Chapter 25 of To Kill a Mockingbird - Summary

Key Events

• Atticus and Calpurnia:

  • Join Jem and Dill on their way back from swimming.
  • They are on their way to inform Helen Robinson about Tom's death.

• Helen Robinson's Reaction:

  • Helen collapses upon hearing the news of her husband, Tom Robinson's death.

• Spread of News:

  • Tom's death quickly circulates through the town of Maycomb.

Town's Reaction

• General Prejudice:

  • Many townspeople attribute Tom's attempted escape to stereotypical behaviors they associate with black men.
  • Some criticize Tom for not waiting for the outcome of his appeal.

• Braxton Underwood's Editorial:

  • Publisher of the Maycomb Tribune.
  • Writes an editorial condemning Tom's death, calling it a sin to kill cripples.
  • Compares Tom's death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds.

• Bob Ewell's Reaction:

  • Dismisses Tom's death with a sinister remark: "two more to go."
  • His comment suggests future threats and foreshadows potential danger.

Themes and Analysis

• Prejudice in Maycomb:

  • The varied reactions to Tom's death highlight the deep-seated racism and prejudice in the town.

• Hope for Change:

  • Braxton Underwood's editorial provides a glimmer of hope, suggesting a potential shift in societal attitudes.
  • The comparison to songbirds hints at an underlying awareness of the injustice faced by the black community.

Foreshadowing

• Bob Ewell's Threat:
  • His comment indicates possible trouble ahead, suggesting that he plans to continue causing harm.