To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 1- Maycomb

Summary In this chapter, the narrator Jean Louise Finch (Scout) remembers the summer her brother Jem broke his arm and the events leading up to then. She remembers the history of the Finch family dating back to a fur-trapping apothecary named Simon Finch. She describes the small town of Maycomb, Alabama and the lifestyle of the people living there. Scout takes us back to the summer that she met Dill, a strange young boy who is the nephew of the Finch's neighbor Rachel Haverford. Upon hearing about the legend of Boo Radley, Dill becomes obsessed with this mysterious man and spends his time around the Radley Place. Dill dares Jem to touch the Radley's house and Jem reluctantly complies. Jem sprints and places his palm on the house and races back home. While staring at the house the see a small movement in the window shutters.

Summary In this chapter, the narrator Jean Louise Finch (Scout) remembers the summer her brother Jem broke his arm and the events leading up to then. She remembers the history of the Finch family dating back to a fur-trapping apothecary named Simon Finch. She describes the small town of Maycomb, Alabama and the lifestyle of the people living there. Scout takes us back to the summer that she met Dill, a strange young boy who is the nephew of the Finch's neighbor Rachel Haverford. Upon hearing about the legend of Boo Radley, Dill becomes obsessed with this mysterious man and spends his time around the Radley Place. Dill dares Jem to touch the Radley's house and Jem reluctantly complies. Jem sprints and places his palm on the house and races back home. While staring at the house the see a small movement in the window shutters.

Setting The events in To Kill a Mockingbird take place in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930's.

Key Scenes  Revelation Scene- Scout describes the town of Maycomb in detail and gives us insight into the lives of some of the people and families living there.  Scene of Conflict- Dill suggests that Jem is afraid of Boo Radley and dares him to touch the Radley Place. This sparks Jem to defend his honor.  Epiphanal Scene- As Scout,Jem,and Dill sit on their porch eyeing the Radley Place they see a window shutter move and realize that Boo Radley in more than just an urban legend.  Comic Relief- Dill acts as comic relief through his antics and obsessive interest in Boo Radley.  Climactic Scene- Jem ventures inside the gates of the Radley Place and places his palm on the Radley's home.

Conflict  Jem vs. Nature  Jem vs. Himself  General Jackson vs. The Creeks  North vs. South  Atticus vs. Society  Jem vs. Dill  Arthur Radley vs. Maycomb  Arthur Radley vs Mr. Radley

Climax As part of Dill's ongoing quest to make Boo Radley come out he accuses Jem Finch of being too scared to even put his "big toe in the front yard". Jem argues that he isn't scared, just respectful of the Radleys. Dill continues to provoke him until he finally caves in and approaches the gates of the Radley Place. He throw open the gates and runs to the house, places his palm against the house and dashes out of the yard. They meet back on their own porch and watch to see if Boo Radley comes out. They see an inside shutter move "a tiny, almost invisible movement" and then the house stood still.

Symbols  Boo Radley- represents the source of all evil for the children of Maycomb.  Atticus- Humility and honor; a strong father figure  Mockingbird- innocence

Special Diction  Yonder- over there  Bought cotton- do nothing; not working  Reckon- to think something