To Kill a Mockingbird: Full Book Summary

Setting and Main Characters

• Setting: Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression
• Main Characters:
  • Scout Finch: Narrator, child living in Maycomb
  • Jem Finch: Scout's older brother
  • Atticus Finch: Their father, a lawyer
  • Dill: Friend of Scout and Jem
  • Boo Radley (Arthur): Mysterious neighbor

Plot Overview

Introduction

• Scout lives with Jem and Atticus in Maycomb.
• Town affected by the Great Depression, but the Finch family is relatively well-off.
• Jem, Scout, and Dill become friends; Dill is fascinated with Boo Radley.

Early Adventures

• Scout starts school, finds gifts in the Radley tree.
• Children play games about Boo Radley despite Atticus' disapproval.
• Nathan Radley shoots at them; mends Jem's pants, leaves gifts.

Rising Action

• Tom Robinson's Case:
  • Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell.
  • Finch children face social backlash due to Atticus defending Tom.
  • Calpurnia takes children to her Black church, warmly welcomed.
  • Aunt Alexandra moves in, Dill runs away to Maycomb.

Climax

• The trial begins, children witness it from the colored balcony.
• Atticus proves Tom's innocence, accusers are lying.
• Despite evidence, Tom is convicted by an all-white jury.

Falling Action

• Tom Robinson tries to escape prison, is shot dead.
• Jem's disillusionment with justice.
• Bob Ewell seeks revenge, menaces others.

Resolution

• Bob Ewell attacks Scout and Jem; Boo Radley saves them, kills Bob.
• Sheriff covers for Boo to protect him.
• Scout learns empathy, understanding, and retains faith in human goodness.

Themes and Motifs

• Racism and Inequality: Central to Tom Robinson's trial.
• Growing Up: Scout and Jem's moral and social education.
• Empathy and Understanding: Atticus' key lessons to his kids.
• Courage: Demonstrated by Atticus and others.

Important Symbols

• Mockingbird: Represents innocence and goodness.
• Boo Radley: Symbol of misunderstanding and fear.

Conclusion

• Scout develops a deeper understanding and empathy by the end of the novel.
• Atticus' teachings leave a lasting impact on Scout's moral compass.