Contents
Chapter 27
Overview
Bob Ewell, still nursing grudges, is fired from the WPA, likely attempts to break into Judge Taylor’s home, and intimidates Helen Robinson until Link Deas publicly threatens legal action. Atticus downplays the danger, but Aunt Alexandra senses trouble. Maycomb plans a community Halloween pageant, and Scout is cast as a ham, with Jem escorting her.
The chapter resets normalcy while underscoring Ewell’s festering resentment, setting up looming conflict as the children head into Halloween night.
Summary
In October, Maycomb seems to settle, but Scout notes three troubling incidents tied to Bob Ewell. First, Bob Ewell briefly works for the WPA before being fired for laziness, then blames Atticus for his misfortune, prompting welfare worker Ruth Jones to warn Atticus.
Second, on a Sunday night, Judge Taylor hears a noise, finds a cut screen and a fleeing shadow, and waits with a shotgun until Mrs. Taylor returns—suggesting an attempted break-in. Atticus suspects Bob Ewell, recalling how Judge Taylor made Ewell appear foolish during the trial.
Third, Helen Robinson avoids the Ewells after being pelted with clods, until her employer Link Deas confronts the Ewells and threatens jail. When Bob Ewell later trails Helen, whispering obscenities, Link Deas catches him and warns him again, invoking assault and the Ladies’ Law. Helen reports no further trouble.
Aunt Alexandra remains uneasy about Ewell’s vendettas; Atticus believes Ewell’s anger stems from knowing few truly believed his story, and predicts he will settle down. Daily life resumes: school routines return, civic shifts like the end of the NRA occur, and Maycomb organizes its first official Halloween to curb past pranks involving Misses Tutti and Frutti Barber.
Mrs. Grace Merriweather mounts a county pageant, casting Scout as a ham among agricultural products. Scout’s costume is bulky and confining. When Atticus and Aunt Alexandra decline to attend due to fatigue, Jem agrees to escort Scout. As Aunt Alexandra shudders with a foreboding feeling, Scout performs a living-room preview, and the children set out—“their longest journey together.”
Who Appears
- Bob EwellFired from the WPA; likely attempts to break into Judge Taylor’s home; harasses Helen Robinson until confronted.
- Scout FinchNarrator; cast as a ham in the Halloween pageant; prepares to attend with Jem.
- Jem FinchEscorts Scout to the pageant; seems recovered from the trial’s trauma; begins their ominous outing.
- Atticus FinchDownplays Ewell’s threats; explains Ewell’s grudges; too tired to attend the pageant.
- Aunt AlexandraSenses danger and dislikes Ewell’s grudge; helps with pageant setup; has a foreboding moment.
- Judge John TaylorHears an intruder and sits armed after a likely break-in attempt on Sunday night.
- Helen RobinsonHarassed by Ewell on her walk to work; protected when Link Deas confronts Ewell.
- Link DeasGives Helen a job; twice confronts and threatens legal action against Bob Ewell.
- Ruth JonesWelfare worker who reports Ewell’s accusations against Atticus.
- Mrs. Grace MerriweatherOrganizes and narrates the county Halloween pageant; casts Scout as ‘Pork.’
- Mrs. CrenshawSeamstress who builds Scout’s ham costume from chicken wire and cloth.
- Miss Tutti and Miss Frutti BarberDeaf sisters whose prior Halloween prank spurs the town to organize festivities.
- CalpurniaPraises Scout’s costume performance in the kitchen.