Final answer:
To Kill a Mockingbird's two main plots are the trial of Tom Robinson and the children's fascination with Boo Radley, both revealing deep societal issues within the town of Maycomb. The novel features character development and linear storytelling with integrated flashbacks. The trial shows racial injustice while Boo Radley's subplot reveals empathy and understanding. 1 is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Main Plots in To Kill a Mockingbird
The two main plots in To Kill a Mockingbird are 1) The trial of Tom Robinson and the children's fascination with Boo Radley. The trial plotline reveals the racial tensions and injustices present in the town of Maycomb, as an innocent black man, Tom Robinson, is accused of raping a white woman. This trial is one of the central conflicts of the novel and highlights the themes of racial prejudice and the loss of innocence. Alongside the trial, the subplot involving the mysterious Boo Radley captivates Scout, Jem, and their friend Dill. Boo is a reclusive neighbor who becomes the subject of local myths and legends, and the children's interactions with him ultimately reveal themes of empathy and understanding of others.
The characterizations of Scout, Jem, Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley are pivotal to the storytelling. Scout is the protagonist, a young girl whose innocence provides a clear lens through which the reader views Maycomb's societal issues. Atticus, her father, is the moral backbone of the story, defending Tom Robinson in court. Tom Robinson is the victim of racial injustice, and Boo Radley is an enigmatic figure whose true nature is revealed towards the novel's conclusion.
The plot structure is largely linear, with flashbacks integrated to provide background information. The story is set over a period of three years during the Great Depression, allowing readers to witness characters' development and the thematic exploration of social inequities and moral growth.