In this opening chapter, the text is based around introductions, to both the main characters and the town of Maycomb, especially the Radley House. The first character we meet and the narrator of the book is a young girl called Scout, or her full name, Jean Louise Finch. We are also introduced to her father and her brother, Atticus and Jem. Scout and Jem seem to have a strong relationship at the start of the book, with a typical brother/sister relationship. It also seems apparent from the language that Scout is very educated for her age, as sophisticated language is used throughout her narration. In this first chapter, Jem and Scout meet another young boy, Dill, or his full name, Charles Baker Harris. They become friends pretty quickly and later on in the chapter Dill dares Jem to go and touch the Radley House.
The Radley House is continally described to be sinister and dark, "The old house was the same, droopy and sick". It is apparent that the children are scared but curious of this place. Jem is reluctant to do the dare, but we lean he is easily persuaded though the questioning of his bravery, showing that he is a proud character. He runs quickly and touches the house, sprinting back to the safety of his own house followed by the spectating Dill and Scout.
This chapter also tells the story of Boo Radley, adding to the spookiness of the house, "Boo was bout six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch".
fabulously sassy
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