To Kill a Mockingbird | Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis | Harper Lee

Summary

In Chapter 7 of *To Kill a Mockingbird*, Scout starts second grade, while Jem is troubled after an encounter at the Radley house. Jem reveals that when retrieving his torn pants, he found them mended and folded, which leaves him puzzled. Later, they discover a ball of twine in the knothole of a tree at the Radley property, leading them to believe someone is leaving gifts for them. When they attempt to leave a thank-you note, they find the knothole sealed by Nathan Radley. Jem suspects Boo Radley was behind the gifts, and is upset by this lost connection.

Takeaways

• 📚 Scout starts second grade, while Jem is in a bad mood after the Radley house incident.
• 🧵 Jem admits to Scout that when he went back for his torn pants, they were mended and folded, as if someone was expecting him.
• 🌳 Scout and Jem notice a ball of twine in the knothole of the Radley property tree and wonder who might be leaving it.
• 🤔 Jem is convinced someone is intentionally leaving things for them in the knothole.
• 💌 Scout and Jem decide to write a thank-you note for the gifts left in the knothole.
• 🚫 The next day, they find the knothole cemented shut, preventing them from leaving their note.
• 👨‍🌾 Jem asks Nathan Radley about the knothole, and Nathan claims the tree is sick and needs the cement to be cured.
• 🧐 Atticus tells Jem the tree looks healthy but suggests Nathan Radley would know better.
• 🧠 Jem realizes Boo Radley likely mended his pants and has been leaving gifts in the knothole.
• 💔 Jem is upset because the cementing of the knothole ends Boo's silent way of communicating, and they never got to say thank you.

Q & A

What is the main event that occurs in Chapter 7 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?

In Chapter 7, Scout and Jem discover that the knothole in the tree on the Radley property, where they had been finding gifts, has been mysteriously cemented shut.

Why was Scout worried about Jem's mood at the beginning of Chapter 7?

Scout was worried about Jem's mood because of his bad temper following the incident at the Radley house.

What did Jem find when he went back to retrieve his torn pants?

When Jem went back to get his pants, he found them neatly stitched and folded, suggesting that someone had been expecting him.

Who does Jem believe is leaving things for him and Scout in the knothole?

Jem is convinced that Boo Radley is the one leaving things for them in the knothole.

What do Scout and Jem do in response to finding the ball of twine in the knothole?

Scout and Jem decide to write a thank-you note for the person leaving the gifts in the knothole.

Why does Nathan Radley say he cemented the knothole?

Nathan Radley tells Jem that the tree is sick and the cement is a way to try and cure it.

What does Atticus say about the tree's health when Jem asks him?

Atticus tells Jem that the tree looks healthy to him, suggesting that Mr. Radley might not be telling the full truth about the tree's condition.

How does Jem grow in insight and maturity in Chapter 7?

Jem realizes that Boo Radley is likely the person who mended his pants and left the gifts, showing his growing understanding of the Radley family and their dynamics.

Why is Jem upset about the knothole being cemented shut?

Jem is upset because he believes the knothole is Boo Radley's only way of communicating with the outside world, and it has been closed off.

What does the cementing of the knothole symbolize in the story?

The cementing of the knothole symbolizes the end of a silent friendship and the closing off of a unique form of communication between Boo Radley and the children.

What is the significance of Boo Radley mending Jem's pants?

The mending of Jem's pants signifies Boo Radley's silent care and attention towards the children, as well as his desire to connect with them despite his reclusive nature.