Chapter 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird

Summary

• Setting: The playground and Finch house.
• Main Characters: Scout, Jem, Walter Cunningham, Atticus, Calpurnia, Miss Caroline, Burris Ewell.

Key Events

Playground Incident

• Scout's Frustration: Takes out frustration on Walter Cunningham.
• Jem's Intervention: Stops Scout because Atticus defended Walter's father in court.
• Invitation: Jem invites Walter to lunch at their house.

Lunch at the Finch House

• Discussion: Walter holds his own discussing farming with Atticus.
• Scout's Behavior: Condescendingly asks Walter about pouring syrup on his food.
  • Calpurnia's Reaction: Scolds Scout for her rudeness and sends her to eat in the kitchen.

After Lunch

• Scout's Complaint: Seeks comfort from Atticus, claiming Calpurnia favors Jem.
• Atticus's Response: Insists on keeping Calpurnia, emphasizing her importance to the family.

Back at School

• Miss Caroline's Panic: Spots lice on Burris Ewell's head.
  • Burris's Defiance: Refuses to treat lice or return to school.
  • Ewell's Behavior: Shouts insults at Miss Caroline, making her cry.

Scout's Reflection

• Scout's Depression: Feels down about the day's events.
• Calpurnia's Kindness: Surprises Scout with her kindness as an apology.

Evening with Atticus

• Reading: Atticus reads with Scout, against Miss Caroline's wishes.
• Scout's Question: Asks if she can avoid school like Burris Ewell.
  • Atticus's Explanation: Explains the Ewells' special treatment but insists Scout must attend school.
  • Deal with Atticus: Agree to continue reading at night.

Themes and Insights

• Social Divisions: Scout's treatment of Walter highlights class differences.
• Calpurnia's Lesson: Emphasizes respect for all social classes.
• Atticus's Values: Acknowledges Calpurnia's role and shows his attitudes towards race.
• Ewell's Foreshadowing: Burris's behavior hints at future interactions with the Ewells, especially during the trial.

Conclusion

• Scout's Learning: Gains understanding of social divisions and respect outside the classroom.