To Kill a Mockingbird - Chapter 7 Summary

School Resumes

• Scout is now in second grade.
• Scout's Concern: Worried about Jem's bad mood.

Incident at the Radley House

• Jem's Confession:
  • He hasn't told Scout about the night he retrieved his torn pants.
  • Found the pants stitched and folded, implying someone (likely Boo Radley) was expecting him.

The Tree Knot-hole

• Discovery:
  • Scout and Jem find a ball of twine in the knot-hole of the tree on Radley property.
  • Jem believes someone is leaving these items specifically for them.
  • They start collecting these items and plan to write a thank-you note.

Knot-hole Cemented

• Disappointment:
  • The knot-hole is found cemented shut, preventing them from leaving their thank-you note.
• Confrontation with Nathan Radley:
  • Jem asks Nathan Radley about it.
  • Nathan claims the tree is sick and cementing is to "cure" it.
• Atticus' Opinion:
  • Atticus believes the tree looks healthy, but acknowledges Nathan might know better.

Jem's Growth and Realization

• Insight: Jem realizes Boo Radley is likely the one leaving the gifts.
• Emotional Response:
  • Upset that Nathan Radley sealed the knot-hole, cutting Boo's communication with the outside world.
  • Sad he couldn't express gratitude for the silent friendship.

Themes and Symbolism

• Maturity and Understanding:
  • Jem's understanding of Boo Radley's situation and intentions grows.
• Loss of Connection:
  • The cemented knot-hole symbolizes the end of a budding, silent friendship.