In Chapter 1, Scout introduces herself as the narrator and recounts the story of her brother Jem breaking his arm. She also provides background information about her family's legacy in Maycomb, Alabama, tracing it back to their ancestor Simon Finch. Scout describes their household, which includes her father Atticus, her brother Jem, and their cook Calpurnia. She explains that her mother passed away when she was young. Scout describes the sleepy town of Maycomb in the summer of 1933 and the arrival of a new boy named Dill, with whom she and Jem spend their summer acting out stories. The children also become fascinated with their reclusive neighbor Boo Radley and the rumors surrounding him.
Chapter 2 focuses on Scout's first day of first grade. Her teacher, Miss Caroline, is unfamiliar with the rural Maycomb environment and clashes with Scout over her reading abilities. During lunch, Scout tries to explain why Walter Cunningham doesn't have a lunch, but Miss Caroline misunderstands and punishes Scout. Scout later gets into a fight with Walter but is stopped by Jem, who invites Walter to their house for lunch as an apology. At the Finch house, Scout's judgmental behavior towards Walter is reprimanded by Calpurnia. The chapter ends with Scout's negative experience in the classroom.
In Chapter 3, Scout continues to have conflicts with her classmates.
She gets into a fight with Walter Cunningham but is stopped by Jem, who invites Walter to their house for lunch. At the lunch table, Scout mocks Walter's eating habits, leading to a scolding from Calpurnia. Back at school, a louse frightens Miss Caroline, and Burris Ewell, a troublemaker, reveals that he only attends school on the first day of the year. Scout discusses her first day of school with Atticus and expresses her concerns. Atticus encourages her to understand different codes of behavior and to compromise by continuing to go to school while reading at home in secret.
In Chapter 4, Scout feels bored with the slow-paced school curriculum and starts finding treasures in a knothole of one of the Radley trees. Jem becomes interested when they find two polished pennies in a box and suspect Boo Radley is leaving the gifts. Dill returns to Maycomb for the summer, and the children play a game called "Boo Radley" where they act out Boo's life. Atticus catches them, but Jem continues the game, believing they weren't explicitlytold not to play it. Scout confesses to hearing someone laughing in the Radley house, leaving the chapter on a mysterious note.
During the remainder of the summer, Dill and Jem become closer friends, leaving Scout feeling excluded. In response, Scout forms a closer bond with their neighbor, Miss Maudie Atkinson, a widow known for her beautiful garden, sharp wit, and baking skills. Miss Maudie, who was childhood friends with Atticus' brother, Jack, dispels the neighborhood's gossip and rumors about Boo Radley. She describes Boo as a polite and friendly person during his childhood. Miss Maudie also reveals that Boo's father, Mr. Radley, held strict religious beliefs as a foot-washing Baptist, viewing pleasure as sinful even within his own garden.
Jem and Dill continue to devise plans to lure Boo Radley out of his house, involving Scout in a scheme to deliver a message through his window. However, Atticus catches them and admonishes them to stop bothering the Radleys, emphasizing the importance of respectful communication through the front door rather than through windows.
Atticus also instructs them not to make fun of anyone in the neighborhood. When Jem protests that he wasn't making fun, Atticus dryly suggests that Jem may have inadvertently revealed his true intentions, hinting at Atticus' legal acumen.
On the night before the end of summer and the start of the school year, Jem and Dill decide to look into the Radley window. Despite Scout's reluctance, Jem taunts her, teasing that she is becoming more like a girl every day. Reluctantly, Scout joins them.
The three children sneak into the Radley yard, with Scout and Jem boosting Dill to peek through a window. However, Dill only catches a glimpse of a faint light before Scout spots the intimidating shadow of Nathan Radley approaching. Startled, the children hurriedly escape through a gate near the schoolyard, just as a gunshot echoes through the night. In his haste, Jem's pants get caught on the gate, and he flees without them, driven by fear.
The commotion draws the attention of the neighborhood, with Miss Stephanie, a local gossip, claiming that Nathan Radley shot at a Black person in his collard patch. Atticus notices Jem's missing pants, and when Dill fabricates a story about winning them in a game of strip poker, Atticus remains skeptical and advises Jem to resolve the matter with Dill privately. Fearing punishment from Atticus, whom Jem recalls has never whippedhim, Jem musters the courage to return to the Radley yard to retrieve his pants, while Scout anxiously waits and watches for his return.
A few days after the incident with the gunshot, Jem reveals to Scout what happened when he retrieved his pants. He discovered them mended and neatly folded over the gate, as if someone had been expecting him.
Scout and Jem continue to find more surprises in the tree knothole, including twine, two soap figures resembling themselves, additional gum for them to chew freely, a tarnished spelling medal, and a pocket watch.
Grateful for the gifts, they write a thank you letter and place it in the knothole. The following day, they witness Nathan Radley filling the knothole with cement, claiming it is necessary because the tree is dying.
When the children inquire about the tree's condition with Atticus, he contradicts Nathan's claim, stating that the tree is not actually dying. However, when Scout and Jem inform him about Nathan sealing the knothole with cement, Atticus muses that perhaps Nathan knows more about his trees than they do.
Maycomb experiences an unusually cold winter, and a light snowfall occurs. Using snow borrowed from Miss Maudie's yard, the children build a snowman. Initially, they shape it to resemble their neighbor, Miss Stephanie, but then they alter its appearance to resemble another neighbor, Mr. Avery. Atticus intervenes, deeming the snowman too reminiscent of Mr. Avery, and places Miss Maudie's sunhat on its head to disguise it.
During the night, the children wake up to discover that Miss Maudie's house is on fire. Atticus instructs them to wait by the safety of the Radley house while the neighborhood residents work together to rescue Maudie's furniture. Despite their efforts, her house is ultimately destroyed by the fire.
In the midst of the chaotic scene, Scout fails to notice that Boo Radley quietly places a blanket over her shoulders. When Atticus inquires about the blanket, Jem informs him about the gifts they found in the tree and the mended pants on the fence. Atticus expresses the hope that they will find a way to thank Boo in the future, implying that it would be unwise to directly thank him.
The following morning, Miss Maudie, despite the loss of her house, remains surprisingly cheerful and mentions that she will now have more space in her yard for planting flowers.
Scout finds herself in another schoolyard fight, this timewith a boy named Cecil Jacobs who uses a racist term to describe Atticus' clients.
When they return home, Atticus explains to Scout and Jem that he is defending a Black man named Tom Robinson who has been accused of raping a White woman. Despite knowing that they have little chance of winning the case, Atticus believes it is his moral duty to provide the best defense for Tom. He advises Scout and Jem to maintain their composure, hold their heads high, and avoid physical fights over the issue.
During Christmas, the family visits Finch's Landing, where they indulge in Southern cuisine. Jem and Scout receive air rifles as gifts from their Uncle Jack, although Atticus reveals that he actually purchased the guns. The children enjoy spending time with their uncle but have less pleasant encounters with their Aunt Alexandra, who wants to mold Scout into a proper lady, and their cousin, Francis.
One evening, Francis confronts Scout, insulting Dill and making derogatory remarks about Atticus. Enraged, Scout attacks Francis. When Uncle Jack learns about the incident, Scout shares what Francis said about Atticus. Later, Scout overhears a conversation between Uncle Jack and Atticus discussing the incident and the Tom Robinson case. Atticus seems aware that Scout is listening and urges her to go to bed, implying that he wanted her to hear their conversation.
Jem and Scout initially underestimate their father, thinking he is limited by his age compared to other fathers in town. They are unimpressed by Calpurnia and Miss Maudie's lists of Atticus' merits. As the children practice their marksmanship with the air rifles received at Christmas, Atticus cautions them that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, as these birds bring joy to the world without causing harm.
One day in February, Jem spots a dog named Old Tim Johnson, known as "the pet of Maycomb," exhibiting strange behavior as it wanders down the street. Calpurnia realizes the dog is rabid and calls the neighbors to warn them, even going to the Radleys' house since they have no phone. Calpurnia contacts Atticus for help, and he arrives with Sheriff Heck Tate. When they see the rabid dog, Tate admits he can't shoot accurately and asks for Atticus' assistance. With a single shot, Atticus kills the dog, surprising Scout with his marksmanship skills. Miss Maudie reveals that Atticus was once renowned for his shooting ability.
Scout is excited by thisrevelation, but Jem advises her not to boast about it. He explains that Atticus wouldn't want her to brag because he is a gentleman. Inspired, Jem expresses his desire to become a gentleman like his father.
Scout and Jem begin exploring Maycomb's business district more frequently, passing by the home of a cantankerous woman named Mrs. Dubose. From her porch, Mrs. Dubose often directs insults at the children, criticizing Scout's attire and their father's parenting. One day, she uses a racial slur to describe the people Atticus represents as a lawyer. In response, Jem retaliates by destroying Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes with Scout's baton.
When Atticus returns home, he announces that Jem's punishment will be reading to Mrs. Dubose in her house every day for a month. Scout accompanies Jem, and they endure Mrs. Dubose's criticisms and witness her strange fits. After a little over a month, Mrs. Dubose passes away. Atticus reveals that she had been battling a morphine addiction, which stemmed from an illness she had experienced years ago. Her final request, expressed in her will, was to free herself from the addiction. The daily reading sessions with Jem and Scout gave her the strength to overcome her addiction.
Atticus gives Jem a box of candies from Mrs. Dubose, containing a single perfect camellia flower. He explains that this is Mrs. Dubose's way of forgiving Jem and commends her bravery.
Jem, now 12 years old, starts to distance himself from Scout, especially since Dill does not visit Maycomb that summer. Calpurnia advises Scout to spend time with her in the kitchen whenever she feels lonely. Together, they engage in productive activities, and Scout begins to gain an appreciation for the world of women.
Atticus is called away to the state legislature to address issues related to poverty and labor strikes. He is absent for several weeks, and Calpurnia takes care of the children in his absence. On a Sunday,
Calpurnia brings Scout and Jem to her church, First Purchase. The church acquired its name from the first earnings of freed slaves.
Although the congregation is generally welcoming, one woman, Lula, confronts Calpurnia for bringing White children to their predominantly Black church. Despite the church's humble condition, with no roof and lacking cooling systems, Scout describes it as a cheerful place. The church is filled with scents of various items, and the cemetery is adorned with colorful glass and broken Coca-Cola bottles.
Reverend Sykesleads the congregation in worship, and they sing without hymn books since many of them are unable to read. During the service, Reverend Sykes mentions the Tom Robinson trial and the financial struggles faced by Tom's wife, Helen. He collects offerings to support her, temporarily closing the church doors until they have gathered enough. After returning from church, Scout finds her Aunt Alexandra sitting on the front porch.
Alexandra, Atticus' sister, comes to stay with the family, but it becomes clear that her decision to stay is more her own will than Atticus'. Alexandra quickly becomes involved in various ladies' groups and integrates into Maycomb society. However, despite her community service, Alexandra is judgmental and believes that everyone has some flaw. Atticus challenges her judgments subtly, suggesting that both the Finch family and the entire town of Maycomb have their own flaws and imperfections.
The concept of a figurative "incestuous streak" is relevant in Maycomb, where a family's worth is determined by the strength and longevity of their lineage. Alexandra feels that Scout and Jem do not appreciate their family's esteemed heritage and urges Atticus to teach them about their ancestry. This troubles Scout, as Atticus rarely discusses this topic with them. It appears that Alexandra is trying to protect the family's reputation in preparation for the upcoming trial of Tom Robinson.
As predicted by Atticus, rumors about the trial start to circulate, and
the children become aware of the accusations against Tom Robinson. Scout asks Atticus about Tom and brings up her visit to Calpurnia's church. She requests permission to visit Calpurnia outside of their home, but Alexandra forbids it. Atticus and Alexandra then argue about Calpurnia's significance to the family.
Jem advises Scout not to provoke Alexandra, understanding that Atticus is trying to safeguard the family's reputation. They quarrel because Scout is tired of Jem acting superior to her. Atticus swiftly intervenes to stop the fight.
Dill, who has been hiding under the bed, emerges after Atticus leaves. He spins a fabricated story, but it becomes apparent that he ran away because he felt unwanted and ignored. Jem informs Atticus about Dill's departure, displaying his newfound maturity. Atticus prepares a meal for Dill and allows him to spend the night but informs Dill's relatives of his whereabouts.
Later that night, Scout ponders why Boo Radley never ran away from home. Dill somberly speculates, "Maybe he doesn't have anywhere to run off to."
After pleading with his mother, Dill is permitted to stay with the Finches. A week after his arrival, a group of men, accompanied by Sheriff Heck Tate, arrives at the Finch house. They inform Atticus that Tom Robinson is being transferred to the county jail and anticipate a potential lynching.
Later that evening, Atticus leaves for downtown. Under the cover of darkness, the three children secretly venture into town to find him. They discover him sitting outside the jail where Tom Robinson is now held, reading under a lamp.
A group of unfamiliar men arrives in cars, and Scout rushes to Atticus from her hiding place. She recognizes Mr. Cunningham among the mob and addresses him as a friend, appealing to his interests, including his son and his financial situation. Mr. Cunningham is unexpectedly moved by her empathetic words and calls off the mob.
Mr. Underwood, the owner of The Maycomb Tribune, reveals himself from the window of his office across the street. He confesses that he had
been covering Atticus with his double-barreled shotgun throughout the incident. Accompanied by Atticus, the children return home.
The next morning, Scout connects the dots in her mind, linking Atticus' shooting of the rabid dog, Old Tim Johnson, with his defense of Tom Robinson the previous night. This realization overwhelms her, and she begins to cry.
During breakfast, Alexandra scolds the children for their nighttime adventure, but Atticus expresses gratitude for their bravery. When Alexandra objects to the mention of Mr. Underwood's support with his shotgun, Atticus reveals that ironically, Mr. Underwood holds racist views. Alexandra cautions Atticus against discussing such matters in front of Calpurnia, but Atticus asserts that Calpurnia is considered part of the family and should be included in all family conversations. He complicates the notion of family by referencing the mob incident, stating that every mob in a Southern town consists of people you know.
The children visit town and witness the entire community heading to the courthouse for the trial. The ground level of the courthouse is packed, and Reverend Sykes greets them. Secretly, they make their way to the colored section of the courthouse.
The trial commences, and Sheriff Heck Tate is called to testify. He recounts how Bob Ewell approached him on the night of November 21, summoning him to the Ewell house - a dilapidated cabin near the town dump. Inside the house, Tate found Mayella, who was badly beaten.Mayella claimed that Tom Robinson had assaulted and raped her. Tate then brought Tom to the station, where Mayella identified him as her attacker.
During the cross-examination, Atticus questions Tate about whether a doctor was called to attend to Mayella's injuries. Tate confirms that no doctor was called, indicating that his focus was primarily on apprehending the suspect. He briefly describes the bruises on Mayella's face, emphasizing their location on the right side.
Bob Ewell takes the stand as a witness. Scout observes his unkempt appearance and notes that the Ewell family lives in a squalid cabin with seven children, previously occupied by a Black family. Scout highlights the small garden maintained by Mayella, suggesting her desire to distinguish herself from the rest of the Ewell family. Bob Ewell testifies about Mayella's screams, claiming that he rushed to the house and saw Tom Robinson through the window.
Atticus's cross-examination of Ewell is concise and direct. He asks Ewell if anyone called a doctor, to which Ewell replies that it wasn't necessary because he saw who was responsible. Atticus then asks Ewell if he agrees with Tate's testimony regarding Mayella's injuries, and Ewell confirms that he does.
In the final part of the cross-examination, Atticus asks Ewell to write his name on a piece of paper. Ewell signs it with his left hand, implying that he was the one who beat Mayella.
Mayella takes the stand as a witness. Scout notices that Mayella appears remarkably clean compared to her father. Mayella appears uncomfortable and bursts into tears immediately. She also misinterprets Atticus's politeness and courtesy as condescension, showing her resentment towards him.
Atticus poses a series of questions to Mayella about her home life. Mayella's responses depict her as a lonely and dutiful person who takes care of the family in her mother's absence and has no friends of her own. She implies, through her resistance to Atticus's question about her father's treatment, that Mr. Ewell is abusive when he drinks.
Mayella testifies that she invited Tom Robinson into her house to break up a chifforobe. Initially, she claims to have invited him in only once but contradicts herself, saying she might have invited him in multiple times. She also contradicts previous testimony regarding her injuries, stating, "I don't recollect if he hit me," followed immediately by "I mean yes, he did hit me." Her testimony reveals numerous inconsistencies in the prosecution's case against Tom Robinson.
Atticus questionsMayella about whether Tom Robinson is truly the man who took advantage of her. Mayella insists that he is, prompting Atticus
to request that Tom stand up. The courtroom audience notices Tom's crippled left arm. Tom explains that his arm got caught in a cotton gin when he was twelve, causing all the muscles to tear loose. Thus, Atticus reveals that Tom Robinson was physically incapable of assaulting Mayella with his left arm.
Feeling exposed, Mayella protests Atticus's "fancy airs... don't mean nothin'." The court is then adjourned. Jem is optimistic about the trial, but Scout feels uncertain about their chances of winning.
Atticus calls Tom Robinson as the sole witness. Tom testifies that Mayella had invited him into her house several times to help with minor tasks. On one occasion, she sent the children out to buy ice cream, allowing her to be alone with him. Although Tom doesn't explicitly state it, he implies that Mayella had ulterior motives for being alone with him.
Tom then recounts that Mayella invited him inside, asked him to stand on a chair to reach something on top of the chifforobe, and then suddenly grabbed his legs, leapt onto him, and kissed him. Bob Ewell appeared, screaming vulgar threats. Fearing for his life, Tom ran away from the scene.
While Tom gives his testimony, Scout reflects on Mayella's loneliness, noting that she is shunned by both White and Black people - White people because she lives among the Ewells and Black people because she is White. Ironically, Tom Robinson was the only person she knew who had shown her kindness.
Link Deas, Tom's employer, stands up and asserts that Tom has been trouble-free during his eight years of work. The judge reprimands Deas for speaking out of turn and expels him from the courtroom.
During the cross-examination, the prosecutor, Mr. Gilmer, questions Tom. When Gilmer asks why Tom performed so many chores for Mayella, Tom begins to explain, "I felt right sorry for her, she seemed to try more'n the rest of 'em - " before realizing his mistake. He understands that the jury, being predominantly White, may not look kindly upon a Black man expressing pity for a White woman.
Dill breaks down in tears, and Scout takes him outside to calm down. Dill expresses his distress over the demeaning manner in which Mr.
Gilmer spoke to Tom.
Dolphus Raymond, a local White man known for marrying a Black woman and having mixed-race children, sits on the lawn. Dill confides in Raymond, and Raymond offers him a drink from a paper bag to calm his nerves. Initially concerned that Raymond is giving Dill alcohol, Scout relaxes when Dill smiles after taking a sip, revealing that the drink is actually plain Coca-Cola. Raymond then explains that he pretends to be a drunkard as it provides a convenient explanation for his life choices that the town can easily accept.
Scout and Dill return to the courtroom and listen as Atticus delivers an unusually impassioned speech. Atticus pleads with the jury to believe Tom Robinson's testimony and refers to the courts as the great equalizers of the country. Calpurnia walks down the aisle towards Atticus, interrupting his speech.
Calpurnia delivers a note from Aunt Alexandra to Atticus, expressing her concern about the children who have been missing since noon. Mr. Underwood reveals that the children have been watching the trial from the colored balcony of the courthouse.
Atticus is upset by the distress caused to Alexandra but allows the children to return for the verdict announcement after they finish their supper. Calpurnia takes them home, and they quickly eat their meal. Upon returning to the courthouse, they find the jury still deliberating. Reverend Sykes saves their spots in the balcony. The jury takes hours to reach a verdict. In a daze-like state, Scout listens as the jury delivers a guilty verdict.
As the courtroom empties and Atticus walks beneath the balcony, the colored section rises to honor him.
Jem cries that night, enraged by the injustice he witnessed. The
children ask Atticus how this could happen, and he wearily responds, "I don't know, but they did it. They've done it before and they'll do it again, and when they do it - seems that only children weep."
The next morning, Calpurnia welcomes Atticus with an abundance of food brought by the Black residents of Maycomb to show their appreciation. Atticus is deeply moved by this gesture but leaves for work without eating his breakfast.
Miss Maudie invites the children to her house for cake. She tries to console them, explaining that there are men in the world who are destined to do the unpleasant tasks on behalf of others, and their father is one of them. Jem, however, still seems disillusioned by the trial.
As they leave Miss Maudie's house, Miss Stephanie informs them that Atticus wasspat upon by Mr. Ewell in town.
Atticus brushes off the incident, expressing his willingness to bear the blame for Bob Ewell's wounded pride if it spares Mayella Ewell from further abuse. Jem, however, remains angry and condemns the unfairness of the judicial system. Atticus explains that the jury's reasoning was flawed. He states that any White person who takes advantage of a Black person is "trash." He also explains what will happen now that the trial is over: Tom Robinson will be transferred to another prison seventy miles away, where he will await his appeal. Atticus believes there is a good chance Tom will be pardoned, but if he loses, Tom will face the electric chair because rape is considered a capital offense in Alabama.
Atticus hints at a hopeful moment during the trial, suggesting that one of the few people who wanted Tom to be acquitted was a Cunningham. Scout is pleased by this and wants to invite Walter over. However, Alexandra refuses, claiming that the Cunninghams are not suitable company. Scout is confused, and Jem tries to explain the caste system in Maycomb, with different tiers of society being wary of those below them.
Scout maintains her belief that all people are essentially the same, while Jem has developed a more complex understanding of humanity. He questions why people can't get along if they are all alike, and he speculates that Boo Radley may have chosen to isolate himself because
he wants to avoid the conflicts between people.
On a hot August afternoon, Alexandra hosts a missionary circle. Inspired by her growing friendship with Calpurnia, Scout puts on a dress and assists with serving coffee to the ladies. Alexandra invites her to stay, and the women engage in a discussion about an impoverished African tribe they aim to convert to Christianity.
The women express disdain for the customs and way of life of the African tribe. They also make patronizing remarks about their Black servants, criticizing their righteous anger over the trial as being un-Christian. Maudie interrupts their conversation with a sharp retort, and Alexandra appears grateful.
Atticus returns home early and asks Calpurnia to accompany him to the Robinson house. He reveals that Tom has been shot seventeen times while attempting to escape from prison.
Alexandra is shocked and saddened by the news, but Maudie encourages her to resume her role as a hostess entertaining the guests. Scout follows suit, realizingthat if Aunt Alexandra can maintain her composure during such a time, she can do the same.
The chapter begins with Scout noticing a caterpillar on the porch, and Jem stops her from squishing it, comparing it to a harmless mockingbird. Scout reminisces about Dill and what he told her about the night Atticus and Calpurnia went to see the Robinson family. Dill recounts how Helen Robinson collapsed upon seeing Atticus, as if a giant had stepped on her like an ant. The news of Tom's death circulates briefly in Maycomb, with few people showing concern except for Mr. Underwood, who writes a passionate editorial comparing Tom's death to the senseless killing of innocent songbirds. Most townsfolk view Tom's death as a typical occurrence, while Bob Ewell ominously suggests that there are more targets to come.
As school starts, Scout and Jem pass by the Radley house daily, and Scout yearns to see Boo but with a more mature desire to greet him as a friendly neighbor. Scout's third-grade teacher, Miss Gates, talks about Adolf Hitler's persecution of Jewish people, expressing her disdain for the dictatorship in Germany and praising America's democracy. Scout, puzzled by Miss Gates' hypocrisy, recalls her words after the Tom Robinson trial, where she spoke negatively about the Black community gaining equal rights. Jem gets angry at Scout for bringing up the trial and tells her never to mention it again.
By mid-October, life in Maycomb seems to have settled down. Bob Ewell briefly gets a job but loses it, blaming Atticus. Helen Robinson is then given a job by Link Deas, but Bob harasses her until Deas confronts him, putting an end to the harassment. Judge Taylor notices Bob prowling around his house after the incident with Helen. On Halloween, the school organizes a pageant, and Scout plays the role of a pork product, wearing a ham costume. No one from her family attends the pageant except for Jem. After the pageant, Jem and Scout walk home together, beginning what Scout describes as their "longest journey together."
Embarrassed by the pageant, Scout keeps her ham costume on as she walks with Jem through the dark woods. They hear a noise but attribute it to their Halloween jitters. Suddenly, Mr. Ewell attacks them, smelling of alcohol and breathing heavily. In her costume, Scout loses her balance and falls, feeling something tear at the mesh of hercostume. She hears a struggle and is then pulled away from the attacker. Eventually, the struggle stops, and Scout emerges from her costume. She sees a man carrying Jem back to the house. Dr. Reynolds tends to Jem's broken arm while Sheriff Tate reveals that Bob Ewell is dead, having been found with a knife in his ribs.
Scout sits with Boo on the porch swing while Sheriff Tate and Atticus discuss who should be held responsible for Bob Ewell's death. Atticus seems to believe that Jem committed the murder, while Tate realizes that Boo Radley was the one who killed Ewell. Tate decides to declare the death an accident, claiming that Ewell fell on his own knife. He argues that it would be unfair to expose Boo's actions to the public. Atticus expresses his gratitude to Boo for saving his children's lives.
Scout leads Boo into Jem's room, where Boo gently strokes Jem's hair as a farewell. Scout then walks Boo back to his house and reflects on Atticus' words about understanding others by putting oneself in their shoes. Standing on the Radley porch alone was enough for Scout to realize the true nature of Boo Radley. She tells Atticus about her range of emotions, from fear to discovering that Boo is actually kind. Atticus responds by saying that most people are good when you finally see them for who they truly are.