Plot Sypnosis
The opening title scene for the motion picture
How to Kill a Mockingbird is set in the small Alabama town of Maycomb County during the period of the Great Depression. Atticus Finch is both a widower and a father to two children, Jean Louise Finch (Scout) and Jeremy Finch (Jem). Atticus is a prominent and successful lawyer within the town, and the family is reasonably well off. Calpurnia the Negros house keeper, helps to raise the children whilst Atticus works and takes care of the house. Whilst on summer break the two children meet a boy visiting his aunty, his name Charles Baker Harris (Dill). The children become instant friends and pass the summer time by creating fictitious stories. A house further down the road attracts the attention of the children, rumours and gossip encompass the town about a man, Arthur Radley, that has been held in their by his father, Mr Radley for 30 years. Intrigued by this 'creature' the townsfolk refer to him as 'Boo', the children spend the upcoming summer trying to entice Boo out of the house so they can catch a glimpse of the monster. After the school holidays, Scout starts her first day at school. Only to be caught in a fight about her father defending a negro man in court, who is charged with rape of a young woman, Mayella Ewell. On numerous occasions the children find small treasures that are stashed in the hollow of a tree at the edge of the Radley's property. Unbeknown to them, Boo had been placing the objects for the children to find, once Nathan Radley, Boo's older brother, discovers it he cements the hole closed. Throughout the story kind gestures are given to the children, not knowing that Boo was actually behind them. Whilst Atticus is busy preparing the court case for Tom Robinson, the negro man, Calpurina takes the children to the coloured church. On the day of the court proceeding all the citizens come to the court house to watch the verdict. The children, accompanied by Calpurnia sits in the coloured balcony with the Priest . Although Atticus gives a strong argument proving Tom not guilty, the Jury still gives the verdict of guilty. Tom Robinson has the opportunity to appeal, and Atticus is willing to support him through it, however Tom flees police custody and is shot dead. As time passes things begin to return to usual. One evening as Jem and Scout walk home after a school production they are ambushed by a man, with the intent to seriously harm or kill the children. Saved by Heck Tate, the local Sheriff, and an unknown man the children they are returned to Atticus at the house. At the house it is discovered Boo Radley had come to their assistance after hearing the commotion. Once meeting and being in the presence of Arthur 'Boo', Scout realises that he is almost childish, as he has not learnt to integrate into society. It is later found that Bob Ewell is in the field with a kitchen knife stuck piercing his torso. Although never confirmed, it is assumed that Arthur killed him as he came to the rescue. After the incident Arthur is never seen outside of his house again. Subsequently over the events of the past years Jem and Scout realise that Arthur is not a monster at all, but he is a victim, similar to Tom Robinson.