To Kill a Mockingbird Group

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patdnmb1fn
patdnmb1fn

In Chapter 29 of To Kill a Mockingbird, what causes the "shiny clean line" on the otherwise dull wire of Scout's costume?

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Posted by patdnmb1fn on Sunday March 2, 2008 at 6:00 PM and tagged with chapter 29, costume, scout, to kill a mockingbird.

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  1. dymatsuoka

    eNotes Editor

    The "shiny clean line" that "stood out on the dull wire" was the mark left by the knife wielded by Bob Ewell.  It is significant because it proves that Ewell meant to kill Scout; her life was saved when the wire on her costume deflected the sharp thrust of his weapon.  Bob Ewell was drunk, and Mr. Tate observes that he "meant business", noting ironically that he had "enough liquor in him to make him brave enough to kill children" (Chapter 29).

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/mockingbird/

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    Posted by dymatsuoka on Sunday March 2, 2008 at 10:58 PM