Analysis:
The descriptive detail the narrator gives paints a vivid picture of the town of Maycomb. This gives us some insight on how Scout feels about Maycomb. This also gives the setting for which the story is taking place. The mood of this passage emphasizes on the town being quiet and somewhat dull because an occurrence will take place that will change the entire town of Maycomb. The calming mood of the town contrasts with a climatic event that is soon to occur.
Chapter 2
Quote:
"'Your father does not know how to teach. You can have a seat now.'
I mumbled that I was sorry and retired meditating upon my crime." Page 17
Analysis:
Scout's first grade teacher was making Scout feel bad about being able to read, when in fact, she should feel proud that she could read and write at such a young age. Scout even apologized and referred to her ability as a crime.
Chapter 3
Quote:
"'First of all,' he said, 'If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-'
'Sir?'
'-until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.'" Page 30
Analysis:
This passage helped me to realize the special bond between Atticus and his daughter, Scout.It seems as though Scout learns the more from her father than she does anywhere else. Atticus teaches Scout important things that she does aquire from school, such as social skills and basic information about life. Scout listens carfully to Atticus, which shows she has much respect for him, and that she values his advice.
Chapter 4
Quote:
"Two live oaks stood at the end of the Radley lot; their roots reached into the side-road and made it bumpy. Something about one of the trees attracted my attention.
Analysis:
Some tin foil was sticking out of a knot- hole just above my eye level, winking at me in the afternoon sun. I stood on my tiptoe, hastily looked around once more, reached into the hole, and withdrew two pieces of chewing gum minus their outer wrappers." Page 33
One of the first indications that Boo Radly wants to be friendly toward the chlidren is in this passage. This implies that Boo Radly is not all-bad. This idea differs from Scout and Jem's idea of Boo. It seems as though Scout does not realize that the gifts may be a gift from Boo to them, although to the reader it is a strong possibility. At this point the reader is coming to a realization that the narrator is not yet aware of.
Chapter 5
Quote:
"'So that's what you were doing, wasn't it?'
'Makin' fun of him?'
'No," said Atticus, "Putting his life's history on display for the edification of the neighborhood.'
Jem seemed to swell a little. 'I didn't say we were doin' that, I didn't say it!'
Atticus grinned dryly. 'You just told me,' he said. 'You stop this nonsense right now, every one of you.'" Page 49
Analysis:
Atticus is rarely very stern with his children. The fact that he is being stern shows that his opinions toward the Radlys differ from the children's opinions. This leads to the conclusion that in Atticus' eyes the Radlys are not bad people. This creates a lot of tension because of the different views expressed about the Radlys.
Chapter 6
Quote:
"Then I saw the shadow. It was the shadow of a man with a hat on. At first I thought it was a tree, but there was no wind blowing, and tree trunks never walked. The back porch was bathed in moonlight, And the shadow, crisp and toast, moved across the porch towards Jem.
Dill saw it next. He put his hands to his face.
When it crossed Jem, Jem saw it. He put his arms over his head and went ridged." Page 53
Analysis:
In this passage the reader has every reason to believe that this shadow that the children were seeing was the shadow of Boo Radly. The reader should believe this because of the children's reaction, the fact that they were at Boo's house, and the distinctive shadows that they saw. This passage also proves that the children were still afraid of Boo.
Chapter 7
Quote:
"As Atticus once advised me to do, I tried to climb into Jem's skin and walk around in it: if I had gone alone to the Radly Place at two in the morning, my funeral would have been held the next afternoon. So I left Jem alone and tried not to bother him." Page 57
Analysis:
Scout is using Atticus' advice. This proves the effect that her father's words have on her. This also shows Scout's respect for her father and her brother. The fact that she decides not to bother Jem proves her respect and maturity.
Chapter 8
Quote:
"'Thank who?' I asked.
'Boo Radly. You were so busy looking at the fire you didn't know it when he put the blanket around you.'
My stomach turned to water and I nearly threw up when Jem held out the blanket and crept toward me. 'He sneaked out of the house-turn 'round-sneaked up, an' went like this!'" Page 72
Analysis:
Even though Scout may seem frightened from the information that Atticus gave her, she is starting to come to the conclusion that Boo Radly is trying to protect and befriend her. Boo continues to gain the sympathy of Scout and the reader in this passage.
Chapter 9
Quote:
"Atticus said, 'You've a lot to learn, Jack.'
'I know. Your daughter gave me my first lessons this afternoon. She said I didn't understand children much and told me why. She was quite right. Atticus, she told me how I should have treated her-oh dear, I'm so sorry I romped on her.'" Page 87
Analysis:
Uncle Jack admits that Scout has taught him a lesson. The way that Atticus brought up Scout, gave her wisdom beyond her age. In this situation, she is wiser than Uncle Jack who is a grown man. She is much like Atticus: She has a way of explaining things to make others understand.
Chapter 10
Quote:
"Atticus said to Jem one day, 'I'd rather you shoot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you'll go after birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.'
That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it.
'Your father's right,' she said. 'Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up peoples gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.'"
Analysis:
One thing that the reader is starting to realize is that Atticus and Mrs. Maudie are very much alike. In this passage they agree that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. This passage also bears the title of the book. The mockingbird is symbolic of Boo Radly and Tom Robinson because they both went out of their way to help others, and have not harmed anyone. Page 90
Chapter 11
Quote:
"'A lady?' Jem raised his head. His face was scarlet. 'After all those things she said about you, a lady?'
'She was. She had her own views about things, a lot different from mine, maybe ...son, I told you that if you hadn't lost your head I'd have made you go read to her. I wanted you to see something about her.- I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.'"
Analysis:
This new knowledge that Atticus gives the children educates them. The children did not understand why Atticus made Jem read to Mrs. Dubose. We realize that Atticus has a good reason for this, as he has a good reason for almost every action that he takes. We also notice that he lets the children see things for themselves. This is an example of Atticus treating his children as adults. The last two lines in the passage serve as an analogy to the Tom Robinson case. This shows that Atticus realizes that he is not expected to win, but he will still fight for justice. This helps the children see the real courage that Atticus possesses. Page 112
Chapter 12
Quote:
"'It's not necessary to tell all you know. It's not ladylike -in the second place, folks don't like to have someone around knowin' more than they do. It aggravates 'em. 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.'" Page 126
Analysis:
This quote explains Calipurnia's understanding of different kinds of people. The fact that Cal talks proper in the Finch home proves that she has class, and cares about the way that she is perceived. On the other hand, she also shows respect for the people at her church by talking like they do. She also sets an example for Scout by telling her what is ladylike.
Chapter 13
Quote:
"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." Page 130
Analysis:
This passage shows the differences between Aunt Alexandra and Scout. Even though Scout is young, she has a more mature understanding of people than that of Aunt Alexandra. This also shows Scout's wisdom.
Chapter 14
Quote:
"'That's because you can't hold something in your mind but a little while,' said Jem. 'It's different with grown folks, we-'
His maddening superiority was unbearable these days. He did not want to do anything but read and go off by himself." Page 138
Analysis:
The Finch children's feelings toward each other have changed. Scout now has the impression that Jem feels superior toward her and no longer treats her as a playmate. She does not understand that Jem is growing up, and can not behave as he used to.
Chapter 15
Quote:
"'What's the matter?' I asked.
Atticus said nothing. I looked up at Mr. Cunningham, whose face was equally impassive. Then he did a peculiar thing. He squatted down and took me by both shoulders.
'I'll tell him you said hey, little lady,' he said.
Then he straightened up and waved a big paw. 'Let's clear out,' he called. 'Let's get going, boys.'" Page154
Analysis:
Mr. Cunningham learns to see the Finches as individuals because Scout does not fully understand the situation. She does not understand that Mr. Cunningham is trying to hurt Atticus. He realizes Scout's innocence and realizes that he could not hurt her father. Mr. Cunningham looks at Atticus' family and compares it to his own. He starts to feel guilty as he realizes that it would hurt Scout to lose her father.
Chapter 16
Quote:
"This was news, news that put a different light on things: Atticus had to, whether he wanted to or not. I thought it odd that he hadn't said anything about it-we could have used it many times defending him and ourselves. He had to, that is why he was doing it, equaled fewer fights and less fussing." Page 163
Analysis:
The reader is aware that Atticus wanted to take the case, so justice would be served. Scout is not aware of this. That is why Scout sees this information as "news that put a different light on things". Scout feels that it is odd that her father has not mentioned that he had to take the case. The reader knows that Atticus did not want to use this information as a defense because he took the case to defend Tom, not because he had to.
Chapter 17
Quote:
"Mr. Ewell wrote on the back of the envelope and looked up complacently to see Judge Taylor looking at him as if he were some fragrant gardenia in full bloom on the witness stand , to see Mr. Gilmer half-sitting, half standing at his table. The jury was watching him, one man leaning over with his hands over the railing.
'What's so intrestin'?' he asked.
'You're left handed Mr. Ewell,' said Judge Taylor." Page 177
Analysis:
This quote shows Atticus' intelligence. Atticus most likely believes that Mr. Ewell could be a suspect for the crime. Atticus must have thought that Mr. Ewell would lie about being left handed, so he cleverly set Mr. Ewell up. This leaves the reader in a state of distrust in Bob Ewell.
Chapter 18
Quote:
"'It's not an easy question Miss Mayella, so I'll try again. Do you remember him beating you about the face?' Atticus's voice had lost it's comfortableness; he was speaking in his arid, detached professional voice. 'Do you remember him beating you about the face?'
'I don't recollect if he hit me. I mean yes I do, he hit me.'" Page 185
Analysis:
Mayella's weak testimony calls the reader to become suspicious. Mayella's uncertainty leads the reader to start believing that she may not be telling the truth. According to Mr. Tate and Mr. Ewell's testimony, Mayella was certainly beaten up. It's odd for Mayella's reaction to the question to be so questionable if she is telling the truth.
Chapter 19
Quote:
"Mr. Gilmer smiled grimly at the jury. 'You're a mighty good fellow, it seems- did all this for not one penny?'
'Yes suh. I felt right sorry for her, she seemed to try more'n the rest of 'em-'
'You felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for her?' Mr. Gilmer seemed ready to rise to the ceiling." Page 197
Analysis:
It seems as though Mr. Gilmer thinks it is horrible that Tom Robinson feels sorry for Mayella. It should be acceptable, considering the condition that she lives in. Tom's feeling of sympathy toward Mayella shows his compassion, not his superiority toward her.
Chapter 20
Quote:
"'The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place. It has relied instead upon the testimony of two whiteness whose evidence has not only been called into serious question on cross-examination, but has been flatly contradicted by the defendant. The defendant is not guilty, but somebody in this courtroom is.'" Page 203
Analysis:
Aticus' strong lecture that he gives the jury proves what a good lawyer he is. The reader should realize that everything that Atticus says is the truth. He gives a lesson to everyone in the courtroom, including his children. This speech must have taken a lot of courage, but to Atticus, it is worth it because the truth will be told.
Chapter 21
Quote:
"'Miss Jean Louise?'
I looked around. They were all standing. All around us, and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet. Reverend Sykes's voice was as distant as Judge Taylor's:
'Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin'.'" Page 211
Analysis:
The people on the balcony realize how hard Atticus tried to let the truth be known. Even though they lost their case they show high respect for him. Reverend Sykes even asks Scout to stand which shows how respectful and well mannered he is.
Chapter 22
Quote:
"Indoors, when Miss Maudie wanted to say something lengthy she settled her fingers on her knees and settled her bridgework. This she did, and we waited.
'I simply wanted to tell you that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father's one of them.'" Page 215
Analysis:
Mrs. Maudie tries to make the children understand the situation better. Mrs. Maudie herself has a good way of explaining things, as she explains the situation to the children in a good way. This also helps the reader respect Atticus for what he did, because the reader realizes that his job was an extremely unpleasant one.
Chapter 23
Quote:
"'Scout, I think I'm beginning to understand something. I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radly's stayed shut up in the house all this time.it's because he wants to stay inside.'" Page 227
Analysis:
Since Jem is growing up he realizes that the myths about Boo are unlikely to be true. He is starting to get a more mature understanding of Boo, realizing that he probably does not stay inside the house because he is locked up. He is also starting to get to know Boo's character.
Chapter 24
Quote:
"'Tom's dead.'
Aunt Alexandra put her hands to her mouth.
'They shot him,' said Atticus. 'He was running. It was durring their exercise period. They said he just broke into a blind raving charge at the fence and started climbing over. Right in front of them-'" Page 235
Analysis:
This passage evokes sympathy for Tom and his family. Tom had never harmed anyone. I believe he was running because he was tired of the way he was being treated, and would rather try to run than to go through another trial. The reader must realize that Tom was being charged for a crime that he did not commit. I'm sure that this caused the stress that led him to run.
Chapter 25
Quote:
"'Why couldn't I mash him?' I asked.
'Because they don't bother you,' Jem answered in the darkness. He had turned out his reading light." Page 238
Analysis:
This passage shows how the trial affected Jem. We can compare this situation to Tom Robinson's verdict, and death. Jem wants to protect anything that does not give harm to anyone because he got a since of what it was like for something harmless to be destroyed when he heard of Tom Robinson's death.
Chapter 26
Quote:
"So many things had happened to us, Boo Radly was the least of our fears. Atticus said he didn't see how anything else could happen, that things had a way of settling down, and after enough time had passed people would forget that Tom Robinson's existence was ever brought to their attention." Page 243
Analysis:
When Scout tells us that "Boo Radly was the least of our fears", it ironically foreshadows his coming back into their lives. We also see foreshadowing when she tells us, "Atticus said he didn't see how anything else could happen."
Chapter 27
Quote:
"'I don't like it Atticus, I don't like it at all,' was Aunt Alexandra's assessment of these events. 'That man seems to have a running grudge against everyone connected with the case. I know how that kind are about paying off grudges, but I don't understand why he should harbor one-he had his way in court, didn't he?'" Page 250
Analysis:
This passage foreshadows an event that is soon to occur. Also, Aunt Alexandra points out that he should not hold a grudge since he had his way in court. Bob Ewell holds a grudge against Atticus because he proved that Tom Robinson did not commit the crime. Even though Bob won, he was revealed as a liar in front of the people in the courtroom.
Chapter 28
Quote:
"Shuffle foot had not stopped with us this time. His trousers swished softly and steadily. Then they stopped. He was running, running toward us with no child's steps.
'Run, Scout! Run! Run!' Jem screamed.
I took one giant step and found myself reeling: my arms useless, in the dark, I could not keep my balance.
'Jem, Jem, help me, Jem!'" Page 261
Analysis:
This passage creates a state of suspense for the reader. Harper Lee has a way of telling a story using hints, rather than telling it to the reader straight forward, which contributes to the suspense. The writer lets the reader know what is happening through subtle clues, such as "no child's steps"(which lets the reader know that the person chasing them was an adult) or "I took one giant step and found myself reeling" (Meaning she almost fell).
Chapter 29
Quote:
"When I pointed to him his palms slipped slightly, leaving greasy sweat steaks on the wall, and he hooked his thumbs in his belt. A strange small spasm shook him, as if he heard fingernails scrape slate, but as I gazed at him in wonder the tension slowly drained from his face. His lips parted into a timid smile, and our neighbor's image blurred with my sudden tears.
'Hey, Boo,' I said." Page 270
Analysis:
This is the first definite indication that Boo is a good man. Even though Scout has never seen him before, she unbelievably realizes who he is. Scout is brought to tears because this is the first time that she realizes that the man that she used to fear the most had cared about her and saved her life.
Chapter 30
Quote:
"Atticus looked like he needed cheering up. I ran to him and hugged him and kissed him with all my might. 'Yes sir, I understand,' I reassured him. 'Mr. Tate was right.'
Atticus disengaged himself and looked at me. 'What do you mean?'
'Well, it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?'" Page 276
Analysis:
This quote reveals Scout's amazing understanding of life. Since Scout is young, her father was not certain if she understood all that was said and done. She took a past learning experience and formed an incredible analogy comparing Mr. Arthur Radly and a mockingbird. Both have never harmed anyone; both have only done good. This analogy in this quote proves that Scout's wisdom is well beyond her years.
Chapter 31
Quote:
"Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radly porch was enough." Page 279
Analysis:
Standing on the Radly porch lets Scout finally see things from Boo Radly's point of view. Earlier in the novel, she was terrified every time she passed the house. Now as she stands on his porch, the way that Scout sees things has changed. The reader must realize that Scout herself has changed, also.
Character Analysis
Atticus Finch
The voice of reason in the town of Maycomb and in the novel. Atticus dispels the wisdom and logic that is the core of the novel. He is a man that goes beyond the word tolerance; tolerance is merely to put up with something. Atticus looks at everyone and tries to understand who they are and where they are coming from. And he quietly and subtly passes on wisdom to his children about taboo subjects like racism.
Atticus is also a consistent man. People say that he is the same in the courtroom as he is on the streets. The code of conduct that he maintains for himself remains the same no matter what situation he is placed in. That is why he feels he is responsible to take Tom Robinson's case and defend him to the best of his abilities. If he didn't, he would see himself as a hypocrite.
Although Atticus seems mellow and even old-fashioned, many of his beliefs are quite revolutionary. He allows Calpurnia to truly be a member of his family. He gives her full respect and fair treatment at all times. When Cal takes his children to her church, he seems unaffected. It is all part of his consistent code of conduct.
At times, Atticus may almost seem a caricature of goodness. Never once does he falter or think ill of people. But in Harper Lee's capable hands, Atticus seems believable and true.