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?