Chapter 22: Kaela Towne

Summary:
That night, Jem cries, upset about the unfairness of the outcome of the trial. The next day, Maycomb’s black population delivers a large amount of food to the Finch household. Outside, Miss Stephanie Crawford is gossiping with Mr. Avery and Miss Maudie, and she tries to question Jem and Scout about the trial. Miss Maudie rescues the children by inviting them in for some cake. Jem complains that his picture of Maycomb have been shattered: he thought that these people were the best in the world, but, having seen the trial, he doesn’t think so anymore. Miss Maudie points out that there were people who tried to help, like Judge Taylor, who appointed Atticus to the case instead of the regular public defender. She adds that the jury’s staying out so long shows a sign of progress in race relations. As the children leave Miss Maudie’s house, Miss Stephanie runs over to tell them that Bob Ewell approached their father that morning, spat on him, and swore revenge.

Changes + Developments:
In this chapter, we learn more about many of the chraracters. We find that Jem is much more sensitive than he puts out to be and that he also wasn't as mature as he would've like people to think. Atticus' impact on Maycomb becomes more obvious when the black population gives them food. We also learn that not every white adult in Maycomb hate blacks, though we knew this already with Mr Raymond. Miss Maudie comes out still to be overly caring and protective of Jem and Scout.

Quotes:
“’It’s like bein’ a caterpillar in a cocoon, that’s what it is, he said. ‘Like somethin’ asleep wrapped in a warm place. I always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, least that’s what they seemed like.’”(Lee 288) This is said by Jem to Miss Maudie. He is reacting to the trial's outcome. It seems as if the trial opened his eyes to the reality of Maycomb.

"I don't know [how they could convict Tom Robinson], but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it-seems that only children weep." This is said to Jem by Atticus after the trial. It clearly shows that Atticus knows what he's up against but will still fight for what he sees as right. It also says that children seem to be the only people who see the world so simply that they see whats rights and not what people believe.

Literary Elements:
At the end of the chapter, we see foreshadowing, as well as a cliffhanger, when Miss Stephenie warns them all of Ewells' actions.

Vocab:
Rabbit-bites - noun, small bites
Heathen - adjective, irreligious

Questions:
Why does Dill want to be a clown?

What do you think is going to happen between Mr. Ewell and Atticus? How do you think this will affect the town?

Chapter 21:Meghan Goode

Plot Summary:
In chapter twenty-one the court case starts to conclude. Calpurnia brings a note to Atticus saying that his children are missing. Mr. Underwood tells Atticus that Scout, Jem, and Dill have been sitting in the colored balcony since one pm. Atticus orders the kids to come downstairs, and when they do he orders them to go home. Before they leave Jem is almost positive that they have won the case, and convinces Atticus that they should be allowed to come back after supper. Calpurnia scolds Jem when walking home because he brought scout to the court case. Both Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra are astonished that the kids are allowed to go back after they eat. When the kids get back to the court Reverend Skykes had saved them their seats. The court patiently awaits the verdict, and Reverend Skykes tells Jem he has never seen a black man win against a white man. At this point Jem’s hope diminishes, and he becomes upset. Judge Taylor polls the jury, and it voted unanimously that Tom is guilty. When the verdict is read that Tom is guilty Scout and Jem are devastated. The colored balcony rises in respect for Atticus as he passes through the court. Atticus leaves immediately after.

Major Changes and Developments:
In chapter twenty-one many changes and developments occur. In this chapter the verdict is read, which resolves the direct conflict of the court case, but once this is resolved it furthers intensifies the conflict of the children with society. This reading of the verdict also intensifies Atticus and the kid’s conflict with the society of Maycomb. This is because they no longer see the good in society, after hearing this court case. Scout becomes more mature throughout this chapter. She learns how to behave in court, and when to not speak. The conflict of whether the children should be allowed to stay at the trial arises. Atticus is not opposed to the idea, but Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra are. The conflict is resolved when the kids return after supper with Atticus’s permission. She learns to ask when she does not understand in order to become more involved. Jem’s fragile emotions and empathy skills are further developed when scout sees him gripping the balcony, and upset as the verdict is being read.

Significant Quotations:
1. “A jury never looks at a defendant it has convicted and when this jury came in, not one of them had looked at Tom Robinson.”(282)
This quote helps demonstrate that the jury convicted Tom Robinson, and scout is upset by it. It reveals how racist the society in this setting was, because they convicted him even when the evidence proved him innocent.

2. “I shut my eyes. Judge Taylor was polling the jury: ‘Guilty…guilty…guilty…guilty…’ I peeked at Jem: his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each ‘guilty’ was a separate stab between them”(282)
This quote displays how Jem is sympathetic, and desperately wants Atticus to win the court case. It shows how Jem is not like a typical Maycomb citizen, but he knows what is right, and that Tom is innocent. It shows how his innocence is being taken away from him and his exposure to the evils of prejudice.

Literary Elements:
1. Hyperbole:
“Miss Alexandra’ll absolutely have a stroke of paralysis when she finds out” (277)
Calpurnia says this to Scout and Jem as they are walking home. She says this to make Jem feel remorse about going. She also says this to demonstrate to him that it was a bad idea and Aunt Alexandra will be mad.

2. Foreshadowing:
Scout explains how she has a bad feeling before the verdict is read, and no one is looking at Tom Robinson.
This foreshadows how the verdict is that Tom is guilty. The people not looking at Tom foreshadows that verdict says he is guilty, because people do not look at the man they have convicted.

Vocabulary:
1. Indignant (277)-Adjective- a feeling or expression that shows strong disapproval
2. Droves-(277)-Noun- a large crowd
3. Acquit (277) - Verb- to release or discharge from crime

Critical Thinking
1. How do you think the jury’s conviction will affect Scout, Jem, and Dill?
2. Do you think it was right for the kids to hear the court case, and go back for the verdict?

Chapter 19: Michael Malynn

Plot Summary

Chapter nineteen is about the testimony of Tom Robinson. He is twenty five years old and he is married with three children. Tom is asked about his past criminal record in which he reveals that he had spent thirty days in jail for disorderly conduct because he could not pay to fine involved with the fight he was in. Following the interrogation of his personal life Tom reveals his side of the case. He says that he walked by the Ewell’s house everyday to pick cotton and work for Mr. Link Deas. In his version of the story Mayella Ewell called him into her house to do a routine fix up job of a door whose hinges became loose. The seven kids in the Ewell family had gone into town to get ice cream. As Mayella is getting Tom the screwdriver he tests the hinges which have no problem at all. Next, as Tom was on a chair fixing the door, Mayella grabbed Tom around the legs and kissed him on the side of the face. After trying to escape Tom saw Mr. Ewell in the window, and he cursed at him and threatened to kill him. Tom ran as fast as he could because he was afraid of having to go to court for something he didn’t do. Following the testimony of Tom, Scout brings the crying Dill outside. Dill is upset about the way Tom Robinson had been treated in the courtroom. 

Major Changes and Developments

The reader is informed that Tom has had a minor criminal history. We are introdiced to Mr. Link Deas who owns the property that Tom Robinson works on. The major change in conflict is the very different story of the case in the testimony of Tom Robinson. 

Significant Quotes

“ Mr. Finch, if you was a (black person) like me, you’d be scared, too” (Lee 261)

In this quote said by Tom Robinson he is telling Mr. Finch that being a black man around a white woman alone is very scary. Tom ran because he knew he could potentially be killed for being around her. 

“ Then you were mighty polite to do all that chopping and hauling for her, weren’t you, boy” (Lee 263)

The speaker, Mr. Gilmer, questions the politeness of Tom, and why he would normally do such good deeds for Mayella without pay. It also reveals how Mr. Gilmer refers to Tom as “boy”. Mr. Gilmer treats Tom with little respect and is bias towards the story of Tom. 

Literary Elements

Harper Lee leaves a cliffhanger at the end of chapter nineteen when she leaves the reader thinking about what will happen next in the case. She leaves loose ends with the decision of the judge. 

Vocabualry

misdemeanor (262)-noun- a criminal offense defined as less serious than a felony.

conscience (265)-noun- the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action

Critical Thinking

 How would the case differ in specific areas is Tom Robinson was a white man?  

Do you think there is anything we don’t know about Dill that made him so upset?

Chapter Twenty: Andrew Parker Dunne

Plot Summary:

The chapter starts off with Scout and Dill running into Mr. Dolphus Raymond outside of the courthouse and Mr. Raymond lets Dill take a sip out of his sac to calm down his stomach because Dill is not feeling well. To Dill’s surprise the sac is just filled with Coca-Cola and not whiskey like he had previously thought. Then Mr. Raymond explains to Scout and Dill how his sac is always filled with Coca-Cola and that he actually doesn’t drink that much. He then goes on to explain that he just pretends to be drunk whenever he comes into Maycomb because he wants people to believe he likes black people because he is just drunk rather than having to explain to everyone that he surrounds himself in blacks because he thinks they are nice people. After this Scout and Dill proceed to go back into the courthouse and realize they missed the rest of Mr. Gilmer’s cross-examination because Atticus had just started his closing argument. Scout asks Jem to fill them in on what they missed but he tells her to be quiet because he is trying to pay attention to what Atticus is saying. Atticus says in his closing argument that the jury should listen to the facts about what happened and the backgrounds of everyone that testified (excluding Heck Tate) and not just take a white person’s word over a black person’s word just because they are white and the other is black. He says that you shouldn’t stereotype black’s and say that they all lie, and they all have no morals, because sometimes white people lie but that doesn’t mean every single white person is a liar so why should you think differently about blacks. Atticus then goes on to quote The Declaration of Independence citing the phrase where Thomas Jefferson says “all men are created equal.” Atticus then goes on to explain how some men may not be created equal and how some may be born with advantages or born with handicaps or disadvantages but one place where men should always be treated equal is in the judicial branch. Then it ends when Atticus is wrapping up his closing argument, Calpurnia is walking up the middle aisle making her way towards Atticus.

Major Changes and Developments:

In chapter 20, there are many changes and developments. One is when we learn about Mr. Dolphus Raymond’s secret that he isn’t really a drunk and that’s why he hangs out with blacks but he just pretends that way because he doesn’t want to explain himself and why he just likes black people better than white people to the people of Maycomb. We also learn about Dill’s fragile emotions based on how he reacts (getting sick) when listening to Mr. Gilmer cross-examine Thomas Robinson. Additionally we witness Atticus act a way he has never acted before in court revealing how special and how much he cares about this case when he starts loosening his clothes.

Significant Quotations:

1. “The witnesses for the state, with the exception of the sheriff of Maycomb County, have presented themselves to you gentlemen, to this court, in the cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption-the evil assumption- that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber.” (Page 273). This quotation is significant because it demonstrates how Atticus is trying to prove that the states only real argument is hearsay and is trying to win hoping the jury takes a white person’s word over a black person’s word. Also Atticus is trying to get the jury to believe the real evidence that was provided during the trial and not just listen to the white people’s side of the story.

2. “Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal.” (Page 274). This quotation is significant because it is Atticus again trying to break the racial barrier in the court by referring back to one of the United States of America’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson.

Literary Elements:

A literary element used in chapter 20 is allusion. Allusion is when an author refers to another piece of writing which in this case is The Declaration of Independence when Atticus says that Thomas Jefferson said “all men are created equal”.

Vocabulary:

1. Iota (Page 271) - a very small quantity

2. Unmitigated (Page 273) - not softened or lessened

3. Temerity (Page273) - reckless boldness

Critical Thinking:

1. Suppose you were in the jury of this case back in 1935 and you had just gone through the whole trial. Would you vote Thomas Robinson, guilty or not guilty? Why or why not? Remember how people thought of blacks back then!!

2. How do you think Scout is being affected by watching and listening to Atticus’s case and then Mr. Gilmer’s case and how they differ?

Chapter 18: Austin Santos

Chapter 18: Austin Santos

Plot Summary

The chapter begins with a continuation of the trial with Tom Robinson and the Ewell’s. Mayella Ewell gets called up to the front. She walked up to the witness stand and pleaded she would tell the truth no matter what. Mr. Gilmer preceded and asked Mayella for her point of view on the case on what happened on the evening of November twenty-first of last year in her own words. Mayella does not answer. The people up front start to ask her questions and she all of a sudden bursts into tears. Mayella says something behind her hands and the judge asks what she says. Mayella points at Atticus and criticizes Atticus for using the proof of Bob Ewell’s left-handedness. Judge Taylor asks how old she is and receives the answer of nineteen, and tells her to keep it calm because nobody is going to hurt her. They just ask her for the truth. They ask her what really happened. She responds: I told him a had a nickel for him and she turned around and got a nickel and before she know it Tom Robinson was on her and was around her neck and she hollered for help. She begins to say that she doesn’t remember too good what happened after that. Then the next thing she knew her father was there to help. She then fainted and woke up with Mr. Tate pulling her up. Atticus begins asking questions that had already been asked and Mayella gets a little bit furious. Mayella then criticizes Atticus for making fun of her and Judge Taylor acts back and tells her he is not. Mayella says she does not like being called Miss Mayella and ma’am. Judge Taylor tells Mayella he is not trying to be mean, he is trying to be polite. Atticus resumed and asked how many sisters and brothers she had, and she replied “Seb’m”. Mayella was the oldest. She said she’d had gone to school for two or three years but she didn’t know for sure. Scout begins to realized a pattern in which he wants the Judge to realize a picture of the Ewell’s home life. Mayella even said that she did not have any friends. Atticus asks if she remembers Tom beating her about the face. She does not answer. Atticus begins to lose his patience and says it’s an easy question and asks again. She says no but then takes that back and says she does. She complains it all happened just too quick for her. Atticus asks her a few more questions and eventually Mayella stops answering the questions. Out of nowhere Mayella says she will say one more thing and she is done. She admits her father beat her and there was no rape, and she calls them all yellow stinkin’ cowards for not asking Tom Robinson. She walks off bursting into tears and the chapter slowly ends.

Major Changes and Developments

No main characters really change all that much. Mayella Ewell is introduced. She is upset about the case. No conflicts are introduced. No conflict change.

Significant quotes

On page 244, “You say you’re nineteen,” Atticus resumed. “How many sisters and brothers have you?” He walked from the windows back to the stand. “Seb’m,” she said,…

This quote is important because it introduces something new on how nobody knew how many kids the Ewell’s had but not we do.

On page 245, “Do you love your father, Miss Mayella?” was his next. “Love him, whatcha mean?”

Literary Elements

On page 242, a simile is used: “there was something stealthy about hers, like a steady-eyed cat with a twitchy tail.”

Vocabulary

On page 243, pang is used in the sentence at the bottom, ”…but I did not feel a pang for him as he tried to explain.”

Pang means: a sudden feeling of mental or emotional distress or longing

Also on page 243, contrary is used at the bottom in the sentence, “…let’s get on with these proceedings, and let the record show that the witness has not been sassed, her views to the contrary.”

Contrary is: opposite in nature or character

Critical Thinking

1) Why do you think Mayella was answering so slowly and was not answering some of the question Atticus was answering towards the end?

2) Why do you think that Mayella admitted her father beat her up and that there was no rape at the end?

Chapter 16: Danielle Lagasse

Plot summary

Chapter 16 begins with Scout and Jem trying to go to sleep , after their confrontation with the “mob” of people outside of the Maycomb Jail. They had all came in as quietly as they could so they wouldn’t wake Aunt Alexandra. Jem tries to comfort Scout by telling her that maybe everything will be over tomorrow, the day the big trial starts. As scout is falling asleep she begins to reflect on what had happened that night and just started to cry. The next morning Aunt Alexandra found out what happened the night before and was talking about how children who sneaked out at night were a disgrace to the Finch family. Also while everyone was eating breakfast Atticus begins to talk about how Mr Underwood didn’t like Negros, and Aunt Alexandra told Atticus that it was unacceptable to talk about Mr. Underwood hating Negros in front of Calpernia. Aunt Alexandra then goes on to blame Atticus and his behavior for encourageing the kids to speak in that way. Then Scout begins asking Atticus why Mr. Cunningham wanted to hurt him because she thought that Atticus and Mr. Cunningam were somewhat friends. Atticus goes on to explain that he is good man, he just has a few blind spots and that he is only a man, and even though it took Scout to get him to realize his wrong doings, and to show him how Atticus felt. After Atticus leaves the table to leave for the trial he tells the kids to stay away from downtown for the day. The kids then began to see all the people go by their house to watch the triallike Mr. Dolphus Raymond on his Throughbred. After watch some more people go by they saw Miss Maudie and asked if she was going to watch the trial but were informed she was not going. Scout and Jem waited until after lunch and then went to get Dill and go downtown. When they arrive they see the huge crowd of people and then see Mr. Dolphus Raymond sitting with all of the Negros instead of the white people. When Dill questioned it Jem told him it was because he like the Negros better, and that he even had a colored wife with “mixed” children. When the people startes to fill the courthouse the kids waited a bit before going in but when they did Scout got separated from Jem and Dill; by the time they found each other all the seat were taken. Trying to find some extra seats they came across Reverend Sykes from Cal’s church who invited them to sit in the balcony with the Negros, which they accepted. When the kids got there four people in the front row gave up their seats for them. By the end of the chapter the children are sitting in the front row in the Negro balcony, waiting to watch the big trial get going.

Major changes and developments

In chapter 16 the conflict between the kids, Atticus, and Aunt Alexandra is an everyday occurance and Aunt Alexandra stays critical about their every move. Atticus becomes almost annoyed with the way his sister is always critical of everything he says and does and begins to get pretty tired of it. Jem begins to become more responsible like when he is comforting Scout when she cries, instead of telling her that kids her age don’t cry he tell her that everything will get better soon. Throughout the chapter the main characters begin to grow up, but gradually are becoming more irritated with Aunt Alexandra and all of her criticism. Also in the chapter we are introduced to two new characters, Mr. Dolphus Raymond, and Mr. X Billups. Throughout the chapter these characters are more developed the closer the trial comes, especially Mr. Dolphus Raymond.

Significant Quotations

“ You children last night made Walter Cunningham stand in my shoes for a minute. That was enough.” (Lee 210) This quote is significant because it shows that even thought the kids weren’t supposed to be at the jail, Atticus was proud of them, especially Scout because it took her words to get Walter Cunningham and the rest of the mob away from him. Also the quote shows that even though Walter may have hurt Atticus if the kids weren’t there he is just human and he makes mistakes, it just took scout to get him to realize that he was wrong.

“ You know the court appointed him to defend this n*****.” (Lee 218) “ Yeah, but Atticus aims to defend him” (Lee 218) This conversation is significant because it is saying that even though the court appointed him to defend Tom Robinson, and he had no choice, and wanted to and would have anyway.

Literary Elements

A literary element used in chapter 16 is a symbol. The symbol that may not be easily seen is that Atticus himself is a symbol. Atticus represents the Negro people by standing up for Tom Robinson, when most people in Maycomb would not have done. Even though he was appointed to defend Tom Robinson, he would have anyway, which makes him represent the black people against his own race.

Vocabulary

Pg. 212~ Akimbo: with hand on hip and elbow bent outward

Pg. 214~ Gala: festive; festal; showy

Critical Thinking

What do you think people will think when they see Scout, Jem, and Dill sitting with all of the black people in the balcony being the only white people there?

How do you think the Jury was chosen, and do you think that the trial will be fair?

Chapter 15-Katherine Baggeroer

Plot summary:

After Dill arrives, a large group of men from Maycomb including the sheriff, Heck Tate gather on the Finch’s front lawn. Atticus is informed about Tom Robinson being moved to the Maycomb jail. Later in the chapter, Jem tells Scout that Atticus and Aunt Alexandra have recently been arguing about the upcoming trial, and how Aunt Alexandra thinks that Atticus is a disgrace to the family. The next night, Atticus drives into town and is soon followed by Dill, Scout and Jem. The three children watch from afar as Atticus sits in front of the jail reading his newspaper. Soon, three cars drive to the jail and a large group of men get out. Atticus is asked to move away from the door, but he refuses. Making the choice to go to her father’s aid, Scout comes out of hiding, but realizes that these men are not the same that came to her house the night before. Atticus tells the kids to go home, but Jem is definite about not wanting to. One of the men tells Atticus that he has fifteen seconds to get the kids to leave. From the group, Scout recognized Walter Cunningham’s father and she asks him to say hey to Walter for her. Mr. Cunningham, embarrassed, tells her that he will say hey to Walter for her. Then Mr. Underwood, the owner of the newspaper speaks, holding a shotgun and tells Atticus that had him covered the whole time. Mr. Underwood and Atticus speak for a while before Atticus takes the kids home.

Major changes and developments:

Throughout this chapter, the people of Maycomb become more agitated and more restless as the trial draws closer. They become unhappier with Atticus for defending a black man, Tom Robinson. Scout becomes more aware of the trial and what it is doing to their family. She is more aware of the way the town is reacting to the upcoming trial. Jem was becoming more mature, and Jem and Scout are becoming more distant and not as close when Dill is there.

Significant quotations:

“In Maycomb, grown men stood outside in the front yard for two reasons: death and politics. I wondered who had died. Jem and I went to the front door, but Atticus called ‘Go back in the house.’” (Lee 193). This quotation is significant because it shows that there is trouble looming for Maycomb. It shows that the trial is a very important aspect of the Finch's lives and that they will probably get into some sort of trouble.

“Dill and I took another window. A crowd of men was standing around Atticus. They all seemed to be talking at once. ‘…movin’ him to the county jail tomorrow.’ Mr. Tate was saying.” (Lee 194). This quote is significant because it shows that people are assuming that Tom Robinson was going to lose the trial and be put to death. It shows that Maycomb is ready for the trial, and ready to see Tom Robinson lose. 

Literary elements:

The mob showing up at the jail to harass Atticus is foreshadowing more dangers and more trouble to come. The Finches will have to deal with more people telling them that Atticus should not be defending a black man, and that he should stop. It is trouble for the Finches because Atticus is a lawyer and he cannot just quit on Tom Robinson and he needs to continue what he is doing even though it means danger. This shows that there is more trouble to come and so much struggle for Atticus, Scout and Jem. 

Vocabulary:

Linotype: A trademark used for a machine that sets type on a metal slug, operated by a keyboard. (pg 197)

Ecclesiastical: Of or relating to a church, especially as an organized institution. (pg 201)

Entailment: A predetermined order of succession as to an estate or to an office (pg 205)

Critical thinking: 

Do you think people will continue to harass Atticus? 

How do you think Scout will cope with the upcoming trial? 

Chapter 13: Brian Weisenbloom

Plot Summary

The chapter starts off with Aunt Alexandra telling her she will be staying for a while to give some help and give Scout some “feminine influence”. Right off the bat, Scout is being annoyed by Aunt Alexandra and doesn’t even know what to say to her. Then, Atticus comes home and immediately Scout lies to him when he asks if she would like Aunt Alexandra to stay with them for a while. Maycomb takes Aunt Alexandra in right away and all the neighbors are so kind they bake her cakes and invite her over for coffee. Within a short period of time it is like Aunt Alexandra had lived there her whole life. One day, as Scout came in for some water, Aunt Alexandra invited Scout in to the living room to talk to some ladies. Evidently, the first person Scout was introduced to is her cousin. She didn’t know however, and when she asked who it was Aunt Alexandra looked at her with scorn. Angered that Atticus never taught the children about the Finch Family, she sat them down, read them a book and tried to teach them to have some pride for their family. At the end of the chapter, Atticus was sent into the children’s room and speak to them about the Finch family. He said that they must start living up to the name, acting like the lady and gentleman they are. While saying this, he sounded nervous and was fidgeting. It was easy to tell he was not put up to this and that this is not what he believed. With Scout left in tears, he told the children to forget it and left the room.

Major Changes and Developments

Many conflicts have started and become heated with Aunt Alexandra in the house. Ongoing conflicts between her and Scout arose. Aunt Alexandra continues to try to tell Scout to be more like a lady. Scout still loves to have fun outside, and continues to get muddy. Also, Aunt Alexandra is trying to take the place of Calpurnia who she has deemed as unnecessary. She lectures the kids and tries to tell the kids about the Finch Family, but the kids continue to barley listen. With that not working, she turns to Atticus is makes him go talk to the kids. Atticus tries to scold them and change them, but it is truly not in his heart to do that. Also, a few of Jem and Scout’s cousins are introduced. One cousin, Lily Brooke, is over with Aunt Alexandra and a bunch of other girls. Another cousin, Joshua, is talked about as being a man who went to jail for attempting to shoot the president.

Significant Quotations

“I never understood her preoccupation with heredity. Somewhere, I had received the impression that Fine Folks were people who did the best they could with the sense they had, but Aunt Alexandra was of the opinion, obliquely expressed, that the longer a family had been squatting on one patch of land the finer it was” (Lee 173). This quote is significant because it displays how different Scout and Aunt Alexandra’s opinions were. It shows that Scout and Aunt Alexandra clash in about every subject, and don’t have much in common.

“I know now what he was trying to do, but Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work” (Lee 179). This quote is significant because Atticus is trying to do the job of a mom. In those days, the mom would teach the kids manners and talk to them about pride with the family. Since Calpurnia was like their only mother figure, and she is not one of the Finches, the background of the Finch Family was never explained to the kids.

Literary Elements

“Aunt Alexandra fitted into the world of Maycomb like a hand into a glove” (Lee 175). This is an example of a simile because it is comparing the ability of Aunt Alexandra fitting into Maycomb to the way a hand fits into a glove using like.

Vocabulary

Shinny (171) – (n.) A slang term for liquor; usually whiskey or bourbon.

Myopic (174) – (adj.) Pertaining to or having myopia; nearsighted.

Critical Thinking:

1. How much of an impact do you think Aunt Alexandra will have on the family? Explain.

2. Will Atticus force a change in his kids? Why or Why Not?

Chapter 12: Scott Veilleux

Scott Veilleux

Plot Summary

In chapter twelve, Scout explains how Jem no longer wants to hang out with her now that he is twelve. Scout now awaits Dill to come home for summer, but receives a letter from him saying that he is going to stay with his family in Meridian. Later Scout finds out Atticus has to leave to the state capital for two weeks because of the state legislature. With Atticus gone, Calpurnia does not trust Jem and Scout to go to church on their own, so she takes them to her church. Calpurnia cleans Jem and Scout to look good at church, which is a black church. When they go to church, Calpurnia is immediately criticized for bringing white children to the church by Lula. The priest, Reverend Sykes, welcomes Scout and Jem to the church. Reverend Sykes later closes the doors of the church because he did not receive enough money from everyone. Once they all leave the church, Scout and Jem question Calpurnia. They ask her why she talked differently and what rape is. Calpurnia answers that she wants to just blend in, and she answers that Scout must ask Atticus what rape is. Once they arrive home they see Aunt Alexandra sitting on their porch with her bags.

Major changes and developments

One of the main characters that changes is Jem, because Jem becomes tired of hanging out with Scout. Also, Scout changes because she had a positive look on her life at home, but now is pessimistic due to Jem ignoring her and Atticus being gone. Lula, an African American lady, is introduced along with Reverend Sykes, the priest of Calpurnia’s church. Scout is faced with the conflict that she can no longer hang out with Jem. This problem worsens when Dill does not come home for summer, and when Atticus leaves. At the end of the chapter, Aunt Alexandra is sitting on the porch, which may lead to a new conflict for Scout because they do not get along.

Significant Quotations

In chapter twelve while Calpurnia is fixing up Scout and Jem, she says “I don’t want anybody sayin’ I don’t look after my children” (157). Calpurnia acts as a mother to Scout and Jem because she calls them her children. She also is not racist at all because she takes them in as if they were her own children, regardless of their skin color. Later Calpurnia goes on to explain to Scout, “You're not gonna change any of them by talkin' right, they've got to want to learn themselves, and when they don't want to learn there's nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language.'"(167) Calpurnia tells Scout why she speaks properly around the Finch’s and like the black community when at church. She also tries to teach Scout how to be ladylike.

Literary Elements

One literary elements used in this chapter is foreshadowing. This is because at the end of the chapter Scout sees Aunt Alexandra on her porch. Aunt Alexandra and Scout do not get along well, so this warns the reader that another conflict will be introduced. Also, she has her bags with her which is a sign that she is planning on not going back. This can lead to a major conflict for Scout.

Vocabulary

(156) Habiliments - The special dress or garb associated with an occasion or office. Often used in the plural

(157) Denoted - To serve as an indication

Critical Thinking

Why do you think Aunt Alexandra is on the porch?

Do you think Dill will ever return to Maycomb?

Chapter 11: Meaghan Mulkern

Summary:

Jem and Scout start off the chapter talking about how horrible their very old nagging neighbor is, Mrs. Dubose. Whenever they walk into town they pass by her house and she stops them and criticizes them. One day, she says that their father isn’t any better than black people. This infuriates Jem so he cuts up Mrs. Dubose’s camellia bushes and beats up Jem. When Atticus hears about this incident, he makes Jem go over to her house and apologize. His punishment was to read to Mrs. Dubose Monday through Saturday for two hours for one month. Scout decides to go with Jem every time and they find out that she is very sick. After numerous times of going over and hear Mrs. Dubose talk bad mouth about their father, Scout decides to ask Atticus what a n***** lover is. Atticus says that trashy people use this term and it just means he thinks of Negroes no lower than himself. After Jem’s punishment was over, Atticus receives a call a few days later that Mrs. Dubose passed away so he went to her house. When he returned, he came home with a candy box, and inside of it was a camellia flower. Atticus then explains to Jem that he wanted Jem to go over to Mrs. Dubose to learn what real courage is.

Major Changes and Developments

In this chapter a new character, Mrs. Dubose, is introduced. Mrs. Dubose thinks, “Besides being the sassiest, most disrespectful mutts who ever passed her way, {Jem and Scout} were told that it was quite a pity our father had not remarried after our mother’s death” (133). This shows that Mrs. Dubose was just like Aunt Alexandra in that she did not like the children or the way Atticus was raising them. The children hate Mrs. Dubose because she trash talked their father, but after she passed away and Atticus talked to them, I think they gained a little more respect for her. Scout is growing up because he was not the one to get in trouble, it was Jem. On the other hand, Jem is now getting very irritated with all the bad things he hears about his father and cannot compose himself anymore. One conflict introduced is now Atticus realizes he has to worry about Jem more than Scout dealing with all the rude remarks he hears about his father. The question is, can Jem last through the trial without breaking?

Significant Quotations

“It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what’ (149).

This quote was said by Atticus. This is his definition of true courage and he believes Mrs. Dubose has the most courage he has ever seen. This quote means that even though you know you’re going to lose, do not give up or quit.

“It’s hard to explain-ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody’s favoring Negroes over and above themselves. It’s slipped into usage with some people like ourselves, when they want a common, ugly term to label somebody” (144).

This quote was said by Atticus. He was telling Scout what a n***** lover is and how people think it is a negative comment to say to the Finch family when really, they are proud to be lovers.

Literary Elements

SYMBOL:

When Jem opens the candy box on page 148 and finds a camellia from Mrs. Dubose, this symbolizes that everything is alright and it is okay.

Vocabulary

Passé – something is out of style or an antique. (132)

Boo Radley became this.

Philippic - easing the severity of a pain or a disease without removing the cause. (136)

The Finch family was this.

Cantankerous - stubbornly obstructive and unwilling to cooperate. (148)

This is what Mrs. Dubose was.

Critical Thinking

What do you think the camellia is a symbol of and do you think it will come back into play?

Who do you think will compose their self better through the trial; Scout or Jem?

Chapter 10: Anisha Rajopadhye

Plot Summary:Jem and Scout began to learn about Atticus’ accomplishments, and reviled that they feel embarrassed about his old age. Jem spots Tim Johnson, the dog of Maycomb, and tell Calpurnia that he is hurt, and she goes running off to the neighbors telling them that the mad dog is coming. She also calls Atticus, and he arrives home with Heck Tate, the sheriff. The two men go hunting for the mad dog. Atticus shot the dog. Jem and Scout learn that Atticus had a talent that was nothing to be ashamed of; he had a dead shot. After the kids learn about Atticus’ hidden talent, scout wants to tell all the kids in school, but Jem show his mature side, and tells her that she shouldn’t because Jem and Atticus are gentlemen.

Major Changes and Developments: In this chapter we find many changes in Atticus. We learn that Atticus has many hidden talents, some that Scout and Jem are embarrassed by, and one that is particularly interesting. Atticus has the dead shot of Maycomb. We also meet Heck Tate in this chapter. Heck is the sheriff and he helps Atticus kill Tim Johnson, the mad dog of town. The conflict of the mad dog is solved in this chapter, and Jem and Scout no longer think Atticus is all that embarrassing.

Significant Quotes:“[…] but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 119). This quote is very significant because it is the only thing Atticus says is a sin, and also it is the title of the book, so it must have some deeper meaning to it that we may find out later in the book.

“Still think your father cant do anything? Still ashamed of him?” (Lee 129). This quote is significant because it shows how Scout and Jem’s perspective on their father can change so quickly just by learning one new thing about him.

Literary Elements:“Atticus, you are a devil from hell” (Lee 121). This is a metaphor because Miss Maudie is saying that Atticus is a devil, when he is not actually a devil.

Vocabulary:Marksmanship (130)- The ability to shoot accurately at a target

Jubilantly (131)-happily: in a joyous manner

Critical Thinking:-Why is Tim Johnson called the dog of Maycomb if he is so dangerous to the town?

-Do you think Scout will go against what Jem asked her to do and tell the kids at school about Atticus’ shooting?

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Plot summery

Dill, Jem and Scout go to the Radley’s house hoping to see Boo. While Jem was glancing in the window of the house, he sees someone coming and runs away. When he makes it to the others in the collard patch on their way out, they get shot at and run away as fast as they can. In the midst of all this Jem loses his pants when they get caught on the wire fence. When the three meet up with the adults (who came out at the sound of the gun), everyone questions why Jem wasn’t wearing any pants. Dill makes up a lie saying that Jem lost his pants in a game of strip poker. That night Jem goes back to the fence to retrieve his pants, which has Scout terrified that he will get shot at again, but he returns safely.

Major changes and developments

The main characters (Jem, Scout, and Dill) get to know one another better when put in a serious situation such as being shot at by Mr. Radley. There is one new character introduced in this chapter. His name is Mr. Avery. Mr. Avery is one of the Finches neighbors. There were both internal and external conflicts in this chapter. An example of an internal conflict was when Scout was trying to decide whether or not to follow Jem and Dill when they went to see if they could catch a glance at Boo. She resolved to follow them because they teased her about being a girl. An example of an external conflict is when Jem got his pants caught on the barbed wire by the collard patch and goes back later at night to retrieve them. He is scared to go back, but he is even more frightened of his father’s reaction to the lost pants. Another example of an external conflict is when Mr. Radley shot at the children, mistaking them for thieves in his collard patch, and they resolved that by running away as fast as they could. A new internal conflict in this chapter is that Scout is beginning to feel separated from Jem. She is baffled by his decision to return for the pants, risking his life by doing so.

Significant Quotations

“We’re gonna miss you boy.” (Lee 67) This shows that Dill plays a great roll in the fun during the summer and that when he leaves things would go back to normal and boring.

“I admired my brother. Matches were dangerous, but cards were fatal.” (Lee 73) This quote shows the strong beliefs that the people of Maycomb had. They believed strongly that gambling was evil and even more dangerous than playing with fire. The children were aware of this belief and clever enough to use it to their advantage.

Literary Elements

“Shot in the air. Scared him pale, though. Says if anybody sees a white nigger around, that’s the one.” (Lee 72) This short excerpt shows irony because they are calling a black person white.

Vocabulary

Kudzu: An eastern Asian vine having compound leaves and clusters of reddish-purple flowers.

Prowess: Superior skill or ability.

Critical Thinking

What new trouble will the three get themselves into when Dill returns?

Will the kids ever get to see Boo Radley?

Chapter 8: Bradley Raabe

Plot Summary: Chapter 8 has two huge events happening one after the other. First and foremost Maycomb experiences snow since 1885. As the first flakes float down Scout wakes up and is horrified and confused as she’s never seen snow before, but she soon begins to yearn for it as any kid would. After a while and they thought there was enough snow, Jem and Scout soon want to build a snowman. They find out that there is not enough snow to do so, so Jem hatches an idea. First they go on over to Miss Maudie’s house to say hi and to get some snow. To their surprise Miss Maudie exclaims how much she despises snow, claiming that the snow kills her beloved azaleas plants. Despite Miss Maudies complaining Jem still has his heart on getting snow for the snowman and after asking if they could, Jem and Scout happily scoop up the snow into baskets and carry them back to the yard away from the ever relieved Miss Maudie. Since they still didn’t have enough snow, Jem uses his brain to gather up some dirt to build the body of the snowman and then cover it with snow. To top it off they took Miss Maudies hat and garden clippers to put on the snowman. With the days activities finished night arrives with a startling. Atticus wakes Scout and Jem up as Miss Maudies house goes up in flames. The whole neighborhood goes outside to help retrieve Miss Maudies valuables before the house collapses. Scout and Jem only stare on and watch, but after the night’s event and they get home Scout is surprised to notice a blanket over her shoulders after standing in front of the Radleys house. The family figures it must’ve been Boo. The very next day starts with Scout and Jem heading over to Miss Maudies “place” to see an obviously delirious Miss Maudie as she is happy instead of grieving over her burned house. She claims that without the house there is more space to plant her garden and she tells the two kids that the house probably burned due to her trying to keep her plants warm. The chapter ends with Scout and Jem going back home to pick up the remains of the snowman.

Major Changes and Developments: The major changes in characters were most certainly, Miss Maudie and less obviously, Boo Radley. Miss Maudie, who was the nice giving lady on the street, becomes even happier at the loss of her house, which is kind of creepy. She decides to stay with Miss Stephanie for the time being and she just seems to have reached a stage of denial as she tries to convince herself and everyone around her that she’s glad she lost her house. The other character to change is Boo, or at least people’s opinions of him have changed. In this chapter we can infer that it was actually Boo who put the blanket on Scout. When she finds out Scout seems to almost throw up from having Boo Radley behind her, but it seems that other people thought it was nice and most certainly not insane to do a kind act like that.

Significant Quotes: “Miss Maudie looked around, and the shadow of her old grin crossed her face. ‘Always wanted a smaller house, Jem Finch. Gives me more yard. Just think, I'll have more room for my azaleas now!’ ‘You ain’t grievin’, Miss Maudie?’ I asked, surprised. Atticus said her house was nearly all she had.”(page 97)

This quote shows us how Miss Maudie is well, crazy. Her house is burned down which is all she really had and she is acting all happy as if she wanted it burned down.

“Old Mrs. Radley died that winter, but her death caused hardly a ripple…”(page 85)

Although peoples opinions of Boo might be changing, this quote shows how the citizens of Maycomb sill don’t seem to care for the Radleys.

Literary Elements: Irony shows up brightly in this chapter. Miss Maudie was so against the snow and its cold destroying her plants that she took to using heat in her own house to keep them warm and alive. This is ironic as she then sets her house on fire from the heat.

Vocabulary: Morphodite (hermaphrodite) - a person, animal, or flower that has both male and female reproductive organs

Azaleas - a woody plant with shiny, dark-green leaves, which produces many brightly-coloured flowers in the spring

Critical Thinking: 1. Is Boo Radley a nice neighbor or a total pedophile based on the event with Scout and the blanket? Explain.

2. In your own opinion, is Miss Maudie deranged and in denial over the loss of her house or is she genuinely happy about it?