Listen to your novels & readings
Penelope invites the old beggar for a late night check: does he know anything about Odysseus? She tells him she's decided to pick a suitor (who can complete a heroic task with a box!). Eurycleia recognizes the old man as Odysseus! Melantho the shameless maiden insults the beggar.
Penelope sadly & beautifully extracts the bow from the mancave that will decide her fate, announced the 12-axe contest, and watches while suitors fumble with the task and decide whether they are going to let the old man try.
The final closing events to ultimately end the journeying and cycle of violence -- including another trip to Hades and lots of interventions from Athena.
Has Odysseus truly proven himself? Watch Penelope win the game of deception with a test of her own. And finally an ultimate homecoming (that lasts a supernatural amount of time).
With his weapon in hand and a successful arrow to win Penelope, Odyss turns his sights on suitor revenge, one-by-one. Watch all your favorite suitors get picked off. Maidens also must pay the price.
Odysseus, still disguised, tests Eumaeus and a new cowherd (Philoetius) to see if they would fight the suitors. He reveals himself to them! More suitor abuse happens, and Penelope is listening outside the door...
Odysseus in disguise faces more fights against Irus and Melantho --with clever word plays -- in his living room overrun by suitors.
Final Chapter: Watch Scout reflect, connect to the Gray Ghost, and offer a final goodbye. So good!
Unravelling the attack, calling on Atticus, Heck, and Scout to discover and make final decisions about what to do.
Scout & Jem walk at night to the Halloween Pageant, with suggestions of trouble, mistakes in Scout's stage performance, and suspense building.
Suspicious events occur in connection with Bob Ewell. The Halloween Pageant is planned for school. Neighborhood prank played on Tutti Frutti sisters -- revealing their prejuduce.
Boo reflections. Hitler taught as current event in Scout's class. Ms. Gates's hypocrisy as a teacher. Jem enraged over something about trial.
Smashing a roly-poly bug. Helen learns about Tom. Underwood's editorial -- involving mockingbirds, too.
The Missionary Tea chapter: gender roles, hypocrisy, and Maudie's fierce loyalty to Atticus. Then bad news about Tom Robinson.
Two main things: (1) What will Atticus do now in face of verdict and Ewell threat? (2) The "Types of People" chapter.
Denouement about the VERDICT: reactions from Atticus, Jem, Alexandra, Maudie, and Stephanie Crawford. Maudie's cake moment with the children: "Your father is..." Then the sickening threat from Bob Ewell.
Awaiting the VERDICT of the trial, which finally arrives after a historic delay. Plus, the missing children, their invitation to hear the verdict after supper, and the balcony's reverential stand up, as Atticus departs the courtroom.
Scout & Dill learn the truth about Dolphus and his Coca-Cola bottle. Atticus's famous closing remarks to the jury in the Tom Robinson trial.
Tom Robinson Trial: Testimony from Tom Robinson himself -- the most revealing of all! The lights come on symbolically as the truth comes out about Tom's innocence. Scout realizes Mayella's loneliness and motives with Tom. Plus, Link Deas's interruption. Plus, Gilmer's racism drives Dill out of the courtroom.
Tom Robinson Trial: Testimony from Mayella Ewell. Geraniums. Tom's handicapped arm. Atticus's rain of questions on Mayella and her animosity in return. Underwood spots children in Black balcony of courtroom.
Tom Robinson Trial: Testimony from Heck Tate and Bob Ewell. Scout offers half understandings as conflicting or incomplete versions emerge about the incident between Tom, Mayella, and Bob Ewell.
The Finches debrief the intense evening, and details emerge about Mr. Underwood, Mr. Cunningham, and Tom. Scout wants to beat up Walter Cunningham in revenge. Meet Dolphus Raymond and his mixed children. The town arrives like a parade for the trial. The kids find a seat in a surprising, meaningful location inside the courtroom.
Robinson trial tension rises in town. Lynch mob fears lead Atticus to spend the night in front of the jail. A mob does arrive under cover of night. The kids, who sneak out, enter the circle of men surrounding Atticus. A small move by Scout brings their murderous agenda to a halt.
Scandal! Alexandra learns the kids went to Calpurnia's church! Fights and tense times develop between Scout and Jem. A surprise visitor is hiding under Scout's bed.
Aunt Alexandra moves in while Atticus defends Tom Robinson in court. Her parenting and white pride conflict with Atticus' parenting, which climaxes in a tender Atticus and Scout showdown as the chapter ends.
Snow! Fire! Racist snowman! Mystery blanket! This chapter is full of surprises.
The Calpurnia's church chapter. Lulu, Reverand Sykes, and a collection for Helen Robinson.
The Mrs. Dubose episode: destroyed camelias, reading punishment, and a parting gift. Atticus explains true courage: knowing you're beat but you battle anyways.
Atticus can't do anything -- like other dads. Then the episode of Tim Johnson, the rabid dog that needs to be shot.
Scout must defend Atticus at school. We learn about Tom Robinson's case. Then the memorable visit to Aunt Alexandra's and Cousin Francis -- and a fight.
Cold weather, snow, a fire!, and a blanket. Plus an infamous dirt snowman, which we'll analyze in class.
More items and mystery connected to the tree hole -- until Nathan Radley's cement.
Dill's last night: A Radley House Adventure. Lies about poker to the adults, and a pair of sewn up pants.
Jem & Dill begin to exclude Scout, who finds new refuge with Miss Maudie. Maudie shares new perspectives about Boo (he was always polite) that increase the mystery. Note on a fishing pole.
Boo Radley, school, and neighborhood details face Jem, Scout, and Dill. The roll-in-the-tire scare! Items found in the tree knothole! The Radley Scissors Reenactments!
Walter comes to lunch. The syrup incident. Calpurnia is mean? Burris Ewell makes Ms. Caroline cry. Atticus makes a compromise w Scout.
Scout grapples with Miss Caroline and her new ways in First Grade. Stereotypes set in. Cunningham details emerge, too.
Scout introduces Maycomb, her Finch history, Dill, and the Boo Radley intrigue.
Romeo & Juliet make their final fatal decisions.
Capulet, unaware of his daughter's moves, seals a marriage deal with Paris. Notice the time details.
Juliet's parents and the Nurse discover Juliet "dead." The Friar enters and directs them onwards. Their wedding day is now a funeral day (they think).
Juliet's parents ironically prepare for the wedding celebration.
Juliet bids goodnight to mother and nurse, giving them the impression that tomorrow is her wedding day to Paris. Then she soliloquizes about the fear and hope that the Friar's plan / potion will require of her.
Juliet deceives her father about her attitude towards marrying Paris.
Romeo barely escapes Juliet's mother walking in on them. Juliet double talk to mom and dad -- then refusal to marry Paris. Lord Capulet erupts in anger & disowns Juliet. She is ready to die without Romeo, but will see if the Friar has any last ditch idea for her tragedy.
Friar Laurence chastises Romeo for ingratitude and over emotion. Get to your Juliet! He also shares a plan.
Dramatic irony to the hilt: Juliet, unaware of previous scene's events, cannot wait to enjoy her honeymoon with her new husband. Then the Nurse brings news.
Tipping point. Verona street. Tybalt insults Romeo for his trespass. Mercutio intervenes and events spin out of control.
Church. Friar Laurence, Romeo, and Juliet. Friar encounters the couple's excitement and passion, but delivers cautionary advice on moving more slowly (as he lets them rush along, no?). They then marry offstage.