To Kill A Mockingbird: Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1

In this chapter of To Kill A Mockingbird, Jem, Scout and Atticus are introduced. We are told Atticus is Jem and Scout's father, he is also a well-known lawyer and well respected man of Maycomb County.
Harper Lee describes their life, showing that the absence of their mother doesn't really affect Scout, as she was so young when she died. Although it does have an impression on the way she dresses and acts, because she doesn't have a mother to look up to. This is why I feel she is so tomboyish. From this we can tell, Atticus becomes stronger and a great parent, as he has to be his childrens role model. Also in this chapter we learn a lot about Dill from Scout, she constantly talks about him even when he is not there. This gives us the readers the impression he means a great deal to her.  Jem, Scout and Dill talk about The Radleys throughout this chapter, as they dont really know them. Here Harper Lees language goes in to great detail as her description is unusual and to the point. Page 19 is where Jem gives us his description of Boo Radley, which of course is completely made up and un true. It is a kids imagination running wild. As children they do not listen to what people think of the Radleys, this just makes them, as children want to know more about them.
Jems Description of Boo: Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch -(Pg 19)

Chapter Three (pg28-38)

Chapter three starts off with Scout fighting with Walter Cunningham and Jem trying to stop her. Jem tries to make it up to Walter by inviting him to dinner. As the three of them walk home past Boo Bradleys house Jem grows boastful and brags about the time he ran up to Boos house As Jem carries on trying to prove his manhood Scout gets jealous that Jem is getting all the attention and tries to embarrass him. (Pg29)

Once they arrive home and are eating dinner Scout notices that Walter puts syrup on his food. Scout is disgusted by this and suddenly becomes very prejudice towards Walter, which is one of the main themes throughout the novel. This upsets Calpurnia because she has faced prejudice for being black. 

In this chapter now that Scout has started school you are introduced to the Ewell family and Scouts teacher Miss Caroline. Miss Caroline is prejudice towards the class, as she doesnt understand what life is like in Maycomb or the childrens abilities.

Key Quote: Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it you wont understand him. Pg 35 Atticus advice to Scout on trying to understand people.

Chapter 4 page 38 to 47

Scout and Jem find chewing gum and other objects in the Radleys tree.

Dill, Jem and Scout play Boo Radley. Jem and Dill get the main parts of the game so scout is left with just the odd female part which shows prejudice from an early age obviously learnt from adults. When Jem finds out that Scout got the first gift (chewing gum) from the Radleys tree he shouts at her dont eat things you find and spit it out right now because he is trying to protect her and being a stand in dad whilst Atticus is at work or is too busy for them.

Chapter 5

In chapter 5, Scout is being rejected by Jem and Dill to come and play with them. This makes scout feel left out and not wanted and has no one to play with. Especially when Jem and Dill get the idea to go and give a note to Boo Radley, as Scout is as interested in him as they are and makes her very jealous. When they post the note to Boo Radley Atticus catches them and this is when his and Jems relationship starts to fail as Atticus tells Jem to basically respect peoples wishes and in this case Boo Radley. But Jem takes it badly and starts shouting at Atticus, as he knows he is right but the only way he can get back at Atticus is to tell him that he wishes to be not like him when he is older as he knows this would be the best way to win the argument.

  If he wanted to come out, he would. If he wanted to stay inside his own house he had the right to stay inside free from the attentions of inquisitive children.

Chapter 6 Page 56

          Chapter 6 takes place the night that Dill leaves Maycomb. In this chapter Jem and Scout start growing apart, this shows that they are maturing. I declare to the lord, youre getting more like a girl everyday (pg 58).

Jem and Dill have a bright idea to go and look through Boo Radleys window. Scout doesnt think it is a very good idea; Jem tries to get rid of her but she doesnt want to back down, she doesnt want to give Jem a reason for calling her a girl again. The three get into Boo Radleys garden, Mr Radley comes out. The three get away but Jem looses his trousers in the getaway.

He eventually remembered he was engaged to me, for he ran back out and kissed me swiftly in front of Jem (pg 61) this shows Dills maturity.

Scout says it was then, I suppose, that Jem and I first began to Part Company. (pg 62)She says this just before Jem goes back to the Radley place to retrieve his trousers. Jems white shirt dipped and bobbed like a small ghost dancing away to escape the coming morning. (pg 63) This is why Jem is going back, so that Atticus doesnt find out in the morning.

Chapter 7 (pg63)

In this chapter Jem tells Scout about the incident where he lost his trousers on the fence and they ripped, when the two went to the Radley Place and when he went back to retrieve them, they were mended, Jem tells Scout about this through his emotions.  Also school has re-started for Jem and Scout so its Scouts second year at school.  One main point is Nathan Radley fills the children’s tree with cement after they found soap, medal, gum and watch.  Nathan obviously knew about the children’s communication with Boo, so he filled in the tree to stop communication between these two different “worlds”.

Quote: “I tried to climb into Jem’s skin and walk round in it” (63)

            “When I went back they were folded across the fence . . . like they were expectin’ me” (64)

Ben Jarvis

Chapter 8 page 69

This chapter starts off with Scout and Jem seeing snow for the first time as it snows in Maycomb. Miss Maudie hates the snow as it kills her plants so Scout and Jem have and idea to take her snow as they want all the snow they can get to make a snowman, which they don't quite manage but get around it by making the base of the snowman out of dirt from their garden. After a long day of snow they go to bed tired and cold, to be woken up just after 1 o'clock in the morning, as there is a fire at Miss Maudies house. As they stand by the Radley house far enough away for their safety, without even noticing Boo kindly wraps Scout in a blanket to keep her warm. Later, after the fire is sorted, Atticus notices the blanket and guesses it was Boo. Jem is upset that he didn't see him and also can not believe Boo's kind gesture.

God he ain't ever harmed us. He ain't ever hurt us, he coulda cut my throat from ear to ear that night but he tried to mend my pants instead… he ain't ever hurt us

Kelly Herriot

Chapter 9 (pages 80 – 94)

In chapter nine Jem, Scout and Atticus visit their relatives for Christmas.  This chapter is also when the trial of Tom Robinson is first mentioned.  The theme of prejudice is very strong in this chapter, and it is damaging especially to Scout, as it comes from within the family. Atticus tells Uncle Jack not to worry about Scout’s swearing, and to ignore it. This shows his superior knowledge of children and how to deal with them.  Aunt Alexandra is introduced in this section as a character not particularly in Scout’s favour, which gives a more dramatic impact when she turns up unexpected later on in the novel.

“Now he’s turned out a nigger-lover we’ll never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb agin. He’s ruinin’ the family, that’s what he’s doin’.” Francis about Atticus, page 89  Emily Wright

Chapter 13(pg.132-140)

In this chapter Aunt Alexandra comes to stay, to help Atticus and  teach Jem and Scout to be grown ups,especially scout as she acts as a boy. 'Jems growing up now and you are too, we decided that it would be best for you to have some feminine influence'(pg133)

Also in this chapter scout talks about all the past families and history of Maycombs people  and how not many new people have arrived in the town.Also she talks about how well Aunt Alexandra has fitted in'Aunt Alexandra fitted into the world of Maycomb like a hand into a glove'(pg.137).

Hayley Meech. 

Chapter 10 (pgs 95-105)

Chapter 10 is the chapter where Atticus has to shoot the mad dog. The chapter starts with Scout being ashamed of Atticus because “our father didn’t do anything.” One Saturday, Jem and Scout were out with their air rifles when they saw Harry Johnson’s dog behaving strangely and ran to tell Calpurnia. Eventually the whole street was out to watch the dog look for a place to die. Atticus is the only person who can manage a dead shot from a distance but doesn’t want to do it because he doesn’t want his kids to think less of him. Atticus does it anyway even after Jem disobeyed his request to “stay inside son.” This scene contains very little dialogue and when it is used it’s only in very short sentences e.g. “Atticus.” “Yes.” “Nothin.” This shows the shock surrounding the whole situation as Jem can’t even bring himself to say anything- “ What’s the matter boy, can’t you talk.” This scene is important to the rest of the novel because Atticus shows that he’ll do what’s right even if people think of him differently. This is obviously a link to when he is the lawyer to a black man.
Quote: “I reckon if he’d wanted us to know it, he’da told us. If he was proud of it, he’da told us.” (pg 105) Name: Tim Leigh

Chapter 11 (p105-118)

This is the last chapter of section 1.  Jem trashes Mrs Dubose’s garden and as punishment has to read to her every day for a month, Scout goes with him.  They build up a hatred for Mrs Dubose because she treats them badly, keeps them too long and insults Atticus.  Jem ends up reading for longer than that and when he has finally finished Mrs Dubose dies.  She leaves Jem a present of a flower, which after a lecture from Atticus he keeps.  Mrs Dubose was described as courageous by Atticus because she went without morphine in her death bed, putting her through a lot of pain.  She did this all to stand up for what she believed in, which is Atticus’ idea of courage.

Quote: “I wanted you to see what true courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand” Atticus, p118

Michael Horrocks

Chapter 12, pages 121-132.

 Jem and Scout go to church with Calpurnia instead of Atticus because he is away, which means they go to her church. When they arrive they are greeted briefly with prejudice but are then welcomed. They find that although the service is similar to their usual one, there are differences in the way things happen like that they don’t use hymn books, as only four members can read.

 After the sermon, nobody is allowed to leave until they have collected for Helen Robinson between them. Scout asks what he is charged with, but Calpurnia says it is not her place to explain and she must ask Atticus what rape is. Scout asks if she can visit Calpurnia sometimes, and Calpurnia agrees. When they arrive home Aunt Alexandra is there.

 Important because it shows Jem and Scout what black American culture is like, and because Alexandra’s arrival has a big impact.

“Enamoured, upright, uncompromising, Aunt Alexandra was sitting in a rocking-chair exactly as if she had sat there every day of her life”     (Page 132)

Hannah Lewis

Chapter 14 (pg 140-150)

During this section the 3 main things which happen are:

1. Scout asks Atticus about what rape is and Aunt Alex says she doesn’t like Scouts Attitude.
2. Aunt Alex says she no longer wants Scout to visit Calpurnia.
3. Dill is found hiding under Scouts bed

By Scout asking Atticus this it is the final straw for Aunt Alex and she believes that Atticus has left her to long. ‘You’ve let things go too long..’ and believes by letting her visit Calpurnia she is having a bad influence as Calpurnia is black.  Later Scout becomes worried that a snake is under her bed but they soon find it to be Dill and he has run away from home because ‘having been bound in chains and let to die by his new father..’.

Becky Smith

(Pg. 150) Chapter 15

- Townspeople gather outside the Finch’s house to discuss the forthcoming trial of Tom Robinson
- Atticus and Jem have doubts about the trial due to the safety of the family
- Tom Robinson is moved to Maycomb county jail, Atticus and Mr. Underwood stay with him for his protection
- Children follow Atticus to the county jail
- Drunken racist arrive in cars looking for Tom Robinson and trouble
- Atticus tries to talk them out of it and doesn’t have  much effect
- Children emerge and are threatened by mob “I’ll send him home” a burly man said
- Atticus asks Jem to take the children home, Jem refuses  (* key moment)
- Scout talks the drunken mob out of it in a childish way, talking to the mob in a casual way, making them feel stupid by having a casual chat with them “Hey, Mr Cunningham. How’s your entailment getting’ along?”
- Drunken mob clear off looking ashamed and stupid

Key moment- when Jem stands up to Atticus it is the first time he’s ever done it. This is part of his coming of a man.

Characters- children’s curiosity gets them into trouble as we see in this chapter. This can be linked to their curiosity of Boo Radley. 

Tom Palmer

Summary of Chapter 16

          This chapter starts after the events of the night in the previous chapter. It is the night before Tom Robinson’s trial. When Jem and Scout get home Jem puts Scout in bed with him and tells her “Try to go to sleep, it’ll be all over after tomorrow, maybe.” He is hoping that all the trouble that has been caused by Atticus going to court for Tom will be over by tomorrow. Atticus thanks the children for showing up but only in a way to say that they did help but they shouldn’t have tried to.

          Later on in the chapter is the morning of the trial it talks about how many people are going to watch this trial, as it is such a big thing to the people of Maycomb. Jem explains to Dill about Mr Dolphus Raymond and how he prefers to live with black people and about his half cast children. Jem, Dill and Scout go to the courthouse despite Aunt Alexandra’s wishes for them not to go. The courtroom is full and really shows how there is a divide in the community between black and white people. The black people have their own balcony in the courthouse whereas white people can sit where they wish. This reflects a lot about society.

Key quote: “That proves something – that a gang of wild animals can be stopped, simply because they’re still human. Hmp, maybe we need a police force of children… you children last night made Walter Cunningham stand in my shoes for a minute. That was enough.”

Katy Peacock

Chapter 17   (page172-184)

The first main event is sheriff Heck Tate’s testimony, it shows prejudice in the law and justice system as Heck only hears the Ewell’s side of the story and then arrests Tom R before questioning him. When Atticus questions Heck it shows bravery on his part as he is questioning the judgement of a law carrying out citizen and this then shows Atticus as a strong Character as he is willing to go through with it.  Another main event is when scout describes judge Taylor to own the court showing white is the law. The next key event is Atticus questioning Mr Ewell as he goes red and appears afraid of Atticus showing his position as a lawyer and Bob Ewells guilt. Another point is the only reason Bob Ewell was believed is because he is white.

All the man…had that made him any better than his neighbours is that if scrubbed…his skin was white page 177

Becky Ridgway.

Chapter 18 (Pages 184-196)

“You makin’ fun o’ me?” (p. 184-190))

• Mayella says that Tom Robinson did a job for her, then hit her and raped her.
• Atticus’s questions reveal a picture of Mayella’s life

Mayella is frightened and tearful as she gives her evidence. When Atticus speak to her with his usual politeness she thinks he is mocking her, and she thinks he is making fan of her when he asks about her friends.

Gently Atticus build up a picture of Mayella’s impoverished, deprived life. We see the struggle to keep clean and clothed, the constant hunger and illnesses, the lack of education and the lack of love.

Mayella’s evidence (p.190-196)

• Atticus gets Mayella to repeat her story of what happened.
• Tom Robinson rises to be identified and his withered left arm is revealed.
• Mayella sticks to her story.
• She gets angry when Atticus continues to question her.

There is great tension in the moment when Tom Rises to his feet. Harper Lee creates dramatic effect by revealing his damaged arm only at this moment. Scout and Jem realise that Tom could not have his left hand to hit Mayella.  Mayella Blusters through a repeated account of what happened. She is silent when asked where the other children were, and is silent when Atticus suggests that her father was the one who beat her up.

Atticus feels compassion for Mayella.

Quote: “You makin’ fun o’ me?”

Patricio Sepulveda

Chapter 20

In chapter 20, there are two key events, and two themes these centre on. The first is the introduction of Dolphus Raymond, a character whose purpose is to illustrate the innocence in the child’s perspective of the books issues on race. He shows that the people of Maycomb are prejudiced into the thought that he cannot simply live the way he wishes, which is why he has to pretend to be a drunk in front of them. He also shows that children have a different perspective in that they are without the prejudices of an adult, and so understand a situation like his differently.

The second is Atticus’s closing statements of the trial. In this, he runs clearly over the facts that have just been presented, to prove without doubt that Tom Robinson is innocent. It is however a defining moment in Jem’s character as he truly believes that they are going to win. It is however in Atticus’s character that he should understand the towns prejudices more, and knows that they are to lose.

“We’re gonna win, Scout. I don’t see how we can’t.” - Jem (Pg. 208)

James Costigan

Chapter 21 (pg212-218)

The chapter begins with Atticus, Calpernia and Aunt Alexandra discovering that Scout and Jem had been in the courtroom and are mortified that they have heard the trail, never the less they are allowed to hear the verdict. All through the beginning half of the chapter Jem continually protests his confidence that, with the evidence Atticus has produced, the jury will find Tom Robinson not guilty. When the guilty verdict comes Jem cant believe it, however it is only him who is shocked by the outcome. Although Atticus may have been upset or angered by the verdict he is completely unsurprised and the Black community of Maycomb still show respect to him because they new the outcome was inevitable.

It is in this chapter Jem first starts to learn that despite any evidence or logic a white mans word will always be trusted over a black mans word.

Quote: Judge Taylor was polling the jury: Guilty guilty guilty guilty I peeked at Jem: his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each guilty was a separate stab between them

Chapter 22 (pg218)

The aftermath of the verdict. Quite an emotional and themed chapter: Jem is upset at the injustice of the hearing (justice & the law), Aunt Alexandra displays her sympathy by addressing Atticus as brother (family values), and the black community conveying their appreciation and gratitude by piling gifts on the Finches, despite the hard times (racial prejudice). Atticus is greatly touched, revealing more of his selfless and kind-hearted nature. Dill arrives and reports his Aunts and the town in generals  reaction. This reaction appears again through gossip led, of course, by Miss Stephanie Crawford. Miss Maudie seems to rescue them from her. She brings the children cake; Jem has his own slice, acknowledgement of his growth and development. She goes on to explain Judge Taylors motivation for naming Atticus as Toms lawyer, and the progress that Atticus has made. This brings strengthens respect towards him and weakens it towards Maycomb. Dill cynically voices this: ...aint one thing I can do about folks except laugh... (pg 222). Finally, Miss Stephanie delightedly reports the news that Bob Ewell has spat in Atticus face, and threatened to kill him.

..were making a step its just a baby step, but its a step (pg 222  Miss Maudie of Atticus work and the trial overall).

Rozii Eastoe  

Chapter 24

The women of maycomb have a meeting at Atticuss house, during the meeting they discuss things such as: how they think that their cooks are too moody and they should sack them if they dont cheer up, they call their black cooks darkys which shows that they have a racist streak in them, they ask Scout questions during their meeting, such as: what she wants to be when shes older, they all expect her to want to be a lawyer like Atticus but when she replies that she doesnt know what she wants to be they are all quite shocked. Mrs. Stephanie tells Scout of how she should wear dresses more often and embarrasses Scout, Miss Maudie shows her friendship and warmth towards Scout as when Mrs. Stephanie is mean to Scout Miss Maudie comforts her by putting her hand on her hand.

Scout says of how she prefers to be with the men rather than the women as she enjoys their company more unlike all the other women.

Atticus tells Calpurnia and Alexandra that Tom is now dead. He says of how Tom Robinson was shot during an exercise break at prison, they shot him because he tried to escape and they just saw him as another Negro. Atticus is very upset by this as he believes that he had a very good chance of being innocent in court.

Scout shows that her age has matured more in this chapter as she puts on a front with the women nearer the end of the chapter at the meeting even though shes shook up about the death of Tom Robinson. She plays at being polite and at the end of the chapter she even tries to accept that she has to play at being a lady.

Whats the matter?Aunt Alexandra asked, alarmed by the look on my fathers face. Toms dead   Page 241

Jade Hackwell

Chapter 25 (244)

This chapter focuses on the aftermath of Tom Robinsons death. The chapter explains that Tom Robinsons death was not all that important to Maycomb as a whole and that it was just another piece of news to put on the local paper. In the chapter Atticus visits Tom Robinsons family. At the end of the chapter Scout explains how much the Ewells have disturbed Maycomb and how Bob Ewells opinion on his death was that he was one down and about two more to go this shows just how much hatred Bob Ewell has towards the black community of Maycomb.

To Maycomb Toms death was typical. Typical of a nigger to cut and run

Chapter 26 (pages 248-253)

 In the first page of this chapter, Scout reflects on her dealings with Mr Nathan Radley, which was over a year ago now.  She then goes on to talk about the affects which the events of the summer have had on the neighbourhood and the way people talk about Atticus: their attitude must have been that neither of us could help having Atticus for a parent Scout, page 249.

Scout then describes the Current Events period which takes place once a week in her class. This consists of the children bringing in newspaper articles and explaining them to the rest of the class. Cecil Jacobs brings in a story about Adolf Hitler which leads to a class discussion about DEMOCRACY. Scout is curious when she gets home so she asks Atticus to clarify what she has learnt.

This chapter shows that Scout has matured and grown up; and it focuses on the issue of justice and law.

Quote: Persecution comes from people who are prejudiced. Miss Gates, page 251

Holly B

Chapter 27 (pgs 254-260)

Bob Ewell, having sworn revenge decides to settle a few unresolved differences, and complains to the Welfare Office of Atticus stealing his job. Judge Taylors house is broken into, and Helen Robinson is threatened by Bob Ewell. Mr Link Deas who is a good friend of Helen, warns Bob to say away from her otherwise he will take action.

It is now approaching Halloween and Maycomb seems to get back to normal. Scout now reports on little humorous incidences that happen, such as when Mrs Tutti and Frutti Barber, both deaf sisters are pranked when they have all their furniture moved into their cellar.

A pageant is organised, and Scout is given the role of a ‘Pork’, and is taken to the pageant by Jem.

Harper Lee has introduced humour into this chapter to release the seriousness of the previous trial. She has obviously not taken this chapter very seriously as she gives the two deaf sisters names of Tutti and Frutti, and Scout the role of a Pork.  A theme present in this chapter is courage, as Mr Link Deas sticks up for Helen, knowing what Bob is capable of. Atticus is aware of this, and is worried for Scout and Jems safety. 

Now hear me, Bob Ewell: if I hear one more peep outa my girl Helen Ill have you in jail before sundown! (Pg 255) If you dont think I mean it, just bother that girl again! (Pg 256) Mr Link Deas on Bob Ewell.

Thus began out longest journey together (Pg 260) Scout on Jem.

Jenny Mitchell

Chapter 28 (pg 260-start of 273)

In the pageant Scout falls asleep and misses her cue to get on stage showing that she is still young and bores easily. Scout is blamed for ruining of the pageant so she stays in her costume to avoid further embarrassment. Of course Scout is in her costume so she sees little so when on the way home through the woods they get attack and she sees very little of it all. Just before the fight between Jem and this person Jem yells at Scout to run showing that he cares for her and her safety, Jem not only does this but he fights till he is unconscious. Then without her fully realising someone else joins the fight this same person takes Jem home to be seen to after the attack this really shows the care this person had to want to carry Jem home. The doctor sees him giving good news that Jem after being attacked is alive with a broken arm. Then not long after the doctor leaves and Sheriff comes in, he explains what he saw including the dead body of Bob Ewell shocking a few members of the family.

Quote: hes dead, Mr Finch (pg 273)

Chapter 30

Pg277-pg283

Scout is formally introduced to Boo Radley. Dr Reynolds makes everyone leave Jems room so he can rest. So they go out to the porch and Atticus and Heck Tate discuss how Bob Ewell died, Atticus belives that Jem killed him by accident, but Heck Tate thinks that Jem is innocent and that Bob Ewell fell on his knife. Atticus thinks that Heck is trying to cover for Jem but Heck Tate is saying the truth. Then they went to the place where Bob Ewell died and Heck showed Atticus how it happened. Then Heck said that it was justice because he killed an innocent man and knows he is dead.

God damn it, Im not thinking of Jem!!

Pg281