Chapter 2 - Allusions

Bullfinch: an allusion to Bulfinch's Mythology, a famous collection of Greek myths. Jem is kidding, of course, but his reference to Bullfinch's Mythology is another indication of how much of a reader Scout has always been. Discover Bulfinch's Mythology online.

Dewey Decimal System: A system for organizing books in libraries devised by Melvil Dewey. Contrary to what Jem tells Scout, this Dewey has nothing to do with John Dewey, a theorist of progressive education.

diaries of Lorenzo Dow: Lorenzo Dow (1777 - 1834) was a Methodist preacher who travelled throughout the country, including the state of Alabama. Find out more about Lorenzo Dow.

Here's a quarter: If a quarter doesn't seem like enough, remember that, during this portion of the Great Depression, a nickel bought a loaf of bread, a movie was a dime, and gasoline could be had for sixteen cents a gallon. Take a look at more prices during the Great Depression.

the crash: the Stock Market Crash of 1929 which led to the Great Depression. Learn more about the Great Depression.

union suit: a one-piece garment of underwear with a buttoned flap in the back. See a picture of a union suit.

Union: one side in the Civil War (the North)