To Kill A Mockingbird *8* ~Ch. 25-27~ Perspective: Jem

September is in it’s early days and the heat has not begun to flicker away. Scout and I still sleep the nights on the back porch. I feel I am beginning to observe the world from a more mature light. Scout stares breathlessly at a roly-poly moseying along. She pokes at it and as far as I am concerened, she aggravates it for what the little creature is worth. Seeing it as no further amusement, she lifts her hand to take the life of a little defenseless bug. I stop her without hesitation. She blankly looks towards me and back down. She scoops it up and releases into the night. I expect her an inevitable comment on my request and I am surely not disappointed. I only deliver few words to her…it has done nothing to harm you. She sits in silence until the both of us are well asleep.

I am proud to say that I have officially entered my high school era. Here in Maycomb, 7th grade is my first year in the big building beyond the grammar-school. Well, another thing was that we were back to passing the Radley Place everyday. Our fear had resided but our curiousity was still present. Scout seemed to be acting a bit different lately as well. The world seemed to be troubling her more than it had ever before. One day she came to me with a question and I nodded amiably. She told me about how her teacher lectured about the evils of Hitler and what a terrible man he was. She said she didn’t understand how she could be such a hypocrite. Well she distinctly remembers her at the courthouse saying that she was glad because the Negroes needed to be taught a lesson. Suddenly I screamed and I hollered. No! I told her what needed to be said. Don’t you ever mention that case in front of me again Scout. I just couldn’t take it, the very thought of it. It simply destroyed me. She walked out in utter shock and I heard her run to Atticus.

All but three strange things happened in Maycomb that October. Bob Ewell somehow got a job and to his inconvenience, lost it within maybe three days. He was working for the WPA which is some program that deals with having a job during the depression. Not surprisingly at all, they found the man too lazy and let him go. For some strange reason, he blamed Atticus and I continually am trying to figure out why. I also here he has been of some disturbances to Helen Robinson. On her way to work, the man would follow her and whisper from a distance. Then, Link Deas just told the man off. He threatened to have him arrested. Judge Taylor also heard someone creeping about his porch and watched them dissapear in the night. Nothing is for certain, but from my evaluation, I think Bob Ewell is also to blame.

To Kill A Mockingbird *7* ~Ch. 20-24~ Perspective: Atticus

Fate was closing in on me. In my last attempts to convince the jury, I gathered the evidence that was clear in my mind. Mayella was guilty. She tempted a Negroe and tried to put the evidence of her offense away from her. Now, she stands before all of us caught in an entanglement of deception because she could not sustain her own conscience. Tom Robinson may very well be the only male figure, much less human being, who has ever treated her with decent respect.

I’m not sure what came over me, but I was beginning to feel I might be able to direct this case in my favor. I felt a connection with Judge Taylor, like he saw exactly the reality of who was at fault. Calpurnia appeared leaning on the railing. Our hands met as she gave me a note from my sister. It clearly informed me that the kids had been out since noon and she hadn’t the slightest idea where they might be. I wasn’t exactly concerned I knew my kids very well. It was Judge Taylor who brought it to everybody’s attention that the children were sitting in the colored balcony with Reverend Sykes. I thought it best for them to return home, but after begging in its purest state, I allowed them to return after supper.

Then, they rose. It was utterly out of respect. The black community was on their feet as I stepped out the door of the courthouse. What was meant to happen indeed happened and it was not in our favor but simply inevitable. Jem’s tears shattered my heart. I could not function properly and found myself lying in the darkness pondering my wretched predicament.

The next morning, Calpurnia introduced me to a table decorated in delicious meals. Members of the black community had so graciously donated it in gratitude. Ah, bless these souls that live in a world so diverse from my own. The hours kept progressing and I needed to continue with my daily pursuits. I left for town and was walking the corner past the post office. I met eyes with Bob Ewell and he approached me with malicious intent. I show no sign of apprehension on my face, as it is only a weak emotion of the body. There is nothing that this ignorant man could do to harm me, at least do to make a permanent impact on the entirety of my life. He cussed, he spit, and he threatened. The man knows no better.

To Kill A Mockingbird *6* ~Ch. 16-19~ Perspective: Mayella Ewell

Well, as the morning rays are dispersing, a pang of fear is cloaked upon me. I wonder what exactly I best be testifying to anyways. I was aware of the truth, I felt the truth, but I couldn’t begin to express it. I’ve been lead to point where my heart and mind have even started believing my lies. I have so assuredly convinced myself that this story is reality. But today, the day of the court case, I am not so sure.

We arrive to the town courthouse with minutes to spare. My father looks me in the eyes with a wrath even I was unfamiliar with. We have never one spoken about the case and what exactly was expected of me to say against the defendant. He spoke quietly but sharply, “ To hell with the nigger.” Even to my own justification I knew not why I was supposed to be prejudice and hate the Negroes, but I did. It was just the way things worked. I distinguish Dolphus Raymond sitting with his usual company. It was never difficult for anyone in Maycomb to be aware of his presence. I wasn’t sure if a figure like himself would benefit or demolish our case. Shortly after, we walk through the wooden doorframe into the courtroom. Sheriff Heck Tate is called to the stand.

Time progressed and specifics arose. I always feared the next word spoken. My name echoes the courtroom and my steps do the same. I simply recited my perception of what happened. Periodically, tears poured down my face uncontrollably. The court paused and an uncomfortable aura filtered the room. Maybe they were begrudged to give me this time as they all had their other things to attend to subsequent to this lawsuit. I didn’t understand much of what they were asking of me, but Atticus was doing it the worst. His levels of intimidation could shrink me without exchanging a single glance. It’s like his subtlety stared directly at my soul and knew everything. Like he was just taunting me to reveal the truth. I hated everything that man stood for. Then, salvation came…the hearing hushed to take a break.

To Kill A Mockingbird *5* ~Ch. 13-15~ Perspective: Aunt Alexandra

What a fine place it is here in Maycomb. I sit on the porch completely undisturbed and observe the pace of the day. In the near distance, I see Atticuses children emerge with a shadowed figure, a negroe. To be honest, Scout and Jem have not been on my good side since they knew their first word, especially Scout. She isn’t at all even the faded image of what a Finch girl should be. So, I guess that is my sole purpose here, to portray a feminine influence that could be to her advantage. I’m not even sure I am looking forward to it, but I cannot stand the way she prances the streets looking like a cotton picker. She is oblivious to the world around her and Atticus is simply just too soft on that girl. They run up to me and deliver their insincere greetings. I order Calpurnia to take my bags and I am sure we are both aware of my degrading intent. The next few hours continue as a blur in my mind. The children speak and I listen for what I think is required. Hours after Atticus arrives, the two of us sit in silence. I finally tell him that he best be educating his kids about the family. He reveals a pensive smile but in his lame attempts, he only made the young girl cry and then sympathized with her. Furthermore, the only thing on my mind is how useless Calpurnia’s duties are. I advise Atticus to let her go, but was surprised by his stern disagreement contrary to the acquiescence I expected. That night after a those two kids get at it and are sent to their room, Scout finds a boy under her bed…Dill. I don’t see how Atticus is running this house, his kids run wild and know even a boy who aint his is causing trouble here. The boy himself is having family troubles and ran away fourteen miles. A young boy stealing from his mom and hitching a ride on the back of a cotton wagon, a delinquent in its purest state. Scout and Jem sure know how to pick ‘em.

About a week later, nothing less than ordinary came out from those kids, they snuck out. Atticus was in town at the jail dealing with his nigger trial and the kids were being ignorantly curious. They followed him, and I knew it. I didn’t even say a word to stop them; I figured they better learn from all their wrong doings. I believe Atticus would be encumbered by their presence. At the very least, I’ll be the one to tell on them to Atticus. I just never thought that Atticus would be happy they came.

To Kill a Mocking Bird *4* ~Ch. 10-12~ Perspective: Mrs. Dubose

Jeremy and Jean Louise were walking to town, just the two of them. I never understood why that man, Atticus, let those troublemakers have free range of the neighborhood. They bothered me, and I let them know so. I do have the right to speak to them as they pass by my property. Even if I did not, who would stop me? It was my pleasure to let them have a piece of my mind. I chuckled every time those two feebleminded children contradicted me. They thought they new better than everyone else, a feature that must have been obtained from their father. I once overheard those darn kids say that they weren’t proud of their father. This may have been the one time I did not disagree; instead, the next time saw them I chose to elaborate on their conversation. Serves them right to know what he really is, nothing but a nigger lover. They walked by as if I was completely inaudible as I revealed the sad truth about Atticus being no better than the niggers and trash he works for. Perhaps not being my contemporaries, they did not understand my wording. As they reached the end of the street, I made my point once more, “Your father is a nigger lover!” I felt accomplished and walked inside. I know hoped that as they stepped on the sidewalk that bordered my house, they would feel considerable peril. Planning to avoid me would only make it worse; I would hate to see them attempting to be inconspicuous. What happened next was quite the opposite. I perched myself by the window and Jeremy’s face soon came into sight. He seemed upset as his brow was furrowed and we gripped a baton firmly. I wonder what a boy of 12 has to worry about anyway. I blink my eyes and to my disbelief, Jeremy is trampling my camellias! He is swinging at them with the baton as well. My eyes shoot to Jean Louise’s who looks frightened. As soon as Jeremy felt satisfied, he raised the baton over is head, cracked it on his knee, and thrust it on the ground. I was in complete shock…I hated those kids! I guess all I could do was call that nigger lover.

To Kill a Mocking Bird *3* ~Ch. 8-9~ Perspective: Calpurnia

It just so happened that I arrived very early to the Finch’s this morning. I myself had woken up very early to cold wind gusts that bit my skin. This has been the coldest morning in Maycomb for years. A thin sheet of snow had even hid the nature scene we were so familiar to. I wondered how the Jem and Scout would react; I reckon they have never seen snow in the entirety of their life. And so, I was right. Jem noticed it first. His amazement could be heard from across the house. As they ran out the house, I called to tem to get a coat. I should’ve known better…they could’ve cared less! I had little to do, so I sat watching the children out the window. School had been cancelled and all in all, the neighborhood seemed a bit more lively. Jem and Scout trotted to Miss Maudie’s house. It was hard to guess just what they were doing, and all I knew was they spent a lot of time over there. They came back with a wheelbarrow of snow to add to the pile that had actually fallen on our property and those kids seemed fanatical.

I stood up, and retreated to the kitchen. I figured the children would soon get hungry, as they had skipped breakfast. I could still hear their laughter well inside the house and could tell you that they were building a snowman. Occasionally, I would hear the name Mr. Avery. I knew that those kids were gonna get it if they made a snowman resembling that nasty old man. Now, I never saw the snowman in that state myself, but he next thing I heard was Atticus telling them to change the appearance a bit. When I finally went outside to check on the kids, that snow looked a heck of a lot like Miss Maudie. The rest of the day continued much like the beginning. The kids hardly came inside at all. However, nightfall came quickly and soon it was time for us all to rest. Atticus offered if I wanted to spend the night. He rarely gave me this opportunity and I was debating whether to take him up on it, but I decided I have a better chance of being warmer at my own house.

The Finch’s left town over Christmas, and I had about a week to myself. I knew that coming back would mean infinite stories from Scout. As I was approaching the Finch house, I noticed Miss Maudie pass the window inside Miss Stephanie Crawford’s house, who I was barely acquainted to. I looked back at Miss Maudie’s house, which was adjacent to Miss Stephanie’s, and what I saw nearly made me jump. The only thing that stood was some burnt framework of the house. Ashes were scattered about and the presence of her colorful flowers had vanished. I looked back twice because I almost didn’t believe myself. I ran up the steps and ran to Atticus wondering what in the world had happened to her poor house. He must have seen my perplexity because he gave me a quick hug and told me the story. Apparently, it had happened the night I left, and I sure felt guilty I wasn’t there to be of any assistance. After I was calm, I greeted him and went to greet the kids as well. Jem simply said hello and walked away, but I knew I was in for something with Scout.

We sat together, and she told me that she had an encounter with Boo Radley. I should not have doubted her, because later I found that the girl was not lying. She began to tell me about her troubles in school but I interrupted her to say that I best get to the kitchen and begin dinner. Her eyes saddened and the next thing I did was tell her to come along and finish her stories in there. So, she told me about Cecil Jacobs, a boy who has been giving her trouble about her daddy and the Tom Robinson case. She said she heard Atticus talking to Uncle Jack about it but doesn’t really understand why Atticus is still defending the case. In the back of my mind, I was thanking Atticus for being such a wonderful man. Even if Scout didn’t now yet, I knew that Atticus Finch was doing the right thing.

To Kill A Mockingbird *2* ~Ch. 4-7~ Perspective: Atticus

Scout seems to act as a victim of the world. She mopes about and constantly complains about school. This school year is slowly coming to an end, and I’m afraid Scout will be even more unenthusiastic about the upcoming 2nd grade. At least for now she will be fazed by the excitements and adventures summer will bring. She is always thrilled when Dill is in town from Meridian. The days grew longer, and as I sit watching the kids playing, their behavior seems strange. In knowing that they are still growing up, I choose not to question them until their acts become out of hand. One day, I was walking up the steps and Jem had his fingers wrapped around a pair of scissors. In my mind I wondered what God-awful game they could be playing, but it didn’t take me too long to figure it out. I reach for the scissors and ask them just what exactly are they playing. The only word that came out of Jem’s mouth was nothing. I knew that was not the case, and asked the three of them if this game had anything to do with the Radley’s. They assured me it did not. Even still, I believe it is no a safe game to play and told them I should not see them playing it anymore. So, that is exactly what I told Jem, Scout, and Dill.

As the summer continues, I notice Dill and Jem becoming progressively closer. In result, I see Scout a little lost, confused, or attending to their beck and call. From my view, it’s a little strange to watch this happen, because the three of them have always been so close. Nonetheless, Scout finds her way to enjoyment and now I often see her in the distance conversing with Miss Maudie. Miss Maudie is widow, who has an amazing talent for gardening and cake baking. She was a childhood friend of my brother Jack.

I know exactly what they talk about, Boo Radley. This seems to be the children’s only interest these days. I very much trust Miss Maudie’s words and perhaps that is the only reason why I am okay with them having these conversations. Maybe Scout will eventually have her head on straight and be the one to stop Dill and Jem from their continuing nonsense. Meanwhile, Jem and Dill are still acting suspicious and I know I must keep a watchful eye on the both of them. So, it is not to my surprise when I find Jem with a fishing pole trying to deliver a note to Boo. I order them to stop tormenting him in any shape or form. I have had it with those to boys; they do not even know half the story and insist on bothering him. I see no use in quibbling, as I don’t think that will stop their curiosity. I am extremely disappointed, and I pray that my discipline might stop them in the future.

The rest of the summer went by relatively smoothly with the kids. They had not gotten into any more trouble; I had restored most of their freedom. In all honesty, they were probably just hoping to avoid by tyranny. I took until the last day of summer for something peculiar to happen in Maycomb County. A loud gunshot echoed the neighborhood well before midnight. It frightened every living creature a few miles in every direction and those who were near enough went outside to observe the commotion. I saw a crowd of people huddled by the Radley gate and that’s exactly where I went. An ounce of fear irked me as I searched around for my children. Miss Maudie’s voice whispered behind me. As I turned, she said that Mr. Nathan Radley had shot at a Negro in his yard. A part of me debated whether it was a Negro or a shadow. Everybody else was in unanimous agreement that a Negro was lurking somewhere. The children appeared, with Jem hosting no pants. After moments of evasion, Dill gave a lousy attempt to explain the reason and I did not dedicate my full attention. I told the kids it was time to go home and they followed with trembling feet.

The kids slept on cots on the porch, this was traditional every summer. The phenomena kept replaying in my mind and I just couldn’t fall asleep. As I lay, I heard faint whispers and shuffles coming from the porch. I knew the night had been a bit traumatizing for the two of them but I just hoped they would get to bed soon.