Well, I don't know if this is the
seven-word summary you're looking for, but here is one summary
statement of those five chapters: Jem and Scout break through some
stereotypes.
Before this summer, Jem and Scout have been
fairly well insulated from some of the world's harsher realities. They see different
classes and different races of people, but they have not really had to see some of the
ugliness that happens when people start acting on their prejudices and their
ignorances. In each of these chapters, the kids learn some new reality about living in
this time and place.
Chapter 11 is a revelation to Jem,
especially, about stereotypes and courage. He realizes Mrs. DuBose is not just a mean,
cranky old woman; instead he sees her courage as she weans herself from morphine even
though she has no need to do so.
Chapter 12 is eye-opening
for both kids, as they attend church with Calpurnia. They've assumed all black people
are like Cal and can read; instead, their eyes are opened to the truth and the beauty of
"linin'." They encounter a rude, low-class black woman, as well--a reminder that
boorish behavior is not specific to race.
Chapter 13 is
trouble for both kids, but primarily for Scout, as Aunt Alexandra has come to town with
the intention of turning her into a stereotypical "lady." For both of them, this is a
term associated with corsets and teas and being "proper." Aunt Alexandra tries to
instill upon both kids the importance of 'family' and 'heritage,' but her efforts fall
flat. Atticus finally tells them to ignore the whole thing--the concept of the
stereotypical family legacy, tradition, and heritage is not the only important thing
about who a person is.
Chapter 14 represents a change in
the relationship between the siblings. Until now, Jem had been the stereotypical
defacto "boss of her." In this chapter, Scout has come of age and now only has to obey
her older brother if he can make her do so.
In chapter 15,
Scout and Jem (and now Dill) are faced with the ignorance of blind prejudice. They're
too naive to see what the gathering at the jail was really about, but Scout broke
through by treating this clan of Cumminghams as if they were neighbors and friends.
This is the very attitude which diffuses the potentially violent
scene.
These are pivitol "coming of age" chapters for them
both as they are faced with diverse stereotypes, and it is much needed as they prepare
to face what's ahead of them in the days and weeks to come.
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