In this chapter, Scout Finch recounts her highly anticipated first day of school, filled with excitement and anxiety. As she walks to school with her brother Jem, she reflects on the differences between home and school, particularly in terms of learning and authority. Scout is eager to share her knowledge and read in class, having been taught by her father, Atticus. This enthusiasm, however, quickly turns to disappointment when she meets her new teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher.

Miss Caroline is inexperienced and has just moved to Maycomb from a wealthy background, which contributes to her inability to understand the local culture and the socioeconomic realities of her students. When Scout confidently reads from her textbook, Miss Caroline reprimands her for knowing how to read, insisting that she must unlearn what her father taught her. This moment is pivotal, as it introduces the theme of rigid educational structures that do not accommodate individual learning styles or backgrounds. Scout feels humiliated and confused, as her attempts to explain her home learning are met with frustration rather than encouragement.

The chapter also introduces the character of Walter Cunningham, a classmate from a poor family who refuses to accept a quarter for lunch from Miss Caroline. Scout tries to explain to her teacher that the Cunninghams will not be able to pay her back, but her comments only lead to further reprimand. This interaction highlights the class divide in Maycomb and exposes Scout to the harsh realities of her peers' circumstances.

As the day progresses, Scout's frustration grows. During lunch, she and Jem invite Walter to join them at their home, hoping to befriend him. This act of kindness leads to significant lessons about empathy and understanding. At lunch, Scout is shocked to see Walter pour syrup over his food, a gesture that symbolizes his different upbringing and the lack of resources he faces. Calpurnia, the Finch family's cook, scolds Scout for being rude to Walter, teaching her important lessons about respect and hospitality.

In summary, Chapter 2 serves as a critical introduction to Scout's school life, illustrating the challenges she faces in a rigid educational system and the stark realities of her classmates' lives. This chapter sets the stage for Scout's moral growth as she begins to learn about empathy, respect, and the complexities of human relationships.