To+Kill+a+Mockingbird+-+Summarised+Plot+events

Scout starts school. We meet the Ewells and Cunnighhams.

Jem, Scout, and their friend, Dill, are preoccupied with Boo Radley, a recluse. Their unkindness, springing from fear and ignorance, is disapproved of by Atticus, who teaches tolerance. Boo secretly carries out acts of kindness for the children.

During the winter, Miss Maudie’s house burns down. Her courage is a lesson to the children. At the time of the fire, Boo Radley, unseen, slips a blanket over Scout’s shoulders as she shivers in the cold. Jem realises, and announces to Atticus all that has been going on with regard to Boo.

The children learn that Atticus is to defend a black man, Tome Robinson, in a trial. Jem and Scout find the unrestrained prejudice against their father difficult to bear. An incident in which Atticus shoots a mad dog increases the children’s respect for him.

Jem is angered by Mrs Dubose’s racist insults and destroys her camellias. To recompense, Jem must read to the dying woman every night. He discovers she is a morphine addict attempting to give us her addiction before she dies. Atticus tells Jem that he has witnessed real courage and real courage should not be mistaken for a gun in the hand.

The children are taken to the black church and they learn that Tom is a respectable citizen.

Aunt Alexandra visits and takes over the care of the children, which causes conflict.

Atticus guards Tom who is being held in jail. An angry mob is dispersed by Scout whose childish innocence disarms them.

We witness segregation in the courtroom between the black and white communities.

Mayella Ewell accuse Tom Robinson of assault and rape but Atticus shows that her injuries could not have been committed by a man with a cripple left arm like Tom’s. Jem, in particular, is stunned when Tom is found guilty.

Bob Ewell swears he will avenge himself on Atticus.

Tom, imprisoned, tries to escape. He is shot many times and dies. Atticus takes Calpurnia with him to tell Tom’s wife, Helen.

Returning home one evening, Scout and Jem are attacked by Bob Ewell. Boo intervenes, Jem is hurt and Boo takes him home. Bob Ewell is found dead. The sheriff convinces Atticus to leave well alone and make no inquiries.

To Kill a Mockingbird

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