TKAMChapter+3

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 3

Plot Summary: The narrator in the book, Jean Louise "Scout" Finch begins this chapter of the book by beating up her classmate, Walter Cunningham, during their lunch break. She accuses him of making her "start of on the wrong foot" with their first grade teacher, Ms. Caroline, because Scout is the one who explained Walter's poverty to the teacher, and ended up getting punished. Scout's brother, Jem, finds her when she's fighting Walter and tells her to stop, inviting the boy over for lunch because their fathers are good friends. During lunch, Walter asks for syrup and pours it all over his meal, stopping only when Scout complains rudely. Calpurnia, their cook, brings Scout to the kitchen, tells her off, and Scout finishes the rest of her meal in the kitchen. Atticus, Scout's father, reminds her when she complains about Calpurnia, that their household wouldn't last for a day without their cook. When they return to school, Ms. Caroline meets Burris Ewell, a member of the Ewell family, when she notices a cootie crawling out of his filthy hair. She learns that the Ewell family come to school only on the first day, claiming that in doing so they have fulfilled the education law. Later, when Scout and Jem go home from school, Atticus calls Scout over to read. Having been told by her teacher that she should not let Atticus teach her how to read anymore, Scout tells him that she does not want to go to school anymore, because then Atticus wouldn't be able to read with her. It is then that Atticus teaches Scout about putting herself in other people's shoes to understand what they are thinking and going through. He also explains to her why it is alright for people like the Ewells to not go to school, and why it is necessary for her to attend school. Then, Atticus makes a 'deal' with Scout, saying that if she continues to go to school, they can go on reading every night, and he tells her it would be better not to tell Ms. Caroline about the reading. Later, as a result of an article Atticus, Jem and Scout read, Jem sits up in their tree house for the whole day with Scout running errands for him, until Atticus tells Scout that if she ignores Jem, he'll eventually come down. It turns out Atticus is correct.

Setting: Maycomb County, Alabama, the USA Some time during the 1930s The Finchs' house, close to the Radley place, and Jem and Scout's school (name unknown) A map of the state of Alabama

Character Profiles: Jean Louise "Scout" Finch: tomboyish, outspoken girl, who lives with her brother, Jem, and her father, Atticus. She's always getting told off by her cook/caretaker, Calpurnia. Loves to read, and has been reading since she was little. Sometimes a bit rude, hot-tempered.

Jeremy "Jem" Atticus Finch: normally well-behaved boy who lives with his father, Atticus and his little sister, Scout. Misses his mother sometimes, who died when he was around seven years old. Sometimes preferred by their cook, Calpurnia, who believes he is better behaved than Scout. Finds it difficult to refuse a dare.

Walter Cunningham: Member of a poor family of farmers. Can't afford to buy his own lunch. His father can never repay people with money, instead he gives people things like bushels of potatoes or chopped wood. Good people, but often denied a lot of things.

Burris Ewell: Member of another poor family. The entire family doesn't go to school, though one day they were finally threatened by a woman who would have told the sheriff, so they go to school the first day every year and are then marked absent the rest of the days. They are very dirty, as we find out when a cootie crawls out of his hair.

Calpurnia: Jem, Scout and Atticus Finch's cook. A brave woman who doesn't think twice before putting Scout and Jem (though mostly Scout) in their places. Has grown attached to the two of them and actually misses them when they go to school.

Photo Bank:

A wisteria vine: a sweet-smelling lavender-like flower vine. "...completed his examination of the wisteria vine he strolled back to me." (pg. 30)

Pecans: a type of nut that comes from pecan trees. " '...come to school and et them pecans - folks say he pizened 'em...' " (pg. 23)

Magnesia: medicine used to cure stomach issues and indigestion. " '...dose of magnesia for you tonight and school tomorrow." (page 29)

Vocabulary: Iniquities: acts of unfairness or meanness "...staying behind to advise Atticus of Calpurnia's iniquities was worth a solitary spring past the Radley Place." (pg 25)

Contemptuous: scornful or disdainful "He gave a short contemptuous snort." (pg 27)

Diminutive: small, tiny, or little "He was among the most diminutive of men..." (pg 27)

Truant: someone who stays away from school without permission "The truant lady reckons she's carried out the law..." (pg 30)

Disapprobations: disapproval or objection " 'I'm afraid our activities would be received with considerable disapprobation by the more learned authorities.' " (pg 31)

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