Chapter 7:
Summary
In Chapter 7, school started and Scout entered the second grade, but she says that she doesn't like it and that it's just like the first grade. One day as Jem and Scout were walking home, they saw a surprise in the knothole near the Radley's house. They waited a couple of day to see who claims it, but when no one did, they kept it. Later in the fall they found more surprising presents, but then one day when they went to check on it again, the knothole was filled and covered in cement. The children asked Mr. Radley what happened, and he said that it was for the good of tree. Jem and Scout were disappointed.
Vocab
Gnats (pg.62)n. – type of insect that is small and bits
Whittles (pg.64)v. - to used a knife skillfully to carve wood
Cleaved (pg.66)v. - to be stuck
Palate (pg.66)n. - the roof of a person's mouth
Vigil (pg.67)n. - a type of watch
Probing Questions
Why are there items meant for Scott and Jem in the knothole?
Who put the items in the knothole?
Was that really the reason Mr. Radley filled the knothole?
Supporting Images
Chapter 8:
Summary
In Chapter 8, Maycomb experienced snow for the first time since 1885! Scott and Jem were so amazed and since there was no school, they built a big snowman in their yard. As the snow continued to dropped, it got colder and colder and everyone had to put a fire in each room so they wouldn't freeze. Later that night, Miss Maudie's house caught on fire and Jem and Scout witnessed it. Atticus told them to stand where it was safe and during the fire, Boo Radley saw that Scout was cold so he putted a blanket around her. Scott didn't noticed the blanket until the fire was over, and her and Jem were suspicious. The next day, they saw Miss Maudie, and she was cheerful. Scout and Jem were amazed at how strong Miss Maudie is after the loss of her house.
Vocab
Unfathomable (pg.68)adj. – something that can not be understood
roomers (pg.73)n. - a person who rents and lives in a room in a house
Taffeta (pg.73)v. - a type of fabric that can be used for a woman's clothing
Plaited (pg.71)v. - to braid
treble (pg.73)adj. - to be high
Allusions
Missouri Compromise (pg.76) - agreement passed by the U.S. Congress in 1820 to end slavery
Stonewall Jackson (pg. 76) - (1824-1863) A general during the Civil War
Important Quotes
"I looked down and found myself clutching a brown woolen blanket I was wearing around my shoulders...I turned to Jem for an answer, but Jem was even more bewildered than I...we stood down by the Radley gate away from everyone, we didn't moved an inch."
I think that this quote is important because I really makes you wonder: If Boo did it, he sure is a nice person.
"Why I'll bulid me a little house and take me a couple of roomers and gracious, I'll have the finest yard in Alabama."
These words said by Miss Maudie is jut amazing. Her house just burnt down but yet, she still has the strength and courage to go on.
I Chapter 9:
Summary
In chapter 9, Atticus was given a case to depend Tom Robinson, a black person, who was accused of raping a white woman. At school, Scout picked a fight with one of the boys at her school for calling Atticus someone who defends black people. Later on, when Atticus heard about it, he told and tried to make Scout understand not to pick a fight with anyone anymore. Christmas came and Scott's Uncle Jack came to visit and they had dinner together. At the table, Scott began to curse, and Uncle Jack spoke to her after dinner and forbid her to use those words around him. On Christmas day, they all went to visit the family in the Finch's Land. While they were there, Scott's Aunt Alexandra pressured her to be a girl and to act like one. To make things worse, Aunt's Alexandra's son, Francis, made fun of Dill and Atticus and a fight started. Scout got in trouble and they all went back home. Later on Scott told Uncle Jack what happened and he wasn't happy with Francis and said he will talk to him later. That night, Scout over heard Uncle Jack and Atticus talking in the living room about Tom Robinson, they said that he was really innocent but he is in a tough situation that will find him guilty.
Vocab
Bawled (pg.89)v. – to cry out
Dim (pg.83)adj. - unclear, not understood
Impaired (pg.88)adj. -damaged; weakened
Mishaps (pg.86)n. - unfortunate things that happens
Invective (pg.92)n. - bad words; cursed words
Comment on Character Development
Scout: Scout seems to be maturing a little in this chapter. Although the fight with Francis she still is loyal to her father and Scout is beginning to understand more about what's going on around her.
Atticus: Atticus seem to be changing and beginning to understand Scout and her tomboy ways. He is being well aware of the trail and the things that's going on. Even though he said that the trial would be pointless since Tom seem to be labeled as guilty already, he still gives it his best efforts to help Tom.
Comment on Plot Development
In this chapter the plot of the story was getting through Scout getting through Christmas with her family. I think Scout is beginning to feel fustrated over things but she is still learning about the adult world. This chapter hits a foreshadowing to another plot about Tom Robinson being innocent but claimed guilty.
