Chapter 29 Summary and Analysis
After the revelation of Ewell's death, Heck Tate asks Scout to recount everything that happened. He asks her questions along the way, wondering what she shouted and if Atticus heard it, which he didn't. Heck then explains that there were perforations on Ewell's clothes and skin, which he realizes were made by the chicken wire from Scout's ham costume. He calls Ewell a coward, and Atticus, still a little in shock, says he never thought Ewell would come after his kids. He was, of course, drunk at the time, which probably made it easier for Boo to pull him off Scout. He's the one who saved them; Scout didn't realize it before, but understands that it's him when she looks him in the eye. She says, "Hey, Boo," and nearly cries.
Idiom
Atticus uses an idiom when he says Ewell was "out of his mind," meaning crazy.
Simile
One example of this is Heck's assertion that if we always followed our premonitions then "we'd be like cats chasin' our tails."
Themes
Courage. Lee continues to build on the theme of courage by revealing that Boo was the one who saved the kids and that he came out of his house for the first time in what might be years in order to do so. This kind of courage doesn't stem from moral fortitude, but rather from the raw human desire to protect those we love. In this sense, Boo is like Atticus in that he's extremely protective of Scout and Jem, but unlike him in that he's willing to kill a human being in order to do it. Atticus never even considered the possibility of Ewell attacking the kids, which is perhaps his only failure in the novel.
Cowardice. Hand in hand with courage is cowardice, which is what leads Ewell to attack Atticus's children in the dead of night rather than face Atticus man to man in daylight. Ewell's actions are both furtive and malicious and evidence a weak moral character that made Ewell a pariah during his lifetime. His attack on the children figures him as an entirely worthless human being.
Expert Q&A
Do Atticus and Heck Tate disagree on Bob Ewell's worth in Chapter 29 of To Kill a Mockingbird?
Yes, Atticus and Heck Tate disagree on Bob Ewell's worth. Atticus believes Bob Ewell must have been mad to attack children, reflecting his optimistic view of human nature. In contrast, Heck Tate sees Bob as inherently evil and dangerous, suggesting Bob was the kind of person who should have been dealt with harshly long before. This disagreement highlights Atticus's naivety and Heck’s more cynical understanding of human malevolence.
What are some literary devices in Chapter 29 of To Kill a Mockingbird?
In Chapter 29 of To Kill a Mockingbird, several literary devices are employed to enhance the narrative. These include hyperbole and idioms, as seen in exaggerated expressions used by characters to convey intense situations. Imagery vividly describes Boo Radley's pale appearance, and dialect captures the Southern setting through Scout's recounting of Bob Ewell's attack. Additionally, metaphors, alliteration, similes, consonance, and antagonist characterization enrich the text. The chapter also incorporates elements like catharsis, foreshadowing, and denouement, deepening the emotional and narrative layers of the story.
"Bob Ewell meant business," Mr. Tate muttered.
"He was out of his mind," said Atticus.
"Don't like to contradict you, Mr. Finch—wasn't crazy, mean as hell. Low-down skunk with enough liquor in him to make him brave enough to kill children. He'd never have met you face to face."
"Bob Ewell meant business," Mr. Tate muttered.
"He was out of his mind," said Atticus.
"Don't like to contradict you, Mr. Finch—wasn't crazy, mean as hell. Low-down skunk with enough liquor in him to make him brave enough to kill children. He'd never have met you face to face."
This passage highlights that Bob Ewell's supposed bravery stemmed from alcohol-induced courage, indicating his usual cowardice. Heck Tate suggests that Ewell's actions were not truly brave, as attacking children requires no real courage. This contrasts with Atticus Finch's view, who sees attacking children as a sign of madness. The passage also reflects Atticus's character, showing his willingness to face threats directly, unlike Ewell, who targets the vulnerable, demonstrating his cowardice.
Why does Scout cry when she greets Boo at the end of Chapter 29 in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Scout cries when she greets Boo at the end of Chapter 29 because she is overwhelmed by the emotional release of recognizing Boo Radley and realizing the magnitude of his heroic deed in saving her and Jem. Her sudden tears reflect her deep gratitude and the fulfillment of her long-held fantasy of meeting Boo.
What creates the "shiny clean line" on Scout's costume in Chapter 29 of To Kill a Mockingbird?
The "shiny clean line" on Scout's costume is created by Bob Ewell's knife during his attack on Scout and Jem. Ewell, seeking revenge against Atticus Finch for defending Tom Robinson, attempts to harm the children on Halloween night. Scout's ham costume, made of chicken wire and cloth, inadvertently protects her by deflecting the knife, as noted by Sheriff Tate, who states the costume likely saved her life.
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