Illustration of a bird perched on a scale of justice

To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

Start Free Trial

Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Dill leaves Maycomb at the end of summer. In the wake of his departure, Scout’s only comfort is the thought of starting school. Her brother walks her to class on the first day, explaining that, as a first grader, she isn’t to hover around him at recess, talk about their home lives, or embarrass him in any way. He’s in the fifth grade and doesn’t want to be associated with the little kids. This fact takes Scout by surprise, as does her misunderstanding with her first grade teacher, Miss Caroline. Miss Caroline is new in town and doesn’t understand that Walter Cunningham, one of the boys in the class, won’t take anything off of anyone, not even the quarter Miss Caroline offers him to get lunch in town. Miss Caroline assumes Scout is being insolent and whacks her on the hand with a ruler. Later, when class lets out, Scout sees Miss Caroline sink into her chair, discouraged by her first day, but there’s bad blood between them now, and Scout doesn’t feel sorry for her.

Alliteration

One example of this would be the phrase “professional people were poor.” Another one would be "the cats had long conversations with each other, they wore cunning little clothes."

Allusion

Tarzan and the Ant Men. The tenth book in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ series of books about the character Tarzan.

Secession. In 1861, Alabama seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America, fighting against the Union forces in the Civil War. Like most Southern states, they were fighting to keep slavery legal and, thus, to maintain their way of life. Winston County, however, seceded from Alabama in protest, and Scout know this, as does every child in Maycomb. She mentions it to bring Miss Caroline’s upbringing into question and show that she isn’t to be trusted.

Conflict

Once again, Scout comes into conflict with a female authority figure—this time, Miss Caroline. Scout tries to explain to her teacher about the Cunninghams and is punished for it, which seems unfair to Scout and sours her on the idea of school. This conflict is, however, slight compared to the bigger, more violent conflicts of later chapters. Rather than develop this as a primary conflict in the novel, Lee uses this episode to help develop Scout’s character (as an intelligent, somewhat obstinate girl).

Irony

One example of this would be Miss Caroline saying that she employs experiential learning, then telling Scout not to read at home or let Atticus teach her.

Similes

One example is Scout saying that Miss Caroline “looked and smelled like a peppermint drop.”

Themes

Education. This chapter marks the beginning of a divide between formal education and individual education, which becomes more obvious as the novel progresses. Scout’s teacher Miss Caroline takes a kind of totalitarian approach and tells Scout to stop learning how to read and write at home, because it would interfere with her education. “You won’t learn to write until you’re in the third grade,” she says, ignoring the fact that Scout already knows how. Scout’s disillusionment with Miss Caroline and school leads her to seek her personal and moral education elsewhere.

Shame. Miss Caroline unintentionally embarrasses Walter Cunningham by offering him money for lunch without realizing he can’t pay her back. The shame he feels stems less from his family’s financial situation and more from the fact of not being understood. Everyone in town knows that he’s poor and has learned not to embarrass him by offering him things, but Miss Caroline, a newcomer, has to be told about how things work. Throughout the novel, we’ll see characters feel shamed for one reason or another, and this shame will help us understand the social structure in Maycomb.

Tradition. Tradition often goes hand in hand with superstition, which can at times have negative effects on a character’s thoughts and behaviors. In this chapter, the best example of a tradition is one where people spit into their hands to shake on a bargain. Miss Caroline isn’t familiar with this tradition, and this further distances her from the rest of the town.

Expert Q&A

What are examples of literary devices in chapter 2 of To Kill A Mockingbird?

In chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird, imagery is found in Scout's description of her teacher. The narrator also uses similes like a peppermint drop and a bucket of worms, metaphors like breathing and a “storm of laughter,” several instances of hyperbole including Walter “lying his head off,” and the personification of molasses buckets and the ceiling.

What are the key chapters in part 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird?

The key chapters in part 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird are 19, 20, 24, 28, and 29. Chapter 19 features Tom Robinson's testimony, chapter 20 reveals his guilty verdict, and chapter 24 highlights Scout's maturity. Chapter 28 details Bob Ewell's attack on the children, while chapter 29 is crucial for Scout identifying Boo Radley as their savior.

In Chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird, how does the school setting reveal Southern culture?

The differences between the students and the teacher in the school bring attention to the values and socioeconomic diversity in Southern culture in To Kill a Mockingbird. For instance, consider how Scout tells Miss Caroline how the Ewells don't go to school or how she tells her that pressuring Walter to take a quarter embarrasses him. In these interactions, the reader learns that there is rampant poverty but also fervent pride in this part of the South.

In To Kill a Mockingbird chapter 2, what significant event occurs to Scout?

In Chapter 2, Scout experiences her first day of school, an event she eagerly anticipated. However, her excitement fades as her teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher, disapproves of Scout's ability to read, instructing her not to learn from her father anymore. Scout also gets into trouble for explaining Walter Cunningham's situation to Miss Caroline, resulting in punishment. Despite the challenges, Scout shows understanding of Miss Caroline's overwhelming situation as a new teacher.

What are two significant quotes from chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird?

Two significant quotes from Chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird highlight key themes and character traits. Miss Caroline tells Scout, "Your father does not know how to teach. You can have a seat now," revealing her inflexibility and Scout's precocious nature. Scout explains to Miss Caroline, "The Cunninghams never took anything they can’t pay back," illustrating the Cunninghams' pride and self-reliance, which is reflective of many families in Maycomb.

What family values and history shape the community in chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird?

In Chapter 2, family values and history shape Maycomb's community through a rigid caste system. The Finch family is at the top, followed by the Cunninghams, Ewells, and Robinsons. Despite their poverty, the Cunninghams maintain dignity by refusing charity, a concept misunderstood by outsiders like Miss Caroline. The chapter highlights "us vs. them" mentalities, racial hierarchies, and gender roles, with Atticus Finch promoting empathy and understanding, contrasting with the town's traditional values.

What lesson does Scout learn on her first day at school in To Kill a Mockingbird?

On her first day of school, Scout learns that her advanced reading and writing skills are not appreciated by her teacher, Miss Caroline, who prefers to follow new educational methods. More importantly, Scout learns a valuable lesson from Atticus about empathy—understanding others by considering their perspectives. This is illustrated when Scout realizes Miss Caroline cannot grasp Maycomb's social dynamics in a single day. Additionally, Scout observes the social hierarchy of Maycomb, particularly regarding the Cunninghams and Ewells.

Signs of conflict in the early chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird

In the early chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird, signs of conflict include Scout's struggles with her teacher, Miss Caroline, over her advanced reading ability, and the children's fascination and fear of Boo Radley. Additionally, tensions are evident in the town's racial prejudices and the Finch family's differing views from the community on race and fairness.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Chapter 1 Summary and Analysis

Next

Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

Loading...