The Knot-Hole Mystery

The secret gifts from Boo Radley in the knot-hole of the oak tree, and their abrupt cessation.

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First Discovery of Gifts

First Discovery of Gifts The Chewing Gum Jem and Scout find two pieces of chewing gum in the knot-hole of the Radley oak tree. They enjoy it, momentarily forgetting that the Radley Place is supposedly poison. The Soap Dolls Soon after, they find two small soap figures, one a boy and one a girl, carved to look exactly like them. Scout is initially frightened, but Jem recognizes their quality. The Mystery Intensifies The children are puzzled. They suspect Mr. Avery or Miss Maudie, but the carvings are clearly of themselves. The gifts become a regular occurrence, sparking their curiosity about the giver.

The Spelling Medal and Watch

The Spelling Medal and Watch The Tarnished Medal Jem finds a spelling medal in the knot-hole. Atticus says it was from a contest before they were born. Jem and Scout keep it as a treasure. The Pocket Watch A few days later, they find a pocket watch that doesn't run, on a chain with an aluminum knife. Atticus says it might be worth ten dollars. Jem decides to keep it and try to fix it. The Growing Bond The gifts are clearly personal. Jem suspects the giver is Boo Radley, but he does not say so. The children feel a secret connection to the unseen neighbor. They plan to write a thank-you note.

The Thank-You Note

The Thank-You Note The Decision to Write Jem and Scout decide to write a letter to the mysterious giver. They draft a note thanking him for the gifts. Jem signs it "Jem Finch" and Scout adds her name. The Morning After They plan to leave the note in the knot-hole, but when they go to school, they find the hole filled with cement. Mr. Nathan Radley has sealed it. The Shock and Grief Jem is devastated. He asks Mr. Nathan why, and Nathan says the tree is dying. Atticus later confirms the tree is healthy. Jem realizes Nathan is stopping Boo's communication. He cries that night.

The Cemented Hole

The Cemented Hole The Finality Jem and Scout see the knot-hole filled with gray cement. Their secret connection is severed. Jem stands on the porch until nightfall, crying. The Revelation Later, after the fire, Jem confesses to Atticus about the knot-hole, the pants, and the blanket. He says Mr. Nathan is crazy but has never harmed them. The Loss of Innocence The cementing of the knot-hole represents the thwarting of Boo's attempt to reach out. The children lose a source of wonder. But the experience teaches them about the quiet cruelty of the adult world.

autumn, during the second grade

later in the autumn

just before the knot-hole is cemented

the day after the note