To Kill a Mockingbird - Introductory Overview

Narration Perspective

• Told from the perspective of Jean Louise Finch (Scout) as an adult.
• Recollection of her childhood in Maycomb, Alabama.

Main Characters

• Scout Finch (Jean Louise) - Starts the story at age six.
• Jem Finch - Scout's ten-year-old brother.
• Atticus Finch - Their widowed father, a lawyer.
• Calpurnia - The Finch family's cook.
• Dill - Friend of Scout and Jem.
• Boo Radley - Reclusive neighbor.

Setting

• Time begins in 1933.
• The family lives in Maycomb, Alabama.

Plot Overview

Introduction

• Atticus Finch works to instill good manners and respect for all people in his children.
• Scout, Jem, and Dill spend the summer spying on Boo Radley.

Rising Action

• Summer ends: Dill returns to Mississippi, Scout and Jem start school.
• Class Systems: Scout introduces various class divisions in Maycomb.
• Gifts from Boo: Sticks of gum and other gifts found in the oak tree's knothole.
• Sealed Knothole: Boo’s brother, Nathan Radley, fills it with cement.

Key Conflict

• Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping Mayella Ewell.
• Racial Tension: Case highlights racism and division in Maycomb.

Climax

• During the trial, it's clear Bob Ewell, Mayella's father, is the true criminal.
• Despite evidence, Tom Robinson is found guilty due to prejudice.

Falling Action

• Bob Ewell threatens Atticus.
• Tom Robinson's Death: Shot trying to escape from prison.

Resolution

• After a school play, Scout and Jem are attacked by Bob Ewell.
• Boo Radley saves them, and Bob Ewell is killed.
• Sheriff Tate and Atticus agree not to expose Boo Radley’s involvement in Ewell’s death.
• Scout walks Boo home, never to see him again.