To Kill a Mockingbird - Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Title: To Kill A Mockingbird
• Author: Harper Lee
• Published: 1960 by Harper Lee, renewed 1988
• Part 1 and Part 2 with multiple chapters

Chapter 1

• Narrator: Scout Finch
• Scout's brother Jem breaks his arm at nearly thirteen
• Mention of the Ewells, a family of low social standing
• Introduction of Dill, a friend and neighbor
• Boo Radley, a mysterious neighbor, becomes a fascination
• Simon Finch, ancestor, settles in Alabama
• Atticus Finch, Scout and Jem's father, a lawyer
• Maycomb described as a tired old town
• Calpurnia, the Finch family's cook
• Scout's mother passed away

Chapter 2

• Scout starts school
• Miss Caroline Fisher, Scout's teacher
• Scout accused of reading too well
• Introduction of Cunningham family; known for their poverty

Chapter 3

• Scout fights Walter Cunningham
• Walter invited to lunch at Finch's
• Calpurnia teaches Scout manners
• Burris Ewell introduced, symbolizing poor education and neglect

Chapter 4

• Scout finds items in a tree knot-hole
• Dill returns for the summer
• Boo Radley's mystery deepens

Chapter 5

• Scout spends time with Miss Maudie
• Atticus warns children about bothering Boo Radley

Chapter 6

• Jem, Scout, and Dill try to get Boo Radley to come out
• Boo Radley becomes a ghostly figure in the children's imaginations

Chapter 7

• Knot-hole presents more gifts
• Nathan Radley fills the knot-hole with cement

Chapter 8

• Snow in Maycomb
• Fire at Miss Maudie's house

Chapter 9

• Introduction of Tom Robinson's trial
• Finch family goes to Finch’s Landing

Chapter 10

• Atticus shoots a rabid dog, revealing his marksmanship
• Theme of courage and morality

Chapter 11

• Mrs. Dubose, a morphine addict, represents real courage

Chapter 12

• Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to her church
• Introduction of racial issues and Tom Robinson’s legal troubles

Chapter 13

• Aunt Alexandra moves in with the Finch family
• Focus on family heritage and social status

Chapter 14

• Scout learns more about racial tensions
• Aunt Alexandra's influence grows

Chapter 15

• Mob confronts Atticus at the jail
• Scout diffuses tension with innocence

Chapter 16

• Trial of Tom Robinson begins
• Community dynamics and racial prejudice are highlighted

Chapter 17-19

• Testimonies in the trial
• Bob Ewell accuses Tom Robinson
• Atticus defends Tom, highlighting racial injustice

Chapter 20-21

• Atticus’s closing argument
• Jury convicts Tom Robinson
• Stark portrayal of racial injustice

Chapter 22

• Community reacts to the trial verdict
• Jem struggles with understanding the injustice

Chapter 23

• Bob Ewell’s threat to Atticus
• Discussion of the legal system and racial biases

Chapter 24

• Atticus informs of Tom Robinson’s death
• Ladies’ missionary circle reflects societal hypocrisy

Chapter 25

• News of Tom's death reaches Maycomb
• Theme of racial injustice emphasized

Chapter 26

• School starts, Scout reflects on Boo Radley
• Continued exploration of moral education

Chapter 27

• Bob Ewell seeks revenge
• Helen Robinson harassed
• Halloween pageant planned

Chapter 28

• Halloween night attack on Jem and Scout
• Boo Radley saves the children

Chapter 29-31

• Boo Radley revealed as the children's savior
• Atticus and Heck Tate discuss Bob Ewell's death
• Atticus learns to see from others' perspectives
• Scout escorts Boo home

Themes and Motifs

• Racial injustice and prejudice
• Childhood innocence
• Moral and social conscience
• Courage and empathy

Conclusion

• Atticus teaches valuable life lessons
• Scout learns understanding and empathy
• Boo Radley’s character challenges preconceived notions
• The story ends with hope for understanding and justice