To Kill a Mockingbird Vocabulary and Conceptual Review

A complete set of vocabulary, character analysis, themes, and literary terms from the To Kill a Mockingbird lecture notes.

Scout (Jean Louise Finch)

The narrator and protagonist. A tomboy who matures from innocence to understanding through the events of the trial and her encounters with Boo Radley.

Jem Finch

Scout’s older brother. He is deeply affected by the injustice of the trial, representing the painful transition into adulthood (Coming of Age).

Atticus Finch

A lawyer and moral compass of Maycomb. He represents integrity, justice, and the "Mockingbird" philosophy of protecting the innocent.

Dill (Charles Baker Harris)

The Finches' summer neighbor. His curiosity fuels the obsession with Boo Radley; he represents the pure innocence of childhood.

Calpurnia

The Finches’ cook. She is a bridge between the white and Black communities and serves as a mother figure to Scout and Jem.

Boo (Arthur) Radley

The town recluse. Initially a "monster" in the children's eyes, he is revealed to be a protector and a true "mockingbird."

Tom Robinson

The Black man falsely accused of rape. He is the central "mockingbird" of the story—innocent, helpful, and destroyed by evil.

Mayella Ewell

Bob Ewell's daughter. She lives in poverty and loneliness; her false accusation is driven by shame and fear of her father.

Bob Ewell

The antagonist. He represents the "trash" of Maycomb—ignorant, racist, and hateful.

Miss Maudie Atkinson

A neighbor and friend to the Finches. She provides perspective and shares Atticus's moral values.

Mrs. Dubose

A morphined-addicted neighbor. Atticus uses her to teach the children about real courage.

Aunt Alexandra

Atticus's sister. She represents traditional Southern social values, "fine folks," and the pressure for Scout to be a "lady."

Heck Tate

The town sheriff. He protects Boo Radley at the end by ruling Bob Ewell’s death an accident.

Dolphus Raymond

A white man who prefers living with Black people. He pretends to be a drunk to give the town an "excuse" for his lifestyle.

Coming of Age

A theme where Scout and Jem lose their childhood "innocence" as they witness the legal and social reality of racism.

Coexisting of Good & Evil

The exploration of how people can be kind neighbors while simultaneously harboring deep-seated prejudice.

Social Inequality

The "caste system" of Maycomb, ranging from the Finches at the top to the Ewells and the Black community at the bottom.

Character-Integrity

Doing the right thing even when you know you will lose (Atticus taking the case).

Mockingbirds

Represents innocence. To kill one is a sin because they only make music for people to enjoy. (Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are mockingbirds).

The Radley Place

Initially represents mystery and childhood fear; later represents the privacy and misunderstood nature of Boo.

The Mad Dog (Tim Johnson)

Represents the "madness" of racism that Atticus must face alone, even though he knows he can't "cure" the whole town.

Oxymoron

A figure of speech with contradictory terms (e.g., "bittersweet").

Synecdoche

A part represents the whole (e.g., "all hands on deck" where "hands" means people). A part of the idea is replaced with a single word.

Metonymy

Using a linked term to represent a concept (e.g., "The White House" for the President). Where the word is replaced completely but it still connects with the idea.

Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration for effect.

Paradox

A statement that seems self-contradictory but reveals a truth.

Allusion

A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work.

Amicable

Friendly and peaceable.

Arid

Extremely dry; or, unimaginative/dull.

Arbitrate

To settle a dispute between two parties.

Acquiescence

Agreement or consent without protest.

Ambidextrous

Able to use both hands equally well (crucial to the trial evidence).

Edification

Intellectual or moral improvement/instruction.

Elucidate

To make clear; explain.

Formidable

Inspiring fear or respect through being large or powerful.

Impassive

Showing no emotion; expressionless.

Sardonic

Grimly mocking or cynical.

Temerity

Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity.

Unfathomable

Incapable of being fully explored or understood.

Vehemently

In a forceful, passionate, or intense manner.

Volition

The faculty or power of using one's will.