Chapter 14

Saturday trips to town expose Jem and Scout to Maycomb’s gossip about the Finches, including crude remarks about the case. That night Scout asks Atticus what rape means, and he calmly defines it. Mention of their visit to Calpurnia’s church ignites Aunt Alexandra’s disapproval, and she forbids Scout from visiting Calpurnia.

Atticus insists Calpurnia is part of the family and will remain. Upset, Scout quarrels with Jem over his new bossiness and concern for Atticus’s burdens, and their argument erupts into a brawl before Atticus breaks it up and sends them to bed.

In the dark, Scout feels something under her bed. Jem sweeps with a broom and flushes out Dill, filthy and exhausted. Dill claims a fanciful escape story, then admits he stole money, rode the train, and walked to Maycomb. Jem tells Atticus, breaking their childhood code.

Atticus responds gently, informs Miss Rachel, and arranges for Dill to spend the night. After food and Miss Rachel’s scolding, the house quiets. Dill later slips into Scout’s bed and confesses he ran away because his mother and stepfather are indifferent, buying him things but not wanting his company.

Comforting Dill, Scout reflects on her own family’s need for her. As Dill drifts into imaginative talk, Scout’s thoughts return to Boo Radley; she wonders why Boo has never run away, and Dill suggests Boo may have nowhere to go.