Structure

The novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee has a chronological structure. The narrative describes the years from when Scout is six and Jem 10 until they are almost 10 and 13, respectively. 

The novel is divided into two parts. The first part is made up of the first 11 chapters and it focuses on Scout and Jem’s relationship with Boo Radley. The second part, from chapter 12 to chapter 31, focuses on Tom Robinson’s trial. 

The beginning shows the main character, Scout, looking back at the years that led up to a significant event in her life. The first lines in the novel, foreshadow Jem breaking his arm near the end and capture the readers’ curiosity.

The novel includes other instances of foreshadowing. Many scenes hint that Boo Radley is not a scary person, like the kids believe him to be, but is actually kind and fond of Scout and Jem. For example, when Scout rolls inside the tire onto the front of the Radley property, she hears someone inside laughing (p. 56). Th...