To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 1-8 Flashcards

Setting Description

• Maycomb, Alabama is characterized by its heat, poorly maintained sidewalks, and dirt roads; it reflects an old town atmosphere.

Character Profiles

• Calpurnia, the Finch family's African American cook, is described as skinny, with large hands and poor eyesight; she plays a maternal role in the household.
• Dill, a young boy who claims fame for having seen 20 picture shows, becomes a key character in Scout and Jem's adventures.

Arthur Radley (Boo)

• Arthur Radley encountered legal trouble for resisting arrest and an incident involving Mr. Conner, where he locked him in an outhouse and stole a car.
• He avoided industrial school due to a promise from his father to the judge, indicating familial ties influencing legal outcomes.
• Boo's isolation intensified after his father’s death, with his brother Nathan keeping him inside.

School Experiences

• Scout struggles on her first day of school due to her advanced literacy, actively defending her classmate Walter, which garners disapproval from her teacher, Miss Caroline.
• Atticus enlightens Scout on social interactions, stressing the importance of empathy by understanding others' perspectives.

Ewell Family

• The Ewells live in destitution, disregarding societal norms; Burris Ewell’s school attendance reflects their poor lifestyle, as he only attends once a year due to family circumstances.

Learning Outside School

• Scout's education primarily comes from reading various materials, including Time magazine, rather than traditional schooling.

Mysterious Encounters

• Scout discovers chewing gum in the Radley house's tree, indicating the children's intrigue with Boo Radley.
• Other treasures found include Indian head pennies, indicating Boo's attempts at friendship.
• The term "hot steam" refers to a supernatural belief about roaming spirits.

Exploration Adventures

• Scout's venture to the Radley house starts when she tumbles from a tire, leading her to believe she hears laughter inside.
• Jem and Dill’s nighttime adventures are motivated by their desire to see Boo Radley.

Mystery of Jem's Pants

• Jem's pants get caught while fleeing the Radley house; he later retrieves them, finding them folded and repaired, suggesting an unseen presence.

Significant Objects

• The discovery of a pocket watch and a knife in the tree's knot-hole serves as milestones in the children's growing relationship with Boo Radley.
• Mr. Radley fills the knot-hole with cement, falsely claiming the tree is dying, symbolizing the severance of the children's connection to Boo.

Novel Events and Reactions

• Scout’s first experience with snow leads her to believe the world is ending, reflecting her innocence and naivety.
• A snowman crafted from snow and dirt comically resembles Mr. Avery, highlighting the children's playful creativity.
• Miss Maudie's optimistic reaction to her house burning down showcases her resilience and positive outlook amidst adversity.