To Kill A Mockingbird Lecture Notes

Part One

Chapter 1

• Scout Finch narrates, reflecting on childhood.
• Jem, Scout's brother, had his arm broken at 13.
• Discussion on origins of events leading to Jem's accident.
• Introduction of Dill, who challenges Scout and Jem to bring Boo Radley out.
• Finch family background: Simon Finch, Maycomb setting.
• Atticus Finch, their father, works as a lawyer.

Chapter 2

• Dill goes back to Meridian.
• Scout's first day of school.
• Conflict with Miss Caroline, the teacher, over Scout's ability to read.
• Introduction of Walter Cunningham, a poor but proud child.

Chapter 3

• Scout fights Walter Cunningham.
• Jem invites Walter to lunch.
• Calpurnia scolds Scout for criticizing Walter’s eating habits.
• Burris Ewell introduced: attends school only on the first day.

Chapter 4

• Scout and Jem find gifts in the Radley tree.
• Dill returns for summer.
• Games surrounding Boo Radley.

Chapter 5

• Dill and Jem grow closer; Scout spends time with Miss Maudie.
• Miss Maudie's perspective on Boo Radley.
• Jem and Dill attempt to communicate with Boo.

Chapter 6

• Jem, Dill, and Scout try to spy on Boo Radley.
• Nathan Radley shoots at them.
• Jem loses his pants, returns for them later.

Chapter 7

• Jem finds his mended pants.
• More gifts appear in the Radley tree.
• Nathan Radley fills the tree hole with cement.

Chapter 8

• Maycomb experiences unexpected snow.
• Jem and Scout build a snowman.
• Miss Maudie's house catches fire.

Chapter 9

• Scout fights Cecil Jacobs over Atticus defending Tom Robinson.
• Christmas at Finch's Landing.
• Scout fights cousin Francis.

Chapter 10

• Atticus shoots a rabid dog, revealing his marksmanship skills.
• Theme: it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.

Chapter 11

• Mrs. Dubose, an old lady who insults Atticus.
• Jem destroys her camellias; has to read to her as punishment.
• Mrs. Dubose dies, reveals she was battling morphine addiction.

Part Two

Chapter 12

• Jem matures, starts distancing himself from Scout.
• Calpurnia takes Scout and Jem to her church.
• They face prejudice but are mostly welcomed.

Chapter 13

• Aunt Alexandra comes to stay with the Finches.
• Emphasis on family heritage and social status.

Chapter 14

• Scout learns about racism and social prejudice.
• Dill runs away from home, is hiding under Scout's bed.

Chapter 15

• Mob confronts Atticus at the jail; Scout diffuses the situation.

Chapter 16

• Tom Robinson’s trial begins.
• Scout, Jem, and Dill sneak into the courtroom.

Chapter 17

• Heck Tate testifies about Mayella Ewell's injuries.
• Bob Ewell testifies, accuses Tom Robinson of raping Mayella.

Chapter 18

• Mayella Ewell testifies, claiming Tom attacked her.
• Atticus questions Mayella, revealing inconsistencies.

Chapter 19

• Tom Robinson testifies, recounting his version of events.
• Reveals his crippled left arm, undermining Mayella's story.

Chapter 20

• Mr. Dolphus Raymond reveals his 'drunkenness' is an act.
• Atticus delivers his closing arguments to the jury.

Chapter 21

• Calpurnia finds the children at the courthouse.
• Verdict: Tom Robinson is found guilty.

Chapter 22

• Jem is devastated by the verdict.
• Neighbors bring food to Atticus, showing gratitude.

Chapter 23

• Bob Ewell spits on Atticus.
• Atticus explains the racism and justice system to Jem.

Chapter 24

• Aunt Alexandra's missionary circle meeting.
• News of Tom Robinson’s death: shot trying to escape prison.

Chapter 25

• Maycomb’s reaction to Tom's death.
• Mr. Underwood's editorial condemning the injustice.

Chapter 26

• School year begins, and Scout reflects on her teacher's hypocrisy.

Chapter 27

• Bob Ewell harasses Helen Robinson and Judge Taylor.
• Halloween carnival is planned.

Chapter 28

• Scout and Jem are attacked by Bob Ewell after the Halloween pageant.
• Boo Radley saves them, killing Ewell in the process.

Chapter 29

• Scout recounts the attack to Atticus and Heck Tate.
• Boo Radley emerges as the hero.

Chapter 30

• Debate over how to handle Bob Ewell's death.
• Decision made to protect Boo Radley from attention.

Chapter 31

• Scout escorts Boo Radley home, seeing the world from his perspective.
• Reflection on understanding and empathy.