TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee for Mr. and Alice in consideration of Love & Affection Lawyers I suppose were children once. Charles Lamb PART ONE Contents - Prev / Next Chapter 1 When he was nearly thirteen my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. it healed Jem’s fears never being able to play football assuaged seldom self-conscious about injury. His left somewhat shorter than right when stood or walked back hand right angles body thumb parallel thigh. He couldn’t have cared less so long as could pass punt. enough years had gone enable us look on them we sometimes discussed events leading accident. maintain that Ewells started all but Jem who four senior said before that. began summer Dill came us first gave idea making Boo Radley come out. if wanted take a broad view thing really with Andrew Jackson. If General Jackson hadn’t run Creeks up creek Simon Finch would paddled Alabama where be hadn’t? We far too old settle an argument fist-fight consulted Atticus. Our father both right. Being Southerners source shame some members family no recorded ancestors either side Battle Hastings. All Finch fur-trapping apothecary from Cornwall whose piety exceeded only stinginess. In England irritated persecution those called themselves Methodists hands their more liberal brethren himself Methodist worked way across Atlantic Philadelphia thence Jamaica Mobile Saint Stephens. Mindful John Wesley’s strictures use many words buying selling made pile practicing medicine this pursuit unhappy lest tempted into doing what knew not glory God putting gold costly apparel. So Simon having forgotten teacher’s dictum possession human chattels bought three slaves aid established homestead banks Alabama River forty miles above returned Stephens once find wife her line ran high daughters. lived impressive age died rich. It customary men remain Simon’s homestead Finch’s Landing make living cotton. The place self-sufficient: modest comparison empires around it Landing nevertheless produced everything required sustain life except ice wheat flour articles clothing supplied river-boats Mobile. regarded impotent fury disturbance between North South descendants stripped land yet tradition land remained unbroken until well twentieth century father Atticus went Montgomery read law younger Boston study medicine. Their sister Alexandra Landing: she married taciturn man spent most time lying hammock river wondering trot-lines full. admitted bar Maycomb practice. Maycomb twenty east county seat County. Atticus’s office courthouse contained little hat rack spittoon checkerboard unsullied Code Alabama. two clients last persons hanged County jail. urged them accept state’s generosity allowing plead Guilty second-degree murder escape lives they Haverfords name synonymous jackass. Haverfords dispatched Maycomb’s blacksmith misunderstanding arising alleged wrongful detention mare imprudent do presence witnesses insisted the-son-of-a-bitch-had-itcoming-to-him good defense anybody. They persisted pleading Not first-degree murder there nothing much present departure occasion probably beginning father’s profound distaste practice criminal law. During five practiced economy anything several thereafter invested earnings brother’s education. Hale ten chose medicine cotton worth growing after getting Uncle Jack started derived reasonable income liked born bred people him because industry related blood marriage every town. town tired town it. rainy weather streets turned red slop grass grew sidewalks sagged square. Somehow hotter then: black dog suffered summer’s day bony mules hitched Hoover carts flicked flies sweltering shade live oaks Men’s stiff collars wilted nine morning. Ladies bathed noon three-o’clock naps nightfall like soft teacakes frostings sweat sweet talcum. People moved slowly then. ambled square shuffled out stores took everything. day twenty-four hours seemed longer. There hurry nowhere go buy money with see outside boundaries But vague optimism people: recently been told fear itself. main residential street town— Atticus I plus Calpurnia our cook. found satisfactory: played treated courteous detachment. something else again. She all bones nearsighted squinted wide bed slat twice hard. always ordering me kitchen asking why behave older calling home wasn’t ready come. battles epic one-sided. won mainly side. ever since born felt tyrannical remember. mother two absence. Graham Montgomery met elected state legislature. middle-aged then fifteen junior. product year marriage later sudden heart attack. family. did miss her think did. remembered clearly middle game sigh length then go off behind car-house. that better bother him. almost six ten summertime (within distance Calpurnia) Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose’s house doors north Place south. break them. inhabited unknown entity mere description whom days end Dubose plain hell. That us. Early one morning day’s yard heard next door Miss Rachel Haverford’s collard patch. wire fence puppy— Rachel’s rat terrier expecting— instead someone sitting looking Sitting down higher collards. stared him spoke: “Hey.” “Hey yourself” pleasantly. “I’m Baker Harris” said. “I can read.” “So what?” just thought you’d know read. You anything needs readin‘ it…” “How are you” asked “four-and-a-half?” “Goin‘ seven.” “Shoot wonder then” jerking me. “Scout yonder’s ain’t even school yet. puny goin’ I’m old” brushed hair get look. “Why don’t you over Harris?” “Lord name.” “‘s any funnier’n yours. Aunt says your name’s Jeremy Finch.” scowled. big fit mine” “Your longer’n are. Bet it’s foot longer.” “Folks call Dill” Dill struggling under fence. “Do over it” “Where’d from?” Meridian Mississippi spending aunt Rachel now on. originally photographer entered picture Beautiful Child contest won dollars. show times “Don’t shows here Jesus ones sometimes” Jem. “Ever good?” seen Dracula revelation eye respect. “Tell us” curiosity. wore blue linen shorts buttoned shirt snow white stuck head duckfluff senior towered As tale eyes lighten darken laugh happy habitually pulled cowlick center forehead. reduced Dracula dust sounded book was: “You him.” haven’t one.” “Is dead?” “No…” “Then he’s dead you’ve one you?” blushed hush sure sign studied acceptable. Thereafter passed routine contentment. Routine contentment improving treehouse rested giant twin chinaberry trees fussing running through list dramas based works Oliver Optic Victor Appleton Edgar Rice Burroughs. matter lucky Dill. character parts formerly thrust upon me— ape Tarzan Crabtree Rover Boys Damon Tom Swift. Thus pocket Merlin teemed eccentric plans strange longings quaint fancies. end August repertoire vapid countless reproductions fascinated spite warnings explanations drew moon draws water nearer light-pole corner safe gate. stand fat pole staring wondering. jutted sharp curve beyond house. Walking south faced its porch sidewalk beside lot. low once deep front porch green shutters ago darkened color slate-gray yard Rain-rotted shingles drooped eaves veranda oak kept sun away. remains picket drunkenly guarded yard— “swept” swept— johnson rabbit-tobacco abundance. Inside malevolent phantom. existed night peeped windows. people’s azaleas froze cold snap breathed Any stealthy small crimes committed work. Once terrorized series morbid nocturnal events: chickens household pets mutilated although culprit Crazy Addie eventually drowned Barker’s Eddy people still looked Place unwilling discard initial suspicions. Negro night cut opposite whistle walked. grounds adjoined lot chickenyard tall pecan shook fruit schoolyard nuts lay untouched children: pecans kill you. baseball hit lost ball questions asked. misery born. Radleys welcome anywhere themselves predilection unforgivable Maycomb. church principal recreation worshiped home crossed mid-morning coffee neighbors certainly joined missionary circle. walked eleven-thirty promptly twelve carrying brown paper bag neighborhood assumed groceries. how living— “bought cotton” polite term nothing—but wife sons anybody shutters closed Sundays another thing alien ways: meant illness only. Of Sunday formal afternoon visiting: ladies corsets coats shoes. climb steps call “He-y” neighbors screen doors. any yes According legend boy teens became acquainted Cunninghams Old Sarum enormous confusing tribe domiciled northern part county formed nearest gang little publicly warned pulpits: hung barbershop rode bus Abbottsville Sundays show attended dances county’s riverside gambling hell Dew-Drop Inn Fishing Camp experimented stumphole whiskey. Nobody nerve tell wrong crowd. One excessive spurt spirits boys backed square borrowed flivver resisted arrest ancient beadle Conner locked outhouse. decided done Conner each was bound determined wouldn’t away probate judge charges disorderly conduct disturbing peace assault battery using abusive profane language hearing female. included charge cussed loud lady send industrial school sent other reason provide food decent shelter: prison disgrace. was. released Arthur Arthur further trouble. Knowing Radley’s word bond glad so. received best secondary education state engineering Auburn. weekdays again years. day barely within memory talked Radleys: question answer mind own business let Radleys theirs to happened said “Mm mm mm.” information Stephanie Crawford scold whole thing. Stephanie livingroom cutting items Tribune paste scrapbook. room. by drove scissors parent’s leg out wiped pants resumed activities. screaming killing sheriff arrived livingroom Tribune. thirty-three going asylum suggested season Tuscaloosa might helpful Boo. crazy high-strung times. shut up conceded charged anything: criminal. put jail alongside Negroes basement. Boo’s transition basement nebulous memory. Crawford council didn’t back die mold damp. Besides forever bounty county. form intimidation employed keep sight figured chained time. no sort ways ghosts. My memory alive occasionally open door walk edge porch pour water cannas. walking thin leathery colorless eyes reflect light. cheekbones mouth wide upper lip full lower lip. upright God believed posture ramrod straight. spoke ground say “Good morning sir” cough reply. elder son Pensacola Christmas few saw enter leave place. From home died. he’d wear noise commissioned serve absence sound dying. Wooden sawhorses blocked road lot straw down sidewalk traffic diverted street. Dr. Reynolds parked car called. crept days. At taken away watching final journey past “There goes meanest blew breath into” murmured Calpurnia spat meditatively yard. surprise rarely commented people. coming: Pensacola difference ages. Nathan too. speak however coming magazine hand. know longer stand hugging wonder. “Wonder does there” murmur. “Looks stick door.” “He right pitch dark. woke straight window her… skull lookin‘ her. Ain’t waked Dill? walks this-” slid feet gravel. locks tight night? I’ve tracks mornin’ scratching screen there.” looks like?” Boo: six-and-a-half tall judging tracks dined raw squirrels cats catch that’s bloodstained—if ate animal raw wash off. jagged scar face teeth yellow rotten popped drooled “Let’s try out” “I’d like.” killed knock door. raid bet Gray Ghost against Swifts farther life declined dare. suppose loved honor head easily: “You’re scared” day. “Ain’t scared respectful” scared toe yard.” reckoned wasn’t life. “Always runnin‘” third folks Meridian weren’t afraid such scary This march stopped leaned light-pole gate hanging crazily homemade hinge. hope he’ll blame gouges remember.” patiently. “It’s can’t without gettin‘ us.” of. afraid. dared jump top house: “If what’d become Then jumped landed unhurt sense responsibility confronted Place. gonna dare?” are then-” “Dill these things” “Lemme minute… turtle out…” “How’s that?” “Strike match set fire striking hateful. hateful persuades him—‘s chunk fire” growled. hurt him?” “Turtles feel stupid” “Were turtle huh?” “My stars Dill! Now lemme think… reckon rock him…” mild concession: won’t say dare an‘ I’ll swap touch house.” brightened. “Touch house all?” nodded. “Sure now? want hollerin‘ different minute back.” “Yeah all” “He’ll sees Scout’n‘ me’ll hold till “Well on” me’s you.” going” “don’t hurry me.” corner again studying simple terrain deciding effect entry frowning head. sneered threw sped slapped palm waiting foray successful. followed heels. Safely panting breath back. same droopy sick inside shutter move. Flick. tiny invisible movement still. 2 early September return Meridian. o’clock miserable occurred starting week. forward Hours wintertime treehouse spying multitudes two-power telescope given me learning games following jacket wriggling circles blind man’s buff secretly sharing misfortunes minor victories. longed join condescended job usually done one’s parents delighted room changed transaction trotted unfamiliar jingle pockets. slowed careful explain during approach requests enact chapter Tarzan Ant Men embarrass references private tag along recess noon. grade fifth. short alone. mean more?” “We’ll home” “but you’ll see—school’s different.” Before Caroline Fisher teacher hauled patted ruler twenty-one. bright auburn hair pink cheeks crimson fingernail polish. also high-heeled pumps red-and-white-striped dress. smelled peppermint drop. boarded Maudie Atkinson’s upstairs room introduced haze printed blackboard “This am Fisher. Winston County.” class apprehensively should prove harbor share peculiarities indigenous region. (When seceded Union January 11 1861 child it.) Liquor Interests Big Mules steel companies Republicans professors background. reading story cats. conversations another cunning clothes warm beneath kitchen stove. By Cat drugstore order chocolate malted mice bucketful catawba worms. unaware ragged denim-shirted floursack-skirted grade chopped fed hogs walk immune imaginative literature. “Oh my nice?” alphabet capitals asked “Does are?” Everybody did failed year. name faint appeared eyebrows First Reader stock-market quotations Mobile Register aloud discovered literate distaste. teach more interfere reading. “Teach me?” surprise. hasn’t taught anything Caroline. anything” added smiled “Why sits reads.” you did?” good-naturedly. “Somebody Register.” “Jem book Bullfinch Finch. Jean Louise Bullfinch swapped a-” apparently lying. imaginations dear” “Now more. It’s begin fresh mind. here undo damage-” “Ma’am?” teach. now.” mumbled sorry retired meditating crime. deliberately learned read somehow wallowing illicitly daily papers. church—was learned? remember hymns. compelled fasten union suit around achieving bows snarl shoelaces. lines moving finger separated words evenings listening news Bills Be Enacted Laws diaries Lorenzo Dow—anything crawled lap night. Until feared lose love breathing. annoyed Caroline alone covey first-graders schoolyard. along. stay I’d leave. damn teaching stop it-” worry Scout” comforted “Our teacher Caroline’s introducing new teaching. college. It’ll grades soon. learn books way—it’s wanta cows milk see?” “Yeah I-” do. hafta they’re contented myself trying teachin‘ stubborn. Dewey Decimal System.” Having questioned pronouncements now. System consisted part waving cards which “the” “cat” “rat” “man” “you.” No comment expected impressionistic revelations silence. bored letter caught writing “Besides” “We write print. you’re grade.” this. driving crazy days guess. task scrawling firmly tablet copying Bible beneath. reproduced penmanship satisfactorily rewarded open-faced sandwich bread butter sugar. Calpurnia’s teaching sentimentality: pleased “Everybody lunch hands” breaking grudge Calpurnia. so over. brings desk.” Molasses buckets nowhere ceiling danced metallic rows peering poking containers nodding contents others. Walter Cunningham’s desk. “Where’s yours?” face everybody hookworms. shoes hookworms barefooted barnyards hog wallows. owned worn discarded midwinter. clean shirt neatly mended overalls. “Did forget morning?” ahead. muscle skinny jaw. Walter’s jaw twitched “Yeb’m” finally mumbled. desk opened purse. “Here’s quarter” Walter. “Go eat downtown today. pay tomorrow.” “Nome thank ma’am” drawled softly. Impatience voice: “Here Walter it.” whispered Scout.” entire delegation conferred already innocent assurance familiarity breeds understanding. rose graciously behalf: “Ah—Miss Caroline?” “What is Louise?” “Miss Cunningham.” sat down. “What things sufficiently clear. clear rest us: Cunningham lunch any. none today nor tomorrow quarters together same tried again: “Walter’s Cunninghams Caroline.” beg pardon “That’s okay ma’am while. back—no church baskets scrip stamps. anybody have. much special knowledge tribe—one branch is—was gained winter. clients. After dreary conversation entailment “Mr. “Let least worries Walter” entailment described condition tail crack “Not money” year’s paid. watch.” watched. load stovewood Later sack hickory steps. With Christmas crate smilax holly. spring crokersack turnip greens paid “Because has money.” “Are poor Atticus?” indeed.” nose wrinkled. poor Cunninghams?” exactly. country folks farmers crash hardest.” professional farmers poor. farm country nickels dimes hard doctors dentists lawyers. Entailment vexations. acres entailed mortgaged hilt cash interest. held WPA job ruin willing hungry vote pleased. Cunningham breed men. lawyer simply had. know” “that way? bushel potatoes delivery baby. Scout give attention is. definitions very accurate sometimes.” explained saved inconvenience subsequent mortification ability shamin‘ quarter bring stovewood.” stock still grabbed collar “Jean Louise morning” way dear. Hold hand.” spit hand: time-honored method sealing oral contracts. Wondering bargain made answer puzzlement. picked half dozen quick pats corner. storm laughter broke loose whipped threatened similar fate exploded becoming sober shadow Blount fell Blount native Maycombian uninitiated mysteries System hips announced: hear burn sixth cannot concentrate pyramids racket!” sojourn short one. Saved bell watched file lunch. leave sink chair bury arms. Had conduct friendly toward pretty 3 Catching schoolyard pleasure rubbing dirt stop. bigger’n is” “He’s nearly” start foot.” Scout. Why?” lunch” involvement dietary affairs. standing quietly fists cocked expecting onslaught stomped chase examined air speculation. daddy Sarum?” raised fish food: Harris’s red-rimmed watery. tip nose moistly pink. fingered straps overalls nervously picking metal hooks. suddenly grinned “Come dinner “We’d brightened darkened. daddy’s friend daddy’s. Scout she’s crazy—she fight more.” certain that” free dispensation pledge irked precious noontime minutes ticking Don’t butterbeans? Cal’s real cook.” biting called “Hey comin‘!” pleasant “A hain’t lives cordially pointing Walter?” “Reckon have” “Almost et pecans—folks pizened ‘em ’em fence.” Indeed boastful: once” “Anybody oughta passes clouds above. “And who’s runnin‘ Priss?” reached Cunningham. extra plate company. greeted discussion crops neither follow. “Reason ever‘ an’ help Papa choppin‘ there’s another’n field size.” While piled men wonderment expounding problems interrupted ask molasses summoned bearing syrup pitcher. himself. poured vegetables meat generous glass sam hill doing. silver saucer clattered replaced pitcher quickly lap. ducked “But syrup” protested. over-” requested kitchen. furious furious grammar erratic. tranquility anybody’s colored folks. squinted tiny deepened. “There’s whispered fiercely contradict table don’t. boy’s yo’ comp’ny wants cloth hear?” company Cal Cunningham-” “Hush mouth! sets house’s yo‘ comp’ny catch remarkin’ mighty! Yo‘ better’n count nothin’ disgracin‘ ’em—if act kitchen!” swinging diningroom stinging smack. retrieved plate finished thankful though spared humiliation facing wait fix her: drown Eddy she’d sorry. already gotten trouble today: fault. fussin‘” ahead me: staying advise iniquities solitary sprint “She likes anyway” concluded packing “Have considered doesn’t worry much?” voice flinty. “I’ve intention rid ever. operate single that? Cal hated steadily shriek shattered resentments. sheer horror flooding face. Apparently revived persevere profession. alive!” screamed. male population rushed assistance. Lord thought mouse. Little Chuck Little patience phenomenal “Which Caroline? Tell went quick! D.C.-” him—“D.C. we’ll Quick where’d go?” pointed shaking floor desk hulking individual Chuck’s contracted gently ma’am? Yessum alive. Did scare way?” desperately hair… hair-” broadly. need cootie ma’am. one? afraid member meal from gentleman. elbow led fret cootie. fetch cool water.” cootie’s host showed faintest interest furor wrought. searched scalp forehead located guest pinched forefinger. process horrid fascination. brought cup drank gratefully. Finally voice. name son?” blinked. “Who “Burris Ewell.” inspected roll-book. Ewell name… spell how. Burris’t home.” “Well Burris” we’d excuse afternoon. hair.” thick volume leafed pages moment. remedy for—Burris lye soap. treat kerosene.” fer missus?” “To the—er cooties. see Burris up. filthiest seen. neck dark gray backs rusty fingernails quick. peered fist-sized space noticed probably entertained “please bathe yourself laughed rudely. sendin‘ missus. verge leavin’—I year.” puzzled. answer. contemptuous snort. elderly answered Ewells wondered explanation unsuccessful attempt. listen. “Whole school’s ‘em. truant gets ‘cause threatens sheriff tryin‘ ’em. reckons carried law names roll runnin’ You’re supposed mark absent year…” parents?” genuine concern. mother” “and paw’s contentious.” Burris flattered recital. “Been comin‘ o’ fer now” expansively. smart they’ll promote second…” “Sit please moment serious mistake. condescension flashed anger. missus.” feet. hard-down He’s liable somethin‘ here.” among diminutive pocket. “Watch step soon’s height advantage indecision: “Burris home. principal” “I’ll report this anyway.” snorted slouched leisurely range shouted: “Report damned ye! snot-nosed slut schoolteacher c’n nothin‘! makin’ makin‘ nowhere!” waited crying building. Soon clustered various comfort one… below belt… that… ways really… story? cat fine mornin‘… smiled “Thank darlings” dispersed mystified narrative toadfrog hall. fourth day—twice gallop —my gloom deepened remainder fraught drama perhaps mildly entertaining prospect months refraining late traveling plans complete raced meet work race. habit round post distance. fall grace school. replies monosyllabic press Perhaps sensed grim one: watch supper. “Shut surprise” often crackling bread time easy bread. missed today” “The lonesome ‘long turn radio.” “Why? Jem’n unless rainin‘.” you’s callin‘ wonder spend callin’ Well” chair “it’s pan cracklin‘ reckon. supper table.” bent kissed along error fractious stubborn weary crimes. supper “Scout read?” Lord bear porch. “Something wrong Scout?” feel swing legs. fingers wandered watchpocket think. amiable silence sought reinforce position: Granddaddy ‘n’ Jack.” “No can’t” living. they’d home—dose magnesia tonight feeling really.” “Thought what’s matter?” Bit bit misfortunes. “-and Please please sir.” completed examination wisteria vine strolled “First “if trick lot kinds understand person consider point view-” “Sir?” “-until skin today herself. ourselves honest mistake part. expect responsible better. dogged” responsible—listen school!” bursting thought. Ewell remember? roll-” “Sometimes bend cases. case rigid. must go.” doesn’t.” listen.” disgrace generations. None work recollection. tree lived. animals. “They to symptom wanting education” keeping force silly force environment-” tomorrow to.” this” dryly. “You common folk. obey law.” exclusive society Ewells. circumstances folk judiciously allowed privileges Ewells’ Another Bob Burris’s permitted hunt trap season. “Atticus bad” County hunting misdemeanor capital felony populace. right” bad spends relief checks whiskey crying hunger pains. landowner begrudges hit.” shouldn’t that-” “Of course shouldn’t change ways. Are disapproval children?” murmured stand: goin‘ more…” bothering isn’t it?” “Yes expression something. compromise is?” “Bending law?” “No agreement mutual concessions. way” concede necessity Is bargain?” sir!” sealed usual formality” preparing spit. “By agreement.” not?” activities considerable disapprobation authorities.” accustomed last-will-and-testament diction interrupt translation “Huh sir?” school” she’ll fits evening gravely columns print flagpole discernible reason Saturday aloft treehouse. breakfast sunset overnight severed supply lines. climbing errands providing literature nourishment blankets 4 schooldays auspicious first. endless Project evolved Unit construction wax crayon expended State well-meaning fruitless efforts Group Dynamics. What school-wide year chance compare techniques. uncle everything—at least Furthermore noticing served legislature opposition adjustments teachers essential development Good Citizenship. educated half-Decimal halfDuncecap basis function effectively group example: tutorial system devised books. gathered Time inched sluggishly treadmill system receiving impression cheated Out not believe twelve unrelieved boredom exactly passed thirty o’clock fast could stopping safety Two roots side-road bumpy. Something attracted attention. Some tinfoil sticking knot-hole level winking sun. tiptoe hastily hole withdrew pieces chewing gum minus outer wrappers. impulse possible loot. fresh. sniffed licked crammed mouth: Wrigley’s DoubleMint. wad. find ground tree.” was” “It tree yonder school.” “Spit now!” tang fading anyway. chewin‘ yet sick.” stamped foot. there? You’ll killed do!” touched once!” “That different! gargle—right now neither it’ll taste outa mouth.” you!” Rather risk tangle For wrought great relationship: tyranny unfairness meddling faded gentle grumblings general disapproval. On trouble sometimes provoke Summer way awaited impatience. season: sleeping screened cots sleep treehouse eat thousand colors parched landscape authorities together. Dill’ll tomorrow” “Probably after” “Mis’sippi turns later.” fo