Quick Summary

In chapter one of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch and her brother Jem are introduced as the two main characters of the novel. The Finch family lives in Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s and is made up of Atticus, their father, and Calpurnia, the cook and housekeeper. Atticus is a lawyer and an upstanding member of the community, while Calpurnia is a stern but caring figure in the lives of the children. At the beginning of the chapter, Scout and Jem explore their neighborhood and meet some of the local characters, such as the mysterious Boo Radley and the Cunninghams. They also interact with the town's prejudices, including their teacher's opinion that African Americans are inferior to whites. Eventually, Jem and Scout learn that Atticus will be defending a black man in a case against a white man, which causes a great stir in the community.

Expanded Summary

The first chapter of To Kill a Mockingbird opens with a description of the sleepy town of Maycomb, Alabama. The narrator, Scout Finch, introduces the reader to her family, including her father, Atticus, and her brother, Jem. On the way to school, Scout and Jem pass the Radley Place, a mysterious house in the neighborhood. The kids are warned to stay away from the Radley Place, as there is a strange man living inside.

At school, Scout is embarrassed when she is forced to read in front of the class. After school, Scout meets up with Jem and Dill, a new friend from Mississippi. The kids play a game trying to get a peek of the mysterious figure in the Radley Place. Jem and Scout have a fight, but make up when Atticus comes home. Atticus reads to the kids and talks to them about the importance of understanding and respecting other people, no matter how different they may be.

Scout overhears Atticus talking to a friend about why he is taking a case involving a black man. Atticus believes it is his duty to defend the accused, even though the town is not in favor of it. Scout is proud of her father and shows her appreciation by giving him a hug. When Scout and Jem go to bed, they talk about their exciting day and the mysterious man in the Radley Place.

The first chapter of To Kill a Mockingbird introduces the reader to the Finch family, the mysterious Radley Place, and the town of Maycomb. Atticus’s wisdom and moral standards are also revealed in this chapter, as he teaches Scout and Jem to respect and understand other people, regardless of their differences. Scout’s admiration for her father is evident as she gives him a hug after learning about his case. The chapter ends with Scout and Jem speculating about the mysterious man in the Radley Place, foreshadowing an important part of the novel.

Questions

1. Who is Dill?

Dill is a young boy who stays with the Finches for the summer and becomes close friends with Jem and Scout.

2. What does Scout overhear her father saying about the case?

Scout overhears her father saying that he has to defend Tom Robinson in the case, even though it is likely to be a lost cause.

3. What does Aunt Alexandra want to teach the children?

Aunt Alexandra wants to teach the children proper manners and etiquette.

4. What does Jem do to the Radley house?

Jem plays a prank on the Radley house by putting a spelling bee medal in a knothole of the Radley's oak tree.

5. What does Atticus say about the jury in the case?

Atticus says that the jury in the case is likely to be prejudiced against Tom Robinson, as most of the jury members are white.

6. What does Miss Maudie tell the children about Boo Radley?

Miss Maudie tells the children that Boo Radley is a good person, despite the rumors about him.

7. What does Atticus tell the children about their behavior?

Atticus tells the children that they must be respectful and polite to everyone, regardless of race or social standing.

8. Who saves Jem and Scout from the dog?

Atticus saves Jem and Scout from the dog.

9. What does Aunt Alexandra think of Calpurnia?

Aunt Alexandra thinks of Calpurnia as being a good and loyal servant, but she disapproves of Calpurnia's influence on the children.

10. What does Atticus tell the children about Tom Robinson?

Atticus tells the children that Tom Robinson is a good person who was wrongly accused of a crime.

11. What does Scout find in the knothole of the Radley tree?

Scout finds a piece of chewing gum in the knothole of the Radley tree.

12. What does Scout do when Aunt Alexandra criticizes Calpurnia?

Scout stands up for Calpurnia when Aunt Alexandra criticizes her, saying that Calpurnia is part of their family.

13. What does Atticus teach Jem and Scout about shooting?

Atticus teaches Jem and Scout that it is not right to shoot a gun at a mockingbird, as they are harmless creatures.

14. Who is Mrs. Dubose?

Mrs. Dubose is an elderly woman who lives near the Finches and is known for her outspoken and racist views.

15. What does Atticus tell the children about Mrs. Dubose?

Atticus tells the children that Mrs. Dubose is a courageous woman, even though she is unlikeable.