Structure and Plot Development

Overview

The plot of To Kill a Mockingbird is centred around key events such as the trial of Tom Robinson, the children's fascination with Boo Radley, and themes of justice, prejudice, and moral growth. Additional events, such as the fire at Miss Maudie's house and the incident with the rabid dog, function as sub-plots.

Key Terms

• Exposition: The introduction of characters, setting, and background information.
• Rising Action: Events that build tension and develop the main conflict.
• Climax: The turning point or moment of highest tension in the story.
• Resolution: The conclusion of the story, where conflicts are resolved.

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Exposition

• The story begins with Scout Finch recalling how her brother Jem broke his arm when he was nearly 13.
• The Finch family's history is explained: their ancestor, Simon Finch, left Cornwall, England, and settled in Alabama, USA.
• The main characters are introduced, including Scout, Jem, Atticus Finch (their father), and their housekeeper, Calpurnia.

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Rising Action

• Scout, Jem, and Dill (a friend) are intrigued by Boo Radley, a mysterious man who lives in a nearby house.
  • They try to lure Boo outside but fail. Instead, Scout and Jem find small gifts left in a tree near Boo's house.
• The children play games and tell stories about Boo, forming part of the sub-plots in the novel.
• The main conflict arises when Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman.
  • Atticus Finch is appointed as Tom's lawyer.
  • A complication occurs as the local community disapproves of Atticus defending Tom.

Tension builds:

• Before the trial, Atticus guards the jail to protect Tom from a mob. Scout defuses the situation by speaking to one of the men.
• During the trial, it becomes clear that Tom is innocent, but racial prejudice influences the jury.

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Climax

• Despite evidence of Tom's innocence, the jury convicts him.
• Tom feels hopeless and is later shot while attempting to escape prison.
• Bob Ewell, humiliated by the trial, seeks revenge.
• He attacks Scout and Jem as they walk home from a school concert.
• Boo Radley rescues the children, carrying an injured Jem home.

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Resolution

• Heck Tate (the sheriff) discovers that Bob Ewell is dead.
  • It is implied that Boo Radley killed Bob to protect the children.
  • Atticus and the sheriff agree not to put Boo on trial, as it would bring him unnecessary attention.
• When Scout understands the sheriff's decision, she compares exposing Boo to "shootin' a mockingbird", emphasising Boo's innocence and kindness.

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