from said job from the WPA on the grounds of laziness.

Thus, Maycomb went on, with no new affairs to gossip about except the upcoming changes that were to be made to Maycomb's Halloween traditions. This was due to a small incident last year; in which some young ruffians had hidden all the furniture belonging to a pair of deaf sister in their cellar, which was found only after a few hours of despair.

This year, Halloween would consist of several booths and events located at the highschool auditorium, including a small children's pageant created by Mrs. Merriweather. Scout was drafted into the ranks of the numerous other hapless children. The play, Maycomb County: Ad Astra per Aspera, was to star the children dressed as their county's various Agricultural products. Scout, who was to star as a ham, was to be escorted by Jem to the auditorium, as Atticus politely declined with as much tact as possible.

Thus, the two set off.

= Chapter 28 Summary =

As they began to pick their way towards the auditorium, which was separated to them only by the school yard, they began to realize the darkness of their surroundings, and Jem could only see Scout due to the shimmery reflection of the fat streaks on Scout's costume. They reached the auditorium, only after being jumped by Cecil Jacobs, who was walking with them, proud of having given them a fright.

After the night's festivities were over, in which Scout became the star of the show after she had fallen asleep during the pageant, Jem and Scout began to traverse home. Suddenly, the soft swish of cotton agasint grass became apparent, and they were given the strange sensation of being watched, and followed. It became apparent that it was not Cecil, and they realized that they could be followed due to shimmer off of Scout's costume.

As they reached the tree, their company quickly became violent, attacking the pair. Scout was unable to help due to her ham costume. She heard metal hit metal, and she was thrown to the ground. She heard the sounds of a scuffle, particularly a crack, whereupon she heard Jem scream. Soon, doing her best to aide Jem, was being attacked by the assailant, when suddenly, said man was violently thrown back, and Scout could not hear him anymore.

After a moment of despair, she heard a man, breathing heavily, pick up Jem, and slowly carry him,to the Finch household.

Atticus quickly came to help the man with Jem, and Dr Reynolds and Heck Tate were soon called. Dr Reynolds confirmed that Jem had broken his arm, and Heck Tate notified them that Bob Ewell was dead, a knife stuck under his ribs.

= Chapter 29 Summary =

Atticus could not believe that Robert Ewell had attacked them, let alone his death during the attempt. At inspection at Mr Ewell's body, heck noticed a small detail. Bob Ewell had puncture holes all over his body from Scout's costume when he had tried to attack her, and on closer inspection of her costume, they discovered a clean cut through the chicken-wire, which seemed to have saved her life the slash of Ewell's knife. Heck Tate asks Scout to tell her depiction of the attack. After telling them her story, and her firm belief that Jem had gotten back up and killed Mr. Ewell, Heck asked her about the man who brought Jem to the Finch home.

When she pointed to the man, she realized that he was, in fact, Mr. Arthur Radley.

=Chapter 30=

Scout, still in a daze about Boo's appearance, follows the three as they walk towards the porch to talk. She sits beside Boo, and listens to Atticus and Heck Tate debate Ewell's death. Atticus stubbornly believes that JEm killed Mr Ewell, and does not listen to Heck's different reasoning. Heck, however, has come to believe there is reasonable suspicion that Boo killed Ewell. He silently concludes that it would be easiest to protect Jem And Boo by saying that Mr Ewell fell on his knife. He departs, and Atticus thanks Boo for all he had done.

=Cahpter 31 summary=

With the commotion over, all that was left was Scout and Mr Arthur. She let him, almost as if she was leading a child, into Jem's room, for he wanted to say good bye. Boo hovered over Jem, with an expression as if he had never seen a boy before. With Scout's assurance, he timidly petted Jem, and then indicated he wanted to leave. As they reached the front steps, he finally spoke.

"Will you take me home?"

Boo, probably out for one of the first times of his life, was led to the Radley house by Scout. He let go of her, and slipped inside the door.

Scout never saw him again.