Contents
Chapter 25
Overview
Scout tries to crush a roly‑poly, but Jem stops her, revealing his growing empathy after the trial. Dill recounts riding with Atticus and Calpurnia to tell Helen Robinson of Tom’s death. Maycomb largely dismisses the tragedy, while Mr. Underwood’s editorial condemns it. Scout realizes Tom was doomed, and Bob Ewell issues a chilling threat.
Summary
On a stifling September night, Scout toys with a roly‑poly and moves to crush it. Jem stops her, saying the insect does not bother anyone. Scout teases Jem for growing soft, noticing his changed sensitivity since the trial.
Remembering Dill’s recent departure, Scout recalls his story of meeting Atticus and Calpurnia returning from Barker’s Eddy. Atticus lets Jem and Dill ride along to Tom Robinson’s home on the condition they stay in the car.
At the Robinsons’ cabin, Atticus asks a child, Sam, to fetch Helen. When Helen arrives, she collapses in the yard upon learning Tom has been killed attempting escape. Atticus and Calpurnia help her inside; on their return the Ewells jeer as they pass the dump.
In town, news of Tom’s death circulates briefly and is met with racist fatalism. The Tribune runs B. B. Underwood’s editorial condemning the killing of a cripple, likening it to the senseless slaughter of songbirds. Reading it, Scout understands that although Atticus used every legal tool, Tom was doomed the moment Mayella accused him.
Gossip through Miss Stephanie reports Bob Ewell saying, “one down, two to go.” Jem reassures Scout that Ewell is mostly bluster but forbids her from telling Atticus they heard the threat.
Who Appears
- Scout FinchNarrator; tries to kill a roly‑poly, learns empathy, grasps Tom’s inevitable doom after reading Underwood’s editorial.
- Jem FinchStops Scout from harming a harmless bug; more protective and sensitive after the trial; downplays Bob Ewell’s threat.
- Dill HarrisRecounts riding with Atticus and Calpurnia to inform Helen Robinson of Tom’s death.
- Atticus FinchTakes Calpurnia to Helen’s home to deliver news of Tom’s death; endures Ewell family jeers.
- CalpurniaAccompanies Atticus to support Helen Robinson after Tom’s death; helps lift Helen when she collapses.
- Helen RobinsonTom’s widow; collapses upon learning of Tom’s death; is helped into the house.
- B. B. UnderwoodPrints a blunt editorial condemning Tom’s killing, likening it to slaughtering songbirds.
- Bob EwellSpreads a threat, saying, “one down, two to go,” after Tom’s death.
- Miss Stephanie CrawfordGossips Ewell’s threat to Aunt Alexandra, ensuring the warning reaches the Finches.
- Aunt AlexandraHears Miss Stephanie’s report in Jem’s presence; her circle connects town gossip to the Finches.
- Tom RobinsonKilled while trying to escape prison; his death exposes Maycomb’s racist indifference.