To Kill a Mockingbird Summary

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a poignant exploration of racial injustice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence in the American South during the 1930s. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl living in the town of Maycomb, Alabama, with her brother Jem and their father, Atticus Finch, a principled lawyer. Atticus is appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Despite clear evidence of Tom's innocence, the ingrained racism of the town leads to his conviction. The trial and its aftermath expose Scout and Jem to the harsh realities of prejudice and human cruelty. Alongside the central narrative, the children befriend and learn from their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley, who ultimately saves them from an attack by Mayella's vengeful father, Bob Ewell. Through these experiences, Scout learns about empathy, justice, and the complexities of human behavior. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a timeless reflection on morality, courage, and the struggle for equality.