Plot

 

 

The plot of To Kill A Mockingbird is comprised of a series of seemingly isolated yet intricate events which are drawn together under the many themes of this novel.  The plot is presented to us through the mind and eyes of Jean Louise (Scout) Finch as she looks back on her childhood as an adult. The story takes place in Maycomb County, Alabama over the course of two years during the Depression (the early 1930's).  The plot, aside from focusing on the growth, education, and antics of Scout and her brother Jem, has two strands.  The first strand has to do with the children's fascination for Boo Radley, a neighborhood recluse that has eveloved into a monster in the overactive imaginations of Scout, Jem, and Dill. Their initial fear of this character evolves into fascination and a strong desire to get Boo to come out of his house.  The second major plot strand revolves around the children's father, Atticus.  Atticus is a white lawyer who takes on a challenging court case. In this case he defends Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman whose family is considered the scourge of the town.  This plot strand focuses on the case and the courtroom trial, as well as how the Finches must defend themselves  from a narrow-minded town that seeks to condemn them because of Atticus' decision to defend Robinson.  The two plot strands come together in a carefully constructed climax which leaves the reader wishing for more.

RELATED LINKS: Novel Guide Discussion Group & Games related to the novel Student Survival Guide by another teacher