To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Chapter 29

Atticus is understandably in shock as a result of the events of the evening and Scout recalls that Bob Ewell had told him he would get him if it was the last thing he did. Atticus says, “Are you sure?” out loud, and Mr. Tate assures him that Ewell is indeed dead. Atticus replies, “I didn’t mean that” and continues sitting down, looking older than Scout ever remembered him appearing. Having digested all of the events of the evening, Scout recalls them for Mr. Tate, huddling in Atticus’ arms, then in his lap. The marks that Mr. Tate has noticed on Ewell match the ham costume, answering one of Mr. Tate’s questions as to how he got them – then he points out a cleanly cut line in the costume lining, then reassures Scout the costume’s construction must have certainly saved her life.

Atticus remarks that Ewell was out of his mind for having gone after his children instead of him, and Mr. Tate’s respectfully contradicts his observation by saying that Ewell was, “…mean as hell…there’s just some kind of men you have to shoot before you can say hidy to ‘em. Even then, they ain’t worth the bullet It takes to shoot’em. Ewell ‘as one of ‘em.”After describing the sounds she heard under the tree, the panting and coughing noises, and then the arrival of who she thought was Atticus, worn out from helping them, she realizes that it was the man in the corner of the room who saved them, and points at him. Worried that Atticus will be upset for pointing, she slowly checks the man’s pallid appearance and clear grey eyes – then realizes who it is, saying, “Hey, Boo.”

*What do you think Atticus was wondering when he asked out loud, "Are you sure?"

*Heck Tate’s description of Bob Ewell is right on the mark, and the danger that Scout and Jem were placed in as a result of Ewell’s actions shocks Atticus, but doesn’t surprise Heck Tate.  


Chapter 30

Atticus manages to gently introduce (and correct the way he should be addressed as “Mr. Arthur”) Arthur Radley to Scout in the tension filled room, and they all agree that it is time to head out to the porch where Arthur would be more comfortable. Jem is still resting quietly, despite Scout’s attempt to wake him at the realization that Boo Radley is the person who helped them, and is actually inside of their house. Atticus reassures Scout that Arthur already knows who she and Jem are, and Dr. Reynold’s reassures Scout that Jem is alive, and going to be fine – he knew this because Jem tried to kick him when he first began treatment.

Following Atticus’ cue about meeting on the dark porch outside as opposed to the well-lit living room inside, Scout courteously escorts Arthur Radley to the porch and directs him to a rocking chair in the darkest section where he’ll be more comfortable. Atticus then begins outlining steps he’ll need to take in order to defend Jem in a juvenile court in order to give him a fair hearing in front of the town. He doesn’t want any stigma to follow him as a result of what townspeople may see as an unfair trial because of the fact that he is Atticus’ son. Mr. Tate forcefully tells Atticus that Jem didn’t kill Bob Ewell, citing the fact that Tate was pulled off of Scout. Thinking that Mr. Tate is trying to make circumstances fit Jem’s innocence, he refuses and tells him he’d rather have the town come to the courthouse and town square with their sandwiches than have Jem questioned about his honesty. Mr. Tate repeats his belief in the fact that Bob Ewell stabbed himself with a knife after falling on top of it with all his weight by demonstrating using a switchblade that was in his pocket – the switchblade had been confiscated from a drunk man in town earlier that evening - to simulate what actually happened with Ewell and his weapon of choice, a well-honed kitchen knife.

Heck Tate states, “It ain’t your decision, Mr. Finch, it’s all mine. It’s my decision and my responsibility. For once, if you don’t see it my way, there’s not much you can do about it. If you wanta try, I’ll call you a liar to your face. Your boy never stabbed Bob Ewell,” he said slowly, “didn’t come near a mile of it and now you know it. All he wanted to do was get him and his sister safely home.”

Heck leaves to return to the crime scene, where Dr. Reynolds and the hearse and it’s driver must certainly be by now, leaving his conclusion as it stood. Atticus repeats what has been said to Scout, asking if she understood, and she reassures him that she did by saying, “Mr. Tate was right…it’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?” Before walking back into the house with Scout, Atticus thanks Arthur Radley for watching out for his children.

*Scout finally meets the elusive Boo Radley. His role as their watchful neighbor has saved their life…do you think he saved it in more than one way? Or was Heck Tate’s version correct?

Great summaries, NE Mom. I think that Atticus is shocked that Ewell openly threatened to get back at him when he asked Tate "Are you sure?" I gather he couldn't fathom how much hatred Ewell harbored against him and his family, enough to hurt his children. What a dreadful thought.

Tate is very convincing in explaining how Ewell died, but I have a strong suspicion that both Jem and Radley were involved in the final stabbing. I could have missed some clues in the text, but get the feeling that Tate was willing to have an open and shut case of an accidental, self-inflicted stabbbing. Finally, there is someone with authority who is willing to do the right thing.

Thanks, Lady Jayne! Your description of Atticus' shock that Bob Ewell would be so hateful as to go after Jem and Scout make me think that's exactly what he meant when he asked "Are you sure?" - the shock of it must have been tremendous.

The impression I got from the actual stabbing is very much like yours, as well, I always saw Atticus as the hero in the story, but Tate shone as one, as well, and of course Jem & Scout, along with Arthur Radley.