To Kill a Mockingbird

Scout gets into another schoolyard fight with a boy named Cecil Jacobs who uses a racist slur to describe Atticus’s clients. Back home, Atticus explains that he is providing legal defense for a Black man named Tom Robinson, who attends Calpurnia’s church. Tom Robinson has been accused of raping a White woman, and because of this, Atticus warns that the children may hear some “ugly talk” (87) around town. He explains in order to preserve his conscience, he must provide the best possible defense for Tom Robinson, even though he knows they won’t win the case. He also advises Scout and Jem to “hold their head[s] high” (87) and refrain from physical fights over the issue.

At Christmastime, the family goes to Finch’s Landing, where they eat copious quantities of southern food. Jem and Scout are gifted with air rifles by way of their Uncle Jack, though Atticus himself purchased the guns, explaining that he “bowed to the inevitable” (91). The children enjoy spending time with Jack, but they have less-than-pleasant encounters with their Aunt Alexandra (who wants to make Scout dress like a lady) and their cousin, Francis.

One evening, Francis confronts Scout about Dill, claiming he is a child no one wants and is simply passed from family member to family member as the seasons change.