To Kill a Mockingbird Summary

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Here you will find a To Kill a Mockingbird summary (Harper Lee's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

To Kill a Mockingbird Summary Overview

In the quiet Alabama town of Maycomb, siblings Scout and Jem Finch enjoy a comfortable life despite the hardships of the Great Depression, thanks to their father Atticus Finch's standing as a respected lawyer. The siblings, along with their new friend Dill, become fascinated by their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley. The children's curiosity propels them into a series of adventures, including finding gifts seemingly left by Boo in a tree knothole and a risky exploration of the Radley property which ends with Jem's pants being mysteriously mended and hung over the fence. The serenity of their lives is disrupted when Atticus takes on the defense of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of sexually assaulting a white woman. This decision sparks outrage among the town's white community, exposing Jem and Scout to racial prejudice and hostility. During the trial, Atticus presents compelling evidence proving Tom's innocence, including that the injuries suffered by the accuser were inflicted by her own father. Despite this, the all-white jury convicts Tom, who is later killed while attempting to escape prison. This deeply affects Jem, causing him to question the fairness of the justice system. The aftermath of the trial brings further danger to the Finch family as the girl's father, Bob Ewell, seeks revenge on Atticus by trying to harm Jem and Scout. Their lives are saved by the unlikely hero, Boo Radley, who kills Ewell during the confrontation. The sheriff, to safeguard Boo, concludes that Ewell's death was accidental. Following the incident, Scout gains insight into Boo's secluded life and applies her father's wisdom of empathizing with others, affirming her belief in the inherent goodness of people despite her experiences with hatred and prejudice.

chapter 1

The narrative unfolds through the perspective of a young girl, Jean 'Scout' Louise Finch, who recounts the history and circumstances leading up to her older brother, Jem's arm injury. Scout traces their heritage back to their ancestor Simon Finch, an English apothecary and fur-trader who founded a successful farm, Finch’s Landing, after fleeing religious persecution. Atticus Finch, Scout's father, and his brother Jack were the first to deviate from farm life, pursuing law and medicine respectively, while their sister Alexandra maintained the farm. Atticus, a lawyer, lives comfortably despite the ongoing Great Depression in the sleepy town of Maycomb. His children, Scout and Jem, are primarily raised by their cook Calpurnia, since their mother passed away when Scout was two. In the summer of 1933, a young boy named Charles 'Dill' Baker Harris joins the scene. Staying with his aunt, Miss Rachel Haverford, Dill quickly becomes the Finches' main companion, despite his reluctance to discuss his absent father. Their summer is filled with acting out stories and eventually, Dill's curiosity about their reclusive neighbour, Boo Radley, takes over. Boo, a mysterious figure who hasn't been seen for years, lives in the dilapidated Radley Place. His seclusion began after a youthful brush with the law, followed by a violent incident involving his father and a pair of scissors. Despite suggestions of mental instability, Boo was never institutionalised, but remained in the same house with his brother, Nathan, after their father's death. Dill's fascination with Boo leads him to daring Jem to touch the Radley house. Jem does so, rushing back with no signs of disturbance from the house, although Scout believes she spots a slight movement from a shutter, suggesting someone was watching them.

chapter 2

As September rolls in, Dill departs from Maycomb to go back to Meridian, while Scout gets ready for her first day of school, an occasion she's been excited about. Her anticipation turns to disappointment when she encounters her teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher, who struggles with interacting with children. Scout's ability to read, a skill assumed to have been taught by Atticus, annoys Miss Caroline, causing her to make Scout feel guilty about her education. During the break, Scout expresses her frustrations to Jem, who dismisses it as Miss Caroline's experimental teaching method. The tension between Scout and Miss Caroline continues into the afternoon when Scout's classmate, Walter Cunningham, comes to school without lunch. Miss Caroline offers him money for lunch promising him to pay her back the next day, oblivious to the fact that Walter comes from a very poor family. The Cunninghams, despite their financial limitations, would pay Atticus with goods like hickory nuts and turnip greens for his legal services as they can't afford cash. They are so poor that Walter wouldn't be able to repay Miss Caroline or afford lunch. Scout's attempt to explain Walter's situation only confuses Miss Caroline, who, out of frustration, ends up hitting Scout's hand with a ruler.

chapter 3

Scout grapples with Walter in the schoolyard for landing her in trouble, but Jem steps in and invites Walter home for the midday meal. At the Finch residence, Walter and Atticus engage in a mature conversation about farming while Walter smothers his food with molasses, much to Scout's disgust. Her critique of Walter earns her a reprimand from Calpurnia who sends her into the kitchen for a scolding and even slaps her, advising her to act like a better hostess. Returning to school, they encounter a scare when a small insect, a "cootie," emerges from Burris Ewell's hair. Burris, a product of the ill-reputed and poorer Ewell family, only shows up on the first day of school annually to avoid legal issues. He exits the classroom, leaving behind a trail of cruel comments sufficient to reduce the teacher to tears. Back at home, Atticus notices Scout's distress and inquires about it. She confesses her reluctance to continue school and proposes home-schooling with him instead. Atticus explains that the law mandates her attendance at school, but agrees to preserve their reading times, as long as she keeps it a secret from her teacher. The chapter concludes with the poignant reminder that understanding someone truly requires an empathetic journey in their shoes.

chapter 4

Scout experiences a tedious school year, plagued by a sluggish curriculum that continually frustrates her. One day after school, she spots some tinfoil peeking out from a knothole in an oak tree near the Radley home. Upon investigating, she finds and chews two pieces of gum, a discovery she shares with her brother Jem, who responds in alarm, making her spit them out. However, on the final day of school, they uncover two old pennies in the same knothole, deciding to keep their findings. With the arrival of summer and the school term finished, Dill makes his return to Maycomb. Reunited, the trio of Dill, Scout, and Jem restart their playful exploits. An early endeavor involves taking turns rolling each other inside an old tire, with Scout's turn resulting in her landing near the Radley's steps, causing consternation. This incident inspires a new game, "Boo Radley", in which they stage increasingly intricate reenactments of the Radley family's lives. Their theatrics continue until Atticus discovers them and queries about the Radleys' involvement in their game. To avoid trouble, Jem fabricates a story, leading to Atticus's retreat indoors. This encounter leaves the children questioning the safety of their game.

chapter 5

Jem and Dill's bond intensifies while Scout grapples with feelings of exclusion. Therefore, she spends the majority of her time with their neighbor, Miss Maudie Atkinson, a widow skilled in gardening and baking, who was an old friend of Atticus's sibling, Jack. She advises Scout that Boo Radley is alive, having been subjected to severe parental control from his late "foot-washing" Baptist father, who considered most people destined for hell. Miss Maudie recalls Boo as a courteous and amiable child, dismissing most of the rumors about him as baseless, but speculates that he might have grown mad after enduring such hardship. During this time, Jem and Dill decide to invite Boo to join them for ice cream, attempting to convey the message through a note shoved in a window of the Radley Place via a fishing pole. However, their plan falls apart when Atticus discovers them and commands them to cease their actions, whether through notes or the "Boo Radley" game, insisting they stop harassing the man.

chapter 6

On Dill's final day in Maycomb, he and Jem decide to push the boundaries of Atticus's rules by venturing to the Radley Place. Accompanied by Scout, they stealthily traverse around the house, peeping through windows. Their mischief is cut short by the sight of a shadowy figure and the sound of a gunshot that sends them scurrying for safety. Jem's pants are left behind, snagged on a fence as they make their escape. Back at home, they find a group of adults from around the neighborhood, including their father Atticus, Miss Maudie, and the town gossip, Miss Stephanie Crawford. They are informed by Miss Maudie that Mr. Nathan Radley had fired his gun at an African American trespasser. Miss Stephanie adds to the tension by saying that Mr. Radley is lying in wait to fire his weapon once more at any noise. Atticus questions Jem about his missing pants and Dill quickly covers up with a tale of a strip poker game. Atticus is taken aback and inquires whether they had been playing cards, to which Jem clarifies that they were only using matches. Later that night, Jem boldly returns to the Radley Place to retrieve his abandoned trousers.

chapter 7

Shortly after the school year starts, Jem reveals to Scout that he found his trousers mysteriously repaired and neatly draped over the fence. On their return from school, they discover another surprise in the knothole: a gray twine ball. After no one claims it for a few days, they take it as their own. Scout's second-grade experience is as displeasing as the first, but Jem assures her that it will improve over time. As the autumn progresses, they find more gifts in the knothole: soap figures resembling them, chewing gum, a spelling bee medal, and an antiquated pocket watch. However, they discover the next day that the knothole has been cemented. When Jem questions Mr. Radley, Boo’s brother, he justifies it by claiming the tree was dying.

chapter 8

Maycomb experiences a true winter for the first time in many years, including a rare occurrence of light snowfall that leads to school closure. Jem and Scout transport snow from Miss Maudie's yard to their own and, due to the small amount of snow, they construct a dirt figure covered in the collected snow. The figure is made to resemble Mr. Avery, a disagreeable neighbor, so much so that Atticus insists they modify it. Jem uses Miss Maudie's sunhat and hedge clippers to do so, causing her annoyance. During the night, Atticus rouses Scout and accompanies her and Jem outside. They witness Miss Maudie's house ablaze. The community assists in saving her furniture and, although the arriving fire truck manages to prevent the fire from spreading, Miss Maudie's house is destroyed. Amid the chaos, Scout is covered with a blanket by an unknown person. Jem deduces that Boo Radley was the one who draped the blanket over Scout, prompting him to disclose to Atticus the story of the knothole, the gifts, and the repaired pants. At Atticus's advice, they decide to keep the incident to themselves. The realization that Boo Radley was near her causes Scout to feel sick. Undeterred by the loss of her house, Miss Maudie displays cheerfulness the next day. She shares with the children her dislike for her old house and reveals plans to construct a smaller one and cultivate a bigger garden. She expresses her desire to have witnessed Boo Radley covering Scout with the blanket.

chapter 9

Scout finds herself on the verge of a brawl with fellow student Cecil Jacobs at school after he insults her father, Atticus, with a racist comment. Atticus has taken on the seemingly impossible task of defending Tom Robinson, a Black man wrongfully accused of assaulting a white woman. Despite the odds, Atticus takes on the case in order to uphold his personal principles of justice and integrity. Over the festive season, the children's Uncle Jack arrives for a week-long visit. Scout, who has recently taken to using foul language, is reprimanded by Jack for her newly acquired bad habit. On Christmas day, Atticus, Jack, and the kids visit Finch’s Landing, the countryside home of Atticus's sister, Alexandra, and her family. Scout is unimpressed with Alexandra's prim demeanor and her insistence on traditional feminine attire, and she finds Alexandra's grandson Francis to be exceptionally dull. One evening, Francis insults Scout's friend Dill and belittles Atticus using a racial slur. Furious, Scout retaliates by attacking Francis. When Francis complains to the adults, Uncle Jack punishes Scout without first hearing her side of the story. Upon their return to Maycomb, Scout reveals the truth to Jack who becomes incensed. However, Scout asks him not to tell Atticus, respecting her father's request to not engage in fights over him. Jack agrees and upholds his promise. This chapter concludes with Scout overhearing a somber conversation between Atticus and Jack, revealing that while Atticus believes in Tom Robinson's innocence, he also acknowledges the bleak possibility of a racially biased jury acquitting him.

chapter 10

Despite being older and less physically active than other fathers in Maycomb, Atticus Finch astonishes his children, Scout and Jem, with his unexpected skills. A rabid dog strays into their neighborhood, posing a threat. Calpurnia, the housekeeper, calls for Atticus who arrives with Sheriff Heck Tate. Heck hands Atticus a rifle, instructing him to eliminate the threat. To his children’s bewilderment, Atticus effortlessly dispatches the dog from a significant distance, with a single shot. Subsequently, their neighbor Miss Maudie reveals to the siblings that Atticus, known as 'One-shot Finch', was renowned for his marksmanship in his youth. Though Scout is keen to boast about their father's feat, Jem persuades her to keep it a secret. He reasons that Atticus would have shared his past if he wanted them to know.

chapter 11

The house of Mrs. Dubose, an ill-tempered elderly woman, stands along the route to Maycomb’s commercial area. Jem and Scout typically face her verbal abuse during their passings. Although Atticus advises Jem to show patience towards Mrs. Dubose due to her age and ill health, Jem loses his cool when she insults Atticus. In anger, Jem destroys Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes with Scout's baton. As a penalty for his actions, Jem is required to read to Mrs. Dubose daily for a month. Scout joins him, and they put up with her harsh comments and strange episodes, which happen at the end of each reading. Each reading session progressively lasts longer than the previous one. About a month after the completion of Jem's punishment, Mrs. Dubose passes away. Atticus discloses to Jem that she was battling a morphine addiction and the reading sessions were part of her successful recovery process. Atticus hands over a box to Jem, a gift from Mrs. Dubose delivered through her maid, which contains a single white camellia.

chapter 12

Jem has turned twelve and began asserting his autonomy from Scout, causing her distress. She is further upset when Dill does not visit Maycomb, instead remaining in Meridian due to his mother's remarriage. Atticus, due to his role in the legislature, must commute to the state capital daily for two weeks, adding to Scout's disquiet. In an effort to distract the children, Calpurnia takes them to her African-American church, First Purchase, a place with historical significance as it was purchased with the initial earnings of freed slaves. While there, they face some criticism -- particularly from a woman named Lula -- for being white attendees, but are mostly welcomed warmly, especially by Reverend Sykes who mentions their father's reputation. The church, being poor with few literate members, conducts its hymnal singing by repeating lines read by Zeebo, Calpurnia's eldest son. During this service, a collection is raised for Helen, the wife of Tom Robinson, an accused rapist who is struggling to find work due to the stigma. Afterwards, Scout learns about Tom Robinson's accusation by the Ewells, and struggles to comprehend why anyone would trust the Ewell family. Upon their return home, the children are greeted by Aunt Alexandra.

chapter 13

Aunt Alexandra insists on residing with the children to provide them with female guidance. The town of Maycomb warmly welcomes her, with local women baking her cakes and inviting her for coffee. She quickly assimilates into the community's social life. Devotedly proud of the Finches, Alexandra spends considerable time analyzing the traits of Maycomb's various families. In Maycomb, an ancient town inhabited by the same families for generations, each family is defined by unique peculiarities and eccentricities. Yet, Jem and Scout do not exhibit the Finch pride that Aunt Alexandra deems necessary. She instructs Atticus to educate them on their family heritage. His earnest effort, however, only results in Scout shedding tears.

chapter 14

Jem and Scout find themselves the subjects of town gossip due to their father Atticus's role as defense lawyer in Tom Robinson's upcoming trial. Scout's curiosity about the term "rape" surfaces, leading to a discussion about the children's recent visit to Calpurnia’s church. Aunt Alexandra forbids Scout from returning the following Sunday and even attempts to persuade Atticus to dismiss Calpurnia, arguing her services are no longer needed. However, Atticus stands firm in his refusal. Later, Jem advises Scout not to provoke Alexandra, sparking a dispute between the siblings which Atticus resolves, sending them to bed. A surprising discovery is made when Scout finds something beneath her bed. She summons Jem and they find Dill hiding. Dill explains his decision to run away from home was due to his mother and stepfather's neglect. He elaborates on his journey from Meridian to Maycomb Junction, a distance he covered mostly on foot, hitching a ride on a cotton wagon for the last part. After informing Atticus of Dill's presence, Scout is instructed to offer Dill more substantial food than just corn bread, before Atticus goes next door to apprise Miss Rachel, Dill’s aunt, of his location. Dill then retires to Jem’s bed, shifts to Scout’s bed to discuss matters further after eating.

chapter 15

Seven days after Dill's arrival, Sheriff Heck Tate and his men visit Atticus's home at dusk. They reveal their intentions to relocate Tom Robinson to the local jail as his trial date approaches, sparking fears of a potential lynching. Later, Scout learns from Jem about a heated conversation between Alexandra and Atticus about the trial that almost culminated in Atticus being accused of disgrace to the family. The subsequent evening sees Atticus driving to the town center. Around 10 pm, Jem, Scout, and Dill surreptitiously follow him, observing from afar as he reads a newspaper outside the Maycomb jail. Opting not to disrupt Atticus, Jem suggests they return home. In a sudden turn of events, four vehicles converge near the jail, and a band of men emerge to confront Atticus. He defiantly refuses to leave his spot at the jail entrance, prompting Scout to rush out from her concealed location nearby. She realizes that this group is different from those who had visited their home the previous night. Jem and Dill join her as Atticus commands Jem to take them home, but Jem refuses. One of the men gives Atticus a 15-second ultimatum to get his children out of the area. Simultaneously, Scout spots Mr. Cunningham, the father of her schoolmate, in the crowd. Engaging him in a conversation about his son and his legal affairs, she asks him to pass on her greetings to his son. This initiates a silence amidst the crowd, and a visibly embarrassed Mr. Cunningham agrees to deliver her message, asking his friends to disperse. Mr. Underwood, the newspaper owner, then intervenes from a nearby window, armed with a shotgun, and declares his support for Atticus. After a brief exchange with Mr. Underwood, Atticus escorts the children home.

chapter 16

The following day marked the commencement of the trial, drawing in a multitude of spectators from various parts of the county. The courtroom was filled with townsfolk, including prominent figures like Miss Stephanie Crawford and Mr. Dolphus Raymond, a wealthy landowner with a peculiar lifestyle. Notably absent was Miss Maudie, who disapproved of the spectacle likening it to a Roman carnival. A significant portion of the crowd gathered in the town square to enjoy their lunch. In an attempt to avoid being identified by their father, Atticus, Jem, Scout, and Dill decided to join the crowd at the courthouse a little later. Their strategy wasn't entirely successful, as the only available seats were in the balcony section designated for Black people, offered to them by Reverend Sykes. Despite their unusual seating arrangement, they still had a clear view of the courtroom. Presiding over the trial was Judge Taylor, an elderly gentlemen known for his informal approach to court proceedings.

chapter 17

The trial unfolds as Heck Tate is questioned by the prosecutor, Mr. Gilmer. He recollects the events of November 21, when Bob Ewell insisted that him to visit the Ewell residence, alleging that his daughter, Mayella, had been assaulted by Tom Robinson. Upon his arrival, Tate found a battered Mayella who confirmed Ewell’s accusations. When cross-examined by Atticus, Tate concedes that a doctor was never called, and confirms that Mayella's injuries were primarily on the right side of her face. Following Tate’s testimony, Bob Ewell is called to the stand. Ewell and his brood reside in a dilapidated cabin near the town dump, their yard a sea of discarded items. The exact number of Ewell’s offspring is unknown to the community, and their unkempt yard oddly boasts a patch of carefully maintained geraniums, believed to belong to Mayella. A discourteous individual, Ewell recounts that he was returning from the woods with firewood when he heard Mayella's cries. He peered through a window to witness Tom Robinson assaulting her and after ensuring his daughter was okay, he raced to find the sheriff. Atticus cross-examines Ewell, questioning the absence of a doctor, which Ewell chalks up to financial constraints and lack of necessity. Atticus then asks Ewell to sign his name, revealing to the jury that Ewell is left-handed — a detail that increases the likelihood of him causing the injuries found on the right side of Mayella's face.

chapter 18

The trial progresses, captivating the entire town. Mayella, the next to testify, is a relatively tidy and visibly frightened 19-year-old girl by the Ewell family's standards. She tells the court that she invited Tom Robinson into her property to break up a dresser for a nickel. Once inside, she alleges, Robinson assaulted and violated her. During cross-examination, Atticus reveals Mayella's harsh life circumstances: seven uncooperative siblings, an alcoholic father, and a lack of friends. Atticus further scrutinizes her allegations, questioning her lack of resistance, the absence of her siblings during the incident, and crucially, how Robinson could have bruised her right cheek with his handicapped left hand, mangled by a cotton gin in his youth. He implores Mayella to confess that her father was her abuser, not Robinson. In response, she vehemently accuses the court of cowardice if they fail to convict Robinson and breaks down in tears, refusing to respond to further inquiries. During the following recess, Mr. Underwood spots Jem and Scout in the balcony. Jem assures Scout that the newspaper editor won't inform Atticus of their presence, though he may mention it in the newspaper's social section. As the prosecution wraps up, Atticus calls up his only witness: Tom Robinson.

chapter 19

Tom Robinson reveals to the court that he routinely passed by the Ewell residence on his way to work and Mayella frequently requested his help with various tasks. On the day in question, Mayella invited him into the house under the pretext of mending a door, but he quickly realized the door was not damaged. The absence of the other Ewell children was noticeable, and Mayella divulged that she had dispatched them to buy ice cream with her saved money. She then asked Tom to retrieve a box from a dresser. As he ascended onto a chair, Mayella clung to his legs. Alarmed, he jumped down, only for Mayella to encircle his waist and implore him to kiss her. A struggle ensued, and Mayella's father appeared, hurling derogatory insults at his daughter and making death threats. Tom escaped from the scene. As the proceedings continued, Link Deas, Tom's white employer, stood up to vouch for Tom's good character, asserting that Tom caused no trouble in his eight years of employment. However, Judge Taylor's furious response to the interruption led to Deas' ejection from the courtroom. Tom then faced a harsh cross-examination by Mr. Gilmer, the prosecutor. Mr. Gilmer highlighted Tom's past arrest for disorderly conduct and forced him to concede that he had the strength to violently attack a woman. The prosecutor peppered Tom with questions about his intentions behind consistently assisting Mayella until Tom stated he pitied her. This stirred discomfort among the courtroom as prevailing societal norms in Maycomb didn't allow a Black person to feel sorry for a white person. Mr. Gilmer then questioned the veracity of Tom's testimony, implying he had lied about the entire incident. Distraught by the harsh questioning, Dill began to cry, prompting Scout to usher him out of the courtroom. Once outside, Dill conveyed his disapproval of Mr. Gilmer's disrespectful treatment of Tom Robinson to Scout. During their walk, they ran into Mr. Dolphus Raymond, a wealthy white man known for his Black lover and mixed-race children.

chapter 20

Dolphus Raymond discloses that he's sipping not alcohol, but Coca-Cola from his paper bag. In an attempt to justify his unconventional lifestyle to the white community, he feigns alcoholism, explaining that he simply prefers the company of Black people over whites. He shares this secret with Dill and Scout, who are momentarily taken aback. As Dill and Scout reenter the courtroom, they catch Atticus in the midst of his closing arguments. He's methodically analyzing the evidence, shedding doubt on the prosecution's shaky case against Tom Robinson. Remarking on the lack of concrete medical proof and the unreliable testimonials of two inconsistent witnesses, Atticus presents an alternative narrative. He suggests that the true aggressor was Bob Ewell, not Tom, and that Mayella's accusations were a cover-up for her own guilt and humiliation after expressing forbidden desires towards a Black man. With a heartfelt plea, Atticus implores the jury to disregard the state's bias that paints all Black people as criminals, urging them to uphold justice by acquitting Tom Robinson. As his impassioned appeal concludes, Calpurnia unexpectedly enters the courtroom.

chapter 21

Atticus Finch receives a message from Calpurnia that his children have been absent since noon. Mr. Underwood reveals that Jem and Scout are situated in the designated balcony for the black community, having been there since the early afternoon. Atticus instructs them to go home and eat dinner but permits them to return post-dinner to hear the verdict, even though he anticipates the jury's decision will have been made by that time. Calpurnia escorts Jem, Scout, and Dill back home and they quickly finish their meal before returning to the court. The jury has yet to reach a decision, and the courtroom remains crowded. Night descends, yet the jury deliberations continue. Jem expresses his certainty of victory as Dill drifts off to sleep. Past eleven that night, the jury finally reappears. Scout recalls that a jury never makes eye contact with the convicted, and she observes their avoidance of Tom Robinson's gaze as they declare him guilty. As the courtroom begins to clear, everyone in the balcony set aside for black individuals stands up as a sign of respect when Atticus departs.

chapter 22

Overcome with sadness and frustration at the trial's outcome, Jem weeps. The following day, the Finches receive a massive amount of food from the Black community in Maycomb. Outside their home, Miss Stephanie Crawford, Mr. Avery, and Miss Maudie are engaged in conversation, and Miss Stephanie tries prying into the trial details with Jem and Scout. They are saved from her interrogation when Miss Maudie invites them in for cake. Jem expresses his disappointment in the community he once viewed as virtuous, his perception shattered by the unfairness of the trial. Miss Maudie, however, highlights the positive actions of some, such as Judge Taylor, who chose Atticus for the trial instead of the usual public defender. She also mentions the progress indicated by the jury deliberating longer than usual. As they exit Miss Maudie's house, they are met by Miss Stephanie who rushes to inform them of Bob Ewell's confrontation with their father that morning, during which he spat on Atticus and threatened him.

chapter 23

Atticus Finch remains unbothered by Bob Ewell's threats, believing Ewell has vented his anger at being humiliated in court. However, his children, Jem and Scout, as well as their Aunt Alexandra, remain anxious. Simultaneously, Tom Robinson, Atticus's client, is transferred to a distant prison to await his appeal. Atticus hopes for a pardon, but doesn't sugarcoat the grim reality if the appeal fails - Tom would face execution for rape, a capital crime in Alabama. Conversations between Jem, Scout, and Atticus delve into the justice system, particularly capital punishment and racial bias in trials. Atticus explains that white men's testimonies always triumph over Black men's in Alabama courts. He also shares that a jury member, surprisingly a Cunningham, wanted to acquit Tom. Scout's desire to invite young Walter Cunningham to dinner is sharply rejected by Aunt Alexandra, who holds firm social prejudices. An enraged Scout is escorted from the room by Jem, who reveals his new chest hair and his aspiration to join the football team. As they contemplate their Aunt's disdain for the Cunninghams, the latter's contempt for the Ewells, and the ubiquitous hatred against Black people, they grapple with understanding why people choose to despise each other. Jem speculates that Boo Radley might choose to isolate himself to avoid this hatred.

chapter 24

On an August afternoon, Aunt Alexandra hosts a gathering for her missionary circle. Scout assists Calpurnia in serving tea to the ladies, dressed in a more feminine attire than usual. Alexandra allows Scout to join them. The ladies' conversation begins with discussing the Mrunas, an African tribe struggling with poverty and being introduced to Christianity. The talk then shifts to the alleged poor behavior of their Black employees following Tom Robinson's trial. Miss Maudie interjects their conversation with her sharp comments. However, the gathering is interrupted when Atticus arrives, asking Alexandra to join him in the kitchen. There, he informs Alexandra, Scout, Calpurnia, and Miss Maudie of Tom Robinson's death. He was shot seventeen times during an attempted escape. Atticus takes Calpurnia with him to deliver the news to Robinson's family. Alexandra wonders aloud to Miss Maudie how the townspeople can stand by while Atticus exhausts himself in his quest for justice. Maudie responds that it's because they trust him to do the right thing. The women, including Scout, return to the missionary circle, hiding the unfortunate news and maintaining a semblance of normality.

chapter 25

As September rolls in, Jem and Scout enjoy their time on the back porch. Scout finds a roly-poly bug and is prepared to squash it when Jem intervenes. He convinces her to release it, arguing the bug had done her no wrong. Scout finds this behavior rather feminine, making her think of Dill. She recalls how he shared that he and Jem had encountered Atticus on their way back from swimming. Persuading Atticus, they went with him to Helen Robinson’s home. They witnessed her shattering collapse before Atticus could break the news of her husband Tom's death. The incident holds Maycomb’s interest for a brief period, with the majority concluding that a Black man attempting to escape was a common occurrence. Mr. Underwood, however, expresses his dissent through a lengthy editorial, branding Tom’s death as the killing of an innocent. Bob Ewell's ominous comment that Tom’s death meant “one down and about two more to go” stirs further unease. As summer winds down, Dill departs, marking the end of their adventures for the season.

chapter 26

The academic year commences, and Jem and Scout's daily route to school once again takes them past the Radley's property. The house no longer instils fear in them, yet Scout harbors a lingering desire to meet Boo Radley. The aftermath of the trial still affects her. During a school day, Miss Gates, Scout's third-grade teacher, imparts a lesson on Hitler's heinous treatment of the Jews and the importance of democracy and equality. Scout later confides in Jem her confusion about Miss Gates' alleged hypocrisy for advocating equality while making disparaging comments about the town's Black community after the trial. Jem, enraged by the mention of the trial, instructs Scout never to bring it up again. Distressed, Scout seeks solace in Atticus.

chapter 27

As October rolls on, Bob Ewell secures employment through a Depression-era job program, the WPA, but quickly loses it and blames Atticus for his misfortune. Around the same time, Judge Taylor experiences a disturbing incident at his home, discovering his screen door ajar and a shadowy figure retreating. Ewell begins to harass Helen Robinson, keeping his distance yet hurling obscene insults, until Deas intervenes and warns him off. Aunt Alexandra expresses concern about Ewell's apparent vendetta against those associated with the trial. On Halloween, the community organizes a party and theatrical production at the local school to prevent the unruly pranks that occurred the previous year when two elderly women's home was ransacked and their furniture hidden in the basement. The play is a food-themed pageant, seeing Scout dressed as a ham using wire mesh. Being too fatigued to attend the celebration, Atticus and Aunt Alexandra send Jem with Scout to the school.

chapter 28

As they walk to school in the dark, Jem and Scout are startled by Cecil Jacobs. He and Scout spend their time visiting a haunted house in a classroom and purchasing homemade sweets. As the pageant is about to begin, the children gather backstage. Scout has dozed off and misses her cue, rushing on stage late and causing raucous laughter from the audience. Accused of ruining the pageant, a humiliated Scout and Jem wait for the crowd to disperse before heading home. During their walk home, both hear sounds behind them, assuming it's Cecil again. However, when they call out, there is no response. They are almost to the road when they are pursued. Jem urges Scout to run, but she falls due to her cumbersome costume. In the ensuing struggle, her costume is torn, and she hears the sounds of a fight. Jem pulls her towards safety but is then dragged back. Scout hears a crunch and Jem's screams, and as she runs to help, she is grabbed. Then, their attacker is pulled away. Alone, Scout feels for Jem and instead finds a disheveled man reeking of alcohol. In the streetlight, she notices a figure carrying an unconscious Jem home. At home, Aunt Alexandra calls for Dr. Reynolds and Atticus informs Sheriff Tate about the attack on his children. Alexandra undresses Scout and reassures her that Jem is unconscious but alive. Dr. Reynolds examines Jem and confirms he has a broken arm and head injury, but will recover. Scout sees a man in the room she doesn't recognize. Heck Tate arrives and informs Atticus that Bob Ewell is dead with a knife wound.

chapter 29

Scout recounts her experiences, with Heck Tate presenting her outfit, bearing a mark from a knife attack that was thwarted by the wire. As she narrates how Jem was lifted and taken home, Scout truly observes the man in the corner. His pale complexion, ragged clothing, gaunt face, and lifeless eyes catch her attention. She comes to the shocking realization that the man is none other than Boo Radley.

chapter 30

While Scout escorts Boo, referred to as "Mr. Arthur," to the porch, a heated debate ensues in the shadows between Atticus and Heck Tate. Heck firmly maintains the narrative of an accidental death, while Atticus, under the impression Jem was the perpetrator, is against shielding his son from legal consequences. Heck, however, clarifies that it was Ewell who fatally fell on his knife, not Jem. Despite being aware of Boo's involvement in Ewell's death, Heck advocates for discretion, arguing that Boo should be spared further neighborhood scrutiny. He draws a parallel to the unjust death of Tom Robinson, asserting that the person responsible is now dead and concludes, "Let the dead bury the dead."

chapter 31

Atticus's wisdom rings true, it's impossible to truly understand someone until you metaphorically walk a mile in their shoes. Simply standing on the Radley porch was a profound experience for Scout. She escorts Boo upstairs, bids him goodnight as he visits Jem, then escorts him back home, never to be seen again. This brief interaction allows Scout to comprehend Boo's perspective on life. Upon returning home, she finds Atticus in Jem’s room, reading from Jem’s book until she dozes off. Scout reflects, "Upon seeing him, he hadn’t done anything wrong... Atticus, he was genuinely kind..." To which Atticus responds, "Yes, Scout, most people are when you truly see them."