1. TKAM Chapter Notes
to kill a mockingbird by harper lee

2. CHAPTER 1 Significance of Point of View / Narrator
Hindsight
Function of extended paragraphs on family history
Shows family values/morals, and social status
Family has two levels – traditional vs. nontraditional
Atticus and Jack left the family land for law and medicine (they are progressive thinkers…this will cause conflicts later in the novel considering that it takes place in 1930s South…)
Alexandra stayed on the land as a traditional Finch

3. CHAPTER 1 FORESHADOWING – FUNCTION SO EARLY IN THE NOVEL?
First page incorporates first mention of characters – Dill, Ewells, Boo Radley
All are important to future conflicts
Haverford incident – notes that when family names are mentioned, a very specific image arises
Family history brings about preconceived notions and prejudice!

4. CHAPTER 1 Characterization of Maycomb as a small town
Indicative of depression-era life
“Vaguely optimistic” about FDR’s proclamation that “there’s nothing to fear but fear itself.”
Calpurnia (African-American maid) as a mother figure
Shows the tolerance and open-mindedness of the Finch family

5. CHAPTER 1
Harper Lee’s narration is rushed and shallow in places – why?
As the novel wears on, she demonstrates the rapidity of childhood…how quickly it moves and vanishes
Dill as a new character
Insecure in speaking about his father
Scout fails to demonstrate maturity in this instance
Whereas before she showed mature restraint in leaving Jem alone when he was depressed about his mother, she presses the issue about Dill’s absent father

6. CHAPTER 1 – WHO IS “BOO?”
Motif: outsider creating conflict
Boo Radley in resigned to living life inside of his house
As part of the Radley clan, the idea of prejudices/reputations related to families is relevant!