To Kill a Mockingbird Summary (In 14 Minutes)

Introduction

• Presenter: Nate Seberg
• Show: One Day Ahead
• Video is a broad strokes summary with oversimplifications.
• More detailed series and teaching units available at OneDayAhead.com.

Key Points by Chapter

Chapter 1

• Narrator: 6-year-old Scout Finch.
• Setting: Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression.
• Characters Introduced:
  • Jem Finch (Scout's brother).
  • Atticus Finch (Their lawyer father).
  • Calpurnia (Nanny/mother figure).
  • Dill (Summer friend).
  • Boo Radley (Reclusive neighbor).
• Plot: Jem touches Boo's house on a dare.

Chapter 2

• School Incident: Scout's disastrous first day.
• Character Introduced: Walter Cunningham (poor but dignified).

Chapter 3

• School Incident: Burris Ewell is sent home for hygiene.

Chapter 4

• Discovery: Scout finds gum in a tree (gift from Boo).

Chapter 5

• Boo's Backstory: Explained by Miss Maudie to Scout.
• Incident: Atticus catches the kids trying to lure Boo out.

Chapter 6

• Dare: Kids try to see Boo at night.
• Incident: Jem loses pants; finds them mended later.

Chapter 7

• School: Scout hates second grade.
• Incident: Nathan Radley fills tree knot with cement.

Chapter 8

• Events: Snow in Maycomb; Miss Maudie's house fire.
• Mystery: Scout finds herself wrapped in Boo's blanket.

Chapter 9

• Theme Shift: Focus on racism and injustice.
• Incident: Scout is taunted for Atticus defending Tom Robinson.

Chapter 10

• Incident: Atticus shoots a rabid dog.

Chapter 11

• Character Introduced: Miss DuBose.
• Plot: Jem destroys her flowers, reads to her as punishment.
• Revelation: Miss DuBose was a morphine addict.

Chapter 12

• Event: Kids attend Calpurnia's black church.
• Character: Aunt Alexandra arrives.

Chapter 13

• Role: Alexandra helps with the upcoming trial.

Chapter 14

• Incident: Dill runs away, stays with Scout and Jem.

Chapter 15

• Tension: Mob threatens Tom Robinson.
• Resolution: Scout disperses the mob.

Chapter 16

• Trial: Begins; kids sit in the "colored balcony."

Chapter 17 - 19

• Trial Developments:
  • Bob Ewell and Mayella testify against Tom.
  • Atticus reveals flaws in their stories.
  • Tom's testimony differs drastically.

Chapter 20

• Conclusion: Atticus's final speech.

Chapter 21

• Verdict: Tom Robinson found guilty.

Chapter 22

• Aftermath: Community reaction; Bob Ewell threatens Atticus.

Chapter 23

• Family Dynamics: Class issues arise.

Chapter 24

• Missionary Tea: Criticism of Atticus; news of Tom's death.

Chapter 25

• Reactions: Helen Robinson learns of husband's death; Bob Ewell's threat.

Chapter 26

• Reflection: Scout's thoughts on Boo; irony in school.

Chapter 27

• Bob Ewell: Continues to harass people.

Chapter 28

• Attack: Bob Ewell attacks Scout and Jem.
• Resolution: Boo Radley saves them, killing Bob.

Chapter 29 - 31

• Truth Revealed: Heck Tate covers for Boo's actions.
• Boo's Goodbye: Scout walks Boo home.

Conclusion

• Overview of the plot and themes.
• Encouragement to read the full book and explore detailed content at OneDayAhead.com.