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TO KILL A
By Harper Lee
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MOCKINGBIRD
AnalysisNotes
Chapter 1
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Important Ideas: SettingThis novel is set between 1933-1935 in Maycomb County Alabama. The setting is a rural town that has been hit by the Great Depression, so poverty and unemployment are widespread. The Finches are well-to-do in comparison to the other members of the town. Segregation between blacks and whites was also enforced at this time.
Chapter 1
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Important Ideas: Narrative Voice
The narrative voice used in this novel is unique. It is predominantly narrated by Scout Finch as a young child (between the age of five and nine), but from time to time the narrative shifts to show Scout’s adult recollection of the events of the novel. Using a child narrator allows the reader to see the events from an innocent perspective, while also understanding, from adult experience, many things that Scout does not.
Chapter 1
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Literary Elements: Flashback
The literary device of flashback is employed immediately when the story begins. Although the reader is not transported to a different time in the past, Scout begins the story by bringing the reader back to the past when Jem broke his arm when he was thirteen. The story is then immediately brought back to the present and the novel will explain the “events leading to his accident” (3).
Chapter 1
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Theme: Innocence vs. ExperienceThe first chapter focuses on the carefree childhood experience of Dill, Scout and Jem. Keep in mind as the novel progresses, that you may see more serious ‘adult’ topics surface. One of the main themes of this novel is the process of growing up and the development from innocence to experience. This is reflected in the narrative, as the first chapter focuses on the innocence and carefree nature of childhood. This will gradually change and the narrative will focus more on the darker and more serious aspects of the adult experience.
Chapter 1
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Character Development: Boo Radley
The focus of the first chapter is on the children’s interest in Boo Radley and why he does
not leave his home. The children discuss the stories and superstitions that they have heard (stabbing his
father, eating animals, being evil). The reader understands that there is probably more to
Boo’s life story than the children reveal.
Chapter 2-3
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Theme: Education Scout’s first days of school provide a commentary on the theme of education. Miss Caroline’s inexperience and methods of teaching are presented as illogical and inadequate. Firstly, Scout is reprimanded for her intelligence and ability to read, while Burris Ewell is permitted to attend one day a year and not return. This example shows that the education system does not meet the needs of either student and leads to great frustration in Scout. While Atticus tells Scout to put herself in Miss Caroline’s shoes, it is clear that Miss Caroline will not do the same. She adheres strictly and rigidly to her teaching methodologies rather than learning from her classroom experience and putting herself in Scout’s shoes.
Chapter 2-3
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Character Development: Scout
While in chapter one, the reader sees Scout enjoying her innocence in a carefree
summer, these chapters show her transition into the adult
world. Her actions have good intentions, but are often met with harsh reprimands from
the adult world. For instance, she attempts to explain Walter Cunningham’s poverty to Miss Caroline and is punished as a
result.
Chapter 2-3
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Theme: Social and Economic Class (Inequalities)The introduction of the Cunningham family in these chapters is the first glimpse into the division of social class in Maycomb. While we know the story is set during The Great Depression, the reader has only been exposed to the upper-class Finch family. These chapters introduce the Cunningham family, a large population of poor farmers, and the Ewells, lower-class and more impoverished than the Cunningham family. There is also a correlation between morality and status. Atticus is presented as morally sound, while the Ewells are presented as ignorant, temperamental, and villainous.
Chapter 4-6
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Character Development: Boo Radley
Although Boo’s character does not play a direct role in these chapters, his character begins to develop from a monster as he is portrayed in chapter 1, to a human being. Through the Boo Radley game the children play, the gifts that he presumably leaves in the tree outside his house, and Miss Maudie’s description of him as a nice boy who suffered under a dictatorially religious family the reader begins to see Boo as a more sympathetic character.
Chapter 4-6
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Character Development: Miss Maudie
Miss Maudie is one of the novel’s strongest female characters. She stands out from the other members of her community as someone who has a sense of justice and equality. She becomes a foil to the other women in the community who are incessant gossips. Miss Maudie becomes a positive mother figure for the children and provides Scout with understanding and companionship.
Chapter 7-8
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Character Development: Jem In these chapters, the reader begins to see the difference in experience and maturity between Scout and Jem. When Nathan Radley puts cement in the tree, Scout is disappointed because they will no longer receive gifts. Jem, on the other hand, understands the more mature implications of this action. He realizes, especially when Atticus confirms the tree is not dying, that Nathan has deprived Boo of the one connection that he had with the outside world. This is the first indication of Jem’s growing up to see the injustices of the world. This will continue to play a thematic role as the novel progresses.
Chapter 7-8
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Character Development: Jem
In these chapters, the reader begins to see the difference in experience and maturity between Scout and Jem.
When Nathan Radley puts cement in the tree, Scout is disappointed because they will no longer receive gifts. Jem, on the other hand, understands the more mature
implications of this action. He realizes, especially when Atticus confirms the tree is not dying, that Nathan has
deprived Boo of the one connection that he had with the outside world. This is the first indication of Jem’s growing up to see the injustices of the world. This will continue to
play a thematic role as the novel progresses.
Chapter 9-11
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Theme: Innocence vs ExperienceAfter the fire in the previous chapters, there is a shift in the narrative. While most of the first part of the novel focuses on the childhood innocence of Scout, Jem, and Dill, after the fire, the children are thrust into the adult world of the trial of Tom Robinson. The children begin to see the hatred and ignorance of the town in their condemnation of Atticus for defending a black man. As a result, the children become targets of this anger as well. While the first part of the novel presents a small sleepy town of mostly positive figures, this trial brings out the deep rooted racism of this southern town. Even members of the Finch family (Alexandra, Francis) are critical of Atticus’ decision.
Chapter 9-11
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Theme: The Impact of Parents on Instilling Values These chapters show the impact that parents have on instilling
values in their children. Atticus consciously makes parenting decisions in an attempt to instill values of justice and self-control, two values that are lacking in many Maycomb citizens. One example of this is that he tells his children to not fight back to those who attack them verbally, but to instead show quiet courage. He also tells the children that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird as they are innocent and only make beautiful music for us to listen to. This develops as an important symbol later in the novel.
Chapter 9-11
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Theme: Courage
In these chapters, Scout only begins to view Atticus as courageous after he protects them by shooting the mad dog with one shot. It is clear that Atticus does not consider this to be real courage. He, instead, sees Mrs. Dubose as courageous as she fought against her morphine addiction until her death. He says that real courage is “when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what”. This relates to Atticus’ decision to defend Tom Robinson. He may feel that there is no way that a white jury will not convict a black man, but he feels he must defend him regardless.
Chapter 12-13
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Important Ideas: Introduction Of The Black CommunityThe children’s visit to the church is the reader’s first opportunity to see the black community in Maycomb. Up until now, the reader has mostly seen the black population from the racist white perspective, while these chapters portray the black community in a realistic and positive light. It is clear that they face poverty and other adversities, yet their closeness forms a strong community bond. For instance, although they have very little money, they still contribute what little they have to help Tom Robinson’s wife. This chapter allows the reader to identify with this community in a way that makes them see many of the white folks in Maycomb as ignorant and cruel.
Chapter 12-13
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Important Ideas: Language
The visit to the First Purchase Church also shows the reader that language divides the two races of Maycomb. This is demonstrated in Calpurnia’s change in language between the church and the Finch’s household. She becomes a bridge between the two worlds in which she lives, and Scout and Jem are able to see through this apparent change that language another way in which the two races are divided.
Chapter 12-13
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Character Development: Aunt Alexandra
In these chapters, the reader sees that Aunt Alexandra possesses many of the unappealing qualities held by the women of Maycomb. She is narrow-minded and rigid.
She relies strongly on social order and is very opinionated on Atticus’ methods of parenting. Aunt
Alexandra does; however, have redeeming qualities that make her different from the other women in town. She has good intentions and wants to make sure that the children grow up properly with pride in their family.
Although she does not always seem to be a sympathetic character, it is clear that she does care deeply for the
members of her family.
Chapter 14-15
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Important Ideas: Parenting
Dill’s reappearance in these chapters reminds the reader of Scout and Jem’s good fortune with regards to family. They have a loving father who is very involved and Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra who care deeply about them. Dill’s parents, on the other hand, treat him with indifference, which leads him to hop on a train and run away from home.
Chapter 14-15
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Theme: Innocence vs ExperienceWhile two years earlier, Jem Scout and Dill’s lives were focused solely on summer games and childhood fantasies, their lives are now dominated by the adult world of the Tom Robinson court case. The lynch mob symbolizes Jem’s first transition into adulthood as he refuses to leave Atticus although repeatedly told to do so. Although he is disobedient to his father, he makes this decision with maturity and thought, as he knows that Atticus is in danger. This is starkly contrasted by Scout’s innocent perspective on the situation. She is blissfully unaware the seriousness of the situation, and spends the time chatting with Mr. Cunningham about his son.
Chapter 16-17
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Important Ideas: The Trial
The trial of Tom Robinson reveals even more clearly the inequalities of this community. While the focus is on this particular case, it will become clear that it is Maycomb that is truly on trial. The courtroom is segregated by race, and it is symbolic that Jem, Scout and Dill sit in the ‘colored section’, as they do not hold the racist views of those sitting in the ‘white section’. It is also fitting that Miss Maudie does not attend the trial, as she too does not hold the racist views of the rest of the community.
Chapter 16-17
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Theme: Innocence vs Experience
Jem, although transitioning into maturity, still holds on to the illusion of fairness and equality in Maycomb. While the reader knows that Tom Robinson will most likely be found guilty, Jem still believes that his father’s evidence and examinations will lead to a successful outcome. When Atticus reveals that Bob Ewell is left-handed, Jem is convinced that Atticus has won, but the reader’s experience allows them to know better.
Chapter 16-17
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Character Development: Bob Ewell
Bob Ewell represents the prejudiced, intolerant, ignorant Maycomb. Although Bob himself possesses these qualities, it is his role in the trial that further reveals that Maycomb is plagued by racism. The town looks down on Bob Ewell as a lazy, abusive drunk, yet the community members and jury give him the power to destroy Tom Robinson, an innocent man on trial for his life.
Chapter 18-19
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Important Ideas: Mockingbird
The symbol of the mockingbird plays an important role in the novel. Atticus says that you should not kill a mockingbird because they don’t do anything but make beautiful music. They are innocent. Mayella Ewell is a kind of mockingbird in this story. She has been influenced by the poverty, ignorance, and hatred in her life, but she is presented as a victim. She must suffer the abuse of her father, and deal with her difficult siblings. She has no friends and is incredibly lonely. While Mayella is a victim, the reader can have little sympathy for her as she has victimized another innocent, Tom Robinson, in an attempt to cover her shame.
Chapter 18-19
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Important Ideas: Mockingbird
Tom Robinson is also a kind of mockingbird in the novel. He is honest, good, and hardworking. He is an innocent, and shows compassion for Mayella, yet he is put on trial for his life as a result. Mr. Gilmer treats him with complete disrespect simply because of his race, and the reader knows that although he is innocent, he will be convicted simply because he is black.
Chapter 20-22
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Characterization: Mr. Dolphus Raymond
Mr. Dolphus Raymond goes against social norms and has children with a black woman. The community criticizes him for his decisions, but blame his lifestyle on his alcoholism. The reader learns in these chapters that he pretends to be a drunk to rationalize his decisions for the white community in Maycomb, but in reality he simply prefers the company of black people. He never explains why he prefers black people just as the white community never really explains why they hate black people. The difference is that the community attempts to impose these views on others, while Raymond live his life and does not dictate how others should live theirs. The fact that Mr. Raymond is outside the courtroom is also fitting because, like Miss Maudie, he does not hold the racist views of the rest of the white community.
Chapter 20-22
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Theme: Morality
While Mr. Raymond can only see the evil racist side of Maycomb’s white population, Atticus holds more hope for humanity and can see the good in people. His closing argument to the jury shows that he has confidence in their morality and he does not have a defeatist attitude. Atticus understands that people are capable of both good and evil, and has faith that the good qualities of humanity. He attempts to transmit this perspective to his children.
Chapter 20-22
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Theme: Innocence vs Experience
While Scout is able to remain resilient and hold a positive and innocent perspective after the trial, Jem’s idealistic illusions about justice are broken after the verdict is revealed. He is
exposed to the harsh realities of adulthood and experience.
Chapter 23-25
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Theme: Empathy
Atticus, at different points in the novel, advises his children to stand in another person’s shoes. In these chapters, he tells Jem to see things from Bob Ewell’s perspective. This advice has been apt at other points in the novel, when Scout has a conflict with her teacher for instance. This time; however, Atticus’ faith in human goodness fails as he is not able to fully grasp Bob’s anger towards him.
Chapter 23-25
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Theme: Innocence vs Experience
Jem and Scout are both entering the world of adult experience in
these chapters. Jem’s conversation with Atticus about the judicial system reveals the
harsh realities of human nature, but also shows some hope when
Atticus tells him that a Cunningham on the jury wanted
to acquit Tom.
Chapter 23-25
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Theme: Innocence vs Experience
Scout’s argument with Aunt Alexandra about Walter Cunningham is also a shift from innocence to experience. Scout is exposed to the realities of social class. She also begins to understand the hypocrisy of the members of the community. For instance, she notes that Mrs. Merriweather cries over the oppressed in Africa, yet shows racism towards the oppressed black community in Maycomb. Scout has not yet fully grown into experience as Jem has. This is shown in the incident with the roly-poly bug. Scout wants to kill the bug, but Jem says no as he is sensitive to those who are oppressed and defenseless.
Chapter 23-25
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Important Ideas: MockingbirdTom Robinson’s death demonstrates his role as a mockingbird in
this novel. Tom is an innocent, yet he is tragically killed as a result of his race. Mr. Underwood says that his death is like “the
senseless slaughter of songbirds” which is an obvious reference to the title of the novel, and Atticus’ earlier advice to the children to
not kill mockingbirds.
Chapter 26-27
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Theme: Innocence vs Experience
The references made to Boo Radley in these chapters show the children’s transition into the adult world. While the Radley house used to be a source of complete terror, the children have been exposed to more serious adult fears like Bob Ewell’s threats, so their youthful fear of Boo has somewhat dissipated. These references also serve to bring Boo Radley back to the reader’s mind as the narrative has focused so heavily on the trial.
Chapter 26-27
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Writing Style: Tension and Suspense
Lee uses suspense and builds tension with Bob Ewell’s threats. The reader anticipates that he will attempt something against the Finch’s, but Lee postpones this and uses foreshadowing to hold the reader’s attention.
Chapter 28-31
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Literary Elements: Foreshadowing
Lee foreshadows the eventual attack in these chapters in a couple of different ways. Firstly, Aunt Alexandra feels a sense of foreboding before Jem and Scout leave for the school Halloween party. Also, Cecil Jacob scares the children in the dark on the way to the party. These events foreshadow Bob Ewell’s attack on the children on their way home by giving clues to the reader.
Happy Halloween!
Chapter 28-31
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Characterization: Bob Ewell
Bob’s attack on the children further reveals his character as a malicious coward. When Lee foreshadows an attack, the reader assumes that he will go after Atticus as he threatened. While Bob is not portrayed as a positive character throughout the novel, his attack on the defenseless and innocent children reveals how despicable a man he really is.
Chapter 28-31
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Character Development: Boo Radley
Boo Radley’s entrance in these chapters solidifies him as a sympathetic and caring character as he saves the children from Bob Ewell’s attacks. Boo becomes a real person to the children as a result of these actions, but he also proves that goodness exists in the world.
Chapter 28-31
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Character Development: Scout When Scout discovers that it was Boo who saved her, he transforms from a childhood ghost to a human being. When Scout says “Hey, Boo” the reader sees that Scout is on the way to developing a more adult experienced perspective on the world. Scout’s maturity is fully demonstrated when Atticus asks her if she understands that Bob Ewell fell on his knife. She says she understands because it would like shooting a mockingbird. This shows Scout’s transformation, as she is now able to see the world through Boo’s eyes and show empathy towards him. While Scout obviously matures in these chapters, the novel ends with her falling asleep to Atticus’ story. This image shows that she is still a child, but now has a more mature perspective on the world.
Chapter 28-31
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Literary Elements: Tone
The novel ends with a tone of cautious optimism. Although a great deal of evil exists in the world, the
tone of the final chapters shows that the evil is balanced by faith in the goodness of humanity.
