Analysis of Chapters in “To Kill a Mockingbird ” Essay Example
Chapter 23
After a conversation with Scout, Jem proposes a theory on why Boo Radley doesn’t leave his house. He suggests that the reason is because “he wants to stay inside” of his house, avoiding the harsh judgments of the world (227). Jem’s revelation shows that he is realizing how cruel and unfair the world can be, so he puts himself in Mr. Arthur’s shoes and considers his perspective, revealing Jem’s initial self growth towards others.
Chapter 24
After discovering the tragedy of Tom Robinson’s death, Miss Maudie’s, Alexandra’s and Scout’s behavior after returning to the living room is unexpected. Miss Maudie, Alexandra, and Scout all behave as “a lady at a time like this”, hiding their real emotions amongst themselves (237). Scout’s comment and demeanor demonstrates her learning to suppress her emotions when it is not at the right time or
...place, showing her new ability to self control.
Chapter 25
In The Maycomb Tribune, Mr. Underwood mentions and compares Tom Robinson’s death. Mr. Underwood states that Tom Robinson’s murder was likened to the “senseless slaughter of songbirds” by others, implying that it is not right to kill or harm and individual who has not done anything wrong (241). The lesson in chapter 10 implies that it is considered a sin to kill an individual that is innocent without any reasonable motivations, just as in Mr. Underwood’s relation.
Chapter 26
After Cecil Jacobs presented his current event to the class, Miss Gates makes several contradicting comments. Miss Gates believes that the act of persecution is caused by “people who are prejudice” and how Americans do not intend on “persecuting anybody”, not realizing the hypocrisy of her words (245). Jem’s reaction t
Miss Gates’ words suggests that he is upset at how quickly Maycomb is point out the Nazi’s persecution but fail to see their own.
Chapter 27
After things in Maycomb had settled down for awhile, three out-of-the-ordinary events occur in Maycomb, supposedly including Bob Ewell. Bob Ewell had “acquired and lost a job” in the WPA over just a few days, allegedly attempted to break into Judge Taylor’s house on a Sunday night, and he starts to follow and “[chunks] at” Helen Robinson on her way to work at Mr. Link’s (248, 249). Bob Ewell’s current actions imply that the children should be worried due to the damage that can be caused when one is thirsty for retaliation. Bob Ewell’s reveals the traits of revenge, stubbornness and being without conscious because he seems to be after the people who were involved in his downfall, the case, only in the attempts of restoring his own pride.
Chapter 28
After the Maycomb County Ad Astra Per Aspera Pageant, a significant event occurs on the children’s way home. On their walk through the yard, Bob Ewell attempted to murder Scout and Jem but instead ended up with a “knife stuck up under his ribs” caused by an unknown hero, showing the hate and prejudice that Bob Ewell had (266). Throughout the chapter, Lee was emphasizing the theme of tension through change in Maycomb’s traditions, a false climax, darkness and isolation of the setting and the children, and not only an injury but also a murder.
Chapter 29
While recounting the events of the night to Mr. Tate, Scout realizes the man who saved them was Arthur Radley. Scout depicts Arthur Radley by describing his
hands that had “never seen the sun”, his eyes that “were so colorless”, and how his lips “parted into a timid smile” when he noticed Scout gazing at him (270). Arthur Radley’s appearance conveys that he never steps foot outside due to his pale skin, light eyes and delicate features, but overcame his fears by going outside and saving the Finch children from a tragedy.
Chapter 30
After listening to Mr. Tate and Atticus argue over who murdered Bob Ewell, Atticus asks Scout of her opinion on the situation. Scout states that revealing Arthur Radley’s actions would be “like shootin’ a mockingbird”, demonstrating her understanding of standing in other’s shoes (276). Scout’s statement suggests that Arthur Radley’s intentions were innocent and demonstrates looking through other perspectives, through her comparison of Arthur Radley and an innocent mockingbird.
Chapter 31
After Scout walks Boo home, she quietly observed his perspective while facing the street. She depicts the life of the neighborhood just by standing on Arthur’s porch and how one day “Boo’s children needed him”, revealing Scout’s comprehension of Atticus’ lesson (279). This moment reinforces the lesson of standing in one’s skin in order to understand them, and in a way Scout had been able to experience Arthur Radley’s dignity by not only standing on his porch but, standing in his shoes.
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