To Kill A Mockingbird Plot Questions

(Ch. 15-17) What surprising fact does Atticus reveal about Mr Underwood at the breakfast table?

He despises negroes

(Ch. 18) Why does Mayella think that Atticus is mocking her?

He keeps calling her "ma-am" and "miss" which she's not used to so she assumes he's making fun of her.

(Ch. 10-11) What skill does Jem gain from his reading sessions with Mrs. Dubose?

He learns to get a thicker skin.

(Ch. 4-7) Miss Maudie says that Mr. Radley had been a "foot-washing baptist." What does she mean by this statement? How does her religion differ?

"foot-washing baptists" believe all pleasure is a sin, like her gardening, where as Miss Maudie doesn't believe those things

(Ch. 4-7) What is a "Hot Steam"? What do they do?

"Hot Steams" are people who can't go to heaven and if you walk through one they'll suck your breath so when you die you become one too.

(Ch. 10-11) Why does Miss Maudie say it's a sin to kill a mockingbird? What might mockingbirds symbolize? Which characters might be considered metaphorical "mockingbirds" and why?

-It's a sin to kill a mockingbird because they do nothing wrong and don't effect us. -A mockingbird symbolizes innocence or innocent people -A lot of the black community, such as Tom, could be considered mockingbirds because they mind their own business and don't make trouble for others and work hard so it'd be a sin to kill them.

(Ch. 12-14) What does Jem do that shocks Dill and Scout? How does it establish his maturity?

-Jem "breaks the remaining code of their childhood" when he shows Atticus that Dill is hiding there. -This shows his maturity because it wasn't the easy thing to do but it was the right, and grown up thing to do

(Ch.19-21) According to Tom's testimony, where were the other Ewell children on the day of the alleged rape? What does this suggest about Mayella's motives concerning Tom?

-Mayella gave them nickles to go get treats -It suggest she planned the encounter with Tom

(Ch. 8-9) What dramatic event causes Atticus to wake up the children at one o'clock in the morning? Whose house does Atticus place them in front of? Describe the scene.

-Miss Maudie's house is one fire -Atticus leaves the children in front of the Radley's house -The town men are pushing the fire truck to the house, people are trying to remove furniture quickly, Dick and Mr Avery were still in the house and when Mr Avery tried to climb through the window, he got stuck

(Ch. 1-3) Who is the narrator of the novel? What type of narration is used?

-Scout; past tense first person

(Ch. 1-3) The novel is set in Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. How does the narrator describe the town? What indicates that most of the townspeople are poor?

-She describes it as a tired old town. -"There was no hurry, for there was no where to go, nothing to buy, and no money to buy it with."

(Ch. 8-9) At the beginning of the chapter, Scout mentions that old Mrs Radley died but her death "caused hardly a ripple" in the neighborhood. Why was this the case? How did she die?

-She wasn't involved in the community so it didn't effect the neighbors' lives -"natural causes" killed her, which disappointed Jem and Scout because they thought Boo 'finally got her'

(Ch. 15-17) What does Atticus say that causes the men to close in on him? What makes the men scatter?

-They closed in when he was saying how he couldn't give up and he planned to tell the truth in trial -They all scattered when Jem yells to Atticus that the phone was ringing

(Ch. 4-7) Previously, the children has assumed that the knot-hole was someone's hiding place. What evidence now suggests that the items in the tree are specifically for Scout and Jem? Who do you think left these gifts?

-They found two carvings that look just like them -Boo Radley is probably the one leaving them

(Ch. 12-14) A major theme in TKAM is the journey from youth and innocence to maturity and knowledge. How does Jem symbolize this theme in these three chapters? What evidence indicates that he is growing up and changing?

-pg. 153-155 Cal was telling Scout how Jem was growing up and Scout was saying how Jem was becoming wiser 'all of the sudden' -pg. 187 Jem told Atticus about Dill hiding under the bed despite Scout and Dill not wanting him to Jem is becoming much more mature and acting much less childish, understanding his surroundings and what's going on much more.

(Ch. 22-23) According to Atticus, what is optimistic about Tom's case?

A higher court was reviewing his case and he had a good chance of being freed

(Ch.19-21) In the closing statement, Atticus says, "All men are created equal." What is the one institution in which this is true?

All men are equal in court.

(Ch. 15-17) Why does Atticus want Mr Ewell to write his name?

Atticus demonstrates that Mr Ewell is left handed

(Ch. 12-14) Why must Atticus leave for two weeks? How is his absence related to the country's economic troubles during the Great Depression?

Atticus had to leave because the state legislature was called into emergency session. This relates to the economic state during the Great Depression because many men went off to work to support families and the government was in a state of chaos which would make law related people extra busy.

(Ch. 10-11) Scout compares Atticus to her classmates' fathers at the beginning of chapter 10. What is different about Atticus? How do Jem and Scout feel about this?

Atticus is a lot older than the other kids' parents, and Jem and Scout feel like this makes Atticus less manly and that it affected his abilities.

(Ch. 8-9) As Jack and Atticus talk together in the evening, Atticus says that Scout must "learn to keep her head" in the next few months. Why is he concerned about her?

Atticus is concerned with Scout because she gets angry and offended by what other people say and she needs to be prepared to go through a lot of that as the trial is approaching.

(Ch. 8-9) As Jem and Scout drink hot chocolate with their father after the fire, Scout notices Atticus looking at her with curiosity and sternness. What does he see? How does Jem react?

Atticus notices the blanket on Scout and is not happy because he told them to stay put and they moved when they weren't supposed to, but Jem had no clue where it came from either.

(Ch.19-21) How is Atticus closing statement in defense of Tom Robinson also an attack upon racism?

Atticus says how the trial is because of Mayella hiding the fact that she broke social code and was 'hiding the evidence' of tempting a black man.

(Ch. 10-11) What does Atticus say "real courage" is? How does his definition relate to Mrs. Dubose? How does it fit Atticus?

Atticus says that real courage is when you've been licked before you even started but you go ahead with it and see it through. Much like how Mrs. Dubose stuck through her addiction and Atticus is sticking through this case and not giving up, even though he's already lost.

(Ch. 18) What does Atticus suggest as he ends his questioning of Mayella? What is her response?

Atticus suggests that her father was the one who had beaten her, but she stuck to her story and then started crying.

(Ch. 10-11) The novel's title, "To Kill a Mockingbird." is referenced in this chapter. In what context is it present?

Atticus tells Jem and Scout to never shoot a Mockingbird while they were learning to shoot.

(Ch. 12-14) How does Atticus explain rape to Scout?

Atticus tells her that rape is carnal knowledge of a female by force and without consent.

(Ch. 10-11) One evening, Attiucs is summoned to Mrs. Dubose's house. What does he reveal to Jem and Scout when he returns?

Atticus tells them that Mrs. Dubose died.

(Ch. 10-11) When Scout tells Atticus what Mrs. Dubose has been calling him, what is his response? What lesson does he teach Scout during this conversation?

Atticus was a bit worried at first but then he teaches Scout how when someone calls you something like that, it shows you "just how poor" they really are.

(Ch. 12-14) What does Alexandra want Atticus to doe with Calpurnia? What is his response?

Aunt A. wants Atticus to fire Cal, but Atticus refuses to because she'e helped them get along for so long and he says that she never has to leave, unless she wants to.

(Ch. 8-9) Who put the blanket around Scout's shoulders?

Boo Radley

(Ch.19-21) Why does Dolphus Raymond pretend to drink liquor? What does Scout think about this?

He pretends to drink so others can think that that's why he spends time with colored people, but Scout feels it's dishonest and doesn't understand why he'd make himself out worse than he is

(Ch.19-21) What doe Link Deas say about Tom Robinson? How does this show that he is different from others in Maycomb?

He stood up and told everyone how Tom has worked for him for years and never caused a problem. This shows that he looks at character rather than skin color.

(Ch. 8-9) What is "Maycomb 's usual disease" as Atticus states at the end of chapter 9? Who is he hoping doesn't catch it?

He's referring to the racist opinions that everyone seems to have, and he hopes Jem and Scout don't become racist like everyone else.

(Ch. 15-17) Who is the first person to take the stand? What specific injury of Mayella Ewell is Atticus most concerned with when questioning this person?

Heck Tate was first and Atticus was very concerned about the beatings on the left side of her face.

(Ch.19-21) What does Jem think the verdict will be? Do you think he is right? Give reasons for your opinion.

Her thinks it's obvious the Ewells are lying and Atticus and Tom should win, but I don't think he's right. I think they will still lose just because of the racist and biased jury.

(Ch. 10-11) What does Atticus mean when he says, "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."?

How you feel isn't determined by what everyone else thinks.

(Ch. 12-14) Scout thinks there might be a snake under her bed. What is actually under her bed?

It's just Dill

(Ch.19-21) When Tom Robinson takes the oath, what is made clear about his left hand? How does this help Atticus's case?

It's made clear that Tom can not use his left arm which means he could not have created those marks on Mayella.

(Ch. 15-17) Why does Atticus leave the Finch home at night and go to the Maycomb jail?

It's where they moved Tom so he sits there to protect him from getting lynched.

(Ch. 10-11) What dramatic incident causes people to lock their doors and stay inside?

Jem and Scout see Tim Johnson walking down the road and Cal realized that he's sick and could cause harm so everyone stays away.

(Ch. 15-17) After the men leave, Jem reveals a fear of his to Atticus and Scout. What is Jem worried about?

Jem is scared that someone will hurt Atticus.

(Ch. 4-7) How does Scout end up inside of the Radley's yard?

Jem pushed her too hard in the tire because he was upset with her for contradicting him about hot steams and she rolled up to the Radley's house.

(Ch. 10-11) As Scout and Jem are returning home from town one day, Jem decides to do something to the shock and astonishment of Scout. What does he do and why?

Jem took the baton he bought for Scout and ran around Mrs Dubose's yard and cut off all of her camellias and then snapped the baton in half. He did it because of how angry he was from all the mean things she's said about their family and Atticus.

(Ch. 18) What is Mayella's version of what happened? What problems do you see with her testimony throughout chapter 18?

Mayella's version is that she asked Tom to chop some wood and he raped her. Through out her testimony she is never sure of what really happened.

(Ch. 15-17) What does Atticus say about Mr Cunningham, mobs, and men over the breakfast table? What does he mean by the statement, "maybe we need a police force of children"?

Mr Cunningham is a man, and mobs are made of men, so if the police force was made of children it might be able to bring people to their sense of reality.

(Ch. 22-23) What happened between Mr Ewell and Atticus at the post office? Why do you think it happened? How does Atticus respond?

Mr Ewell stopped Atticus and spit in his face, and told him that he'd get him even if it took him the rest of his life. I think Mr Ewell was really embarrassed because everyone now knew what really happened, and he didn't have a good reputation already. Atticus is very calm and wipes the spit off of his face, and doesn't act in the same way.

(Ch. 4-7) What happens to the knot-hole at the end of chapter 7?

Mr Radley fills in the knot-hole in the tree with cement

(Ch. 10-11) What is Jem's punishment for knocking the tops off Mrs. Dubose's flowers? How does he feel about his punishment?

Mrs. Dubose is going to have Jem come over everyday after school and on Saturdays to read to her aloud for 2 hours, for a month. Jem isn't excited because he thinks her house is creepy.

(Ch. 10-11) According to Atticus, Mrs. Dubose had made one goal for herself before she died. What was it? How did Jem unknowingly help her reach that goal?

Mrs. Dubose wanted to die clean from her morpheme addiction. Jem helped her because his reading helped her to focus on the alarm to go off which helped he become clean.

(Ch. 18) Considering the evidence and testimony up to this point, do you think Tom Robinson is guilty? Why?

No because it looks like she pushed herself on Tom, and her father beat her.

(Ch. 12-14) What reasons for running away from home does Dill give Jem and Scout initially? At the end of the chapter he gives Scout another reason, what is it?

Originally Dill says it's because his new father was mean and kept him in the basement. Later when it's just him and Scout, he tells her that it's because his parents never want to spend time with him

(Ch. 22-23) On the morning after the trial, the kitchen table in the Finch household is "loaded with enough food to bury the family." Who brought the food, and why? What is Atticus's response?

People from the black community brought it as a thanks for his defending Tom. Atticus was confused at first, then was brought to tears and told Cal to give them his thanks.

(Ch. 15-17) Who does Scout, Jem, and Dill end up sitting with at the trial?

Reverend Sykes up in the balcony with the black community

(Ch. 15-17) What causes Scout to cry at the beginning of chapter 16?

Scout cried because of the events that happened so far were overwhelming for her.

(Ch. 8-9) Why does Scout fight Cecil Jacobs at the beginning of chapter 9? How does the fight end, and why does Scout feel "noble"?

Scout fights him because he was making fun of Atticus for "deffending n.i.g.g.e.r.s". The fight ends when Jem tells Scout to ask Atticus about it and she feels noble because she thinks he must be doing a good thing and it's not something to be ashamed of.

(Ch. 4-7) What does Scout find in one of the trees at the edge of the Radley's yard? Several days later, she and Jem find something else in the tree. What do they find? What do they decide to do with each of these items?

Scout finds two pieces of chewing gum, then her and Jem find two Indian Heads (pennies) and they decide to keep them and ask around to find out whose they are.

(Ch.19-21) Dolphus Raymond tells Scout, "You haven't even seen this town, but all you gotta do is step back inside that courthouse." How is he suggesting that Scout will see what her town is truly like simply by stepping back into the courthouse?

Scout hasn't seen how cruel and racist the townspeople are because they cover it up most of the time but if she goes back, she'll see it.

(Ch. 8-9) After the Christmas incident, uncle Jack and Scout have a conversation. What does Scout make Uncle Jack promise not to do? Does Uncle Jack promise keep his promise?

Scout makes Uncle Jack promise not to tell Atticus why she had gotten so made at Francis, and Uncle Jack keeps his promise.

(Ch. 1-3) What does Scout do to make Calpurnia furious? What lesson does Calpurnia teacher her?

Scout makes fun of Walter Cunningham and the way that he eats, so Calpurnia teachers her hot to treat a guest properly.

(Ch. 15-17) When Scout pushes her way to Atticus, she sees a familiar face in the group surrounding the. Who is it? How does her conversation with this person bring peace to the situation that night?

Scout sees Mr Cunningham and starts to talk to him about his son and his entailment which Atticus was helping him with. This is like "living-room talk" which is much more civilized than how they were acting and it made the men leave.

(Ch. 1-3) Compare the education levels of Scout, Walter Cunningham, and Burris Ewell. How do these comparisons emphasize the relationship between class and education?

Scout would be upper class; Walter middle class; and Burris low class. The higher the class you are the better your education often will be.

(Ch. 1-3) What happened to Scout and Jem's mother?

She had a sudden heart attack when Scout was 2 and Jem was 6.

(Ch. 8-9) How does Miss Maudie respond to the lose of her house?

She's extremely positive and says how she always wanted a smaller house and now she has more room for her garden.

(Ch. 22-23) What does Miss Maudie mean when she says, "...we're making a step---it's just a babystep, but it's a step."?What evidence does she use to explain her optimism?

She's saying that normally the jury wouldn't have taken so long to decide which means there was some one who was unsure whether it was really the right decision.

(Ch. 18) Why does Atticus begin by asking Mayella a lot of questions about herself and her family?

So the jury can picture what she and her family are like.

(Ch. 12-14) What is the name of Calpurnia's church, and what is the significance of the name?

The "First Purchase African M.E. Church" was bought with the first earnings of the freed slaves.

(Ch. 1-3) Who are the Ewells, and why are they treated differently than others? Identify the "certain privileges" they get.

The Ewells are a family who gets away with a lot because the mother is dead and the father is a mean alcoholic with a lot of kids. The kids only go to school the first day and people will look away when they do things wrong, such as hunt out of season

(Ch. 1-3) Beginning with the line, "THe misery of that house began many years before Jem and I were born," Scout tells the reader the sad history of the Radley family. Briefly summarize what happened to the family.

The family never left the house much and then Boo stabbed his dad with a pair of scissors. Instead of going to jail, he was put into the basement of the court house, and once he got out, he went back home and the family was seen even less.

(Ch. 1-3) What is frightening to the children about the Radley house? What lives in the house, according to Scout?

The house is very dark and mysterious. They call Boo (Aurther) Radley the malevolent phantom.

(Ch. 4-7) How does Jem lose his pants in chapter 6? How does he get them back?

The kids were trying to see into the Radley house and Mr Radley started shooting, but when they were running away, Jem's pants got stuck in the fence. When he went back for them later they were mended and folded on the fence.

(Ch. 22-23) What does Atticus mean when he says, "We made it this way for them, they might as well learn to cope with it."?

The older generations continued the racist ways so kids like Jem and Scout might as well learn it now, because they will eventually.

(Ch. 8-9) What are the townspeople saying about Atticus' newest case? What is Atticus' response to the gossip?

The townspeople are making fun of Atticus for deffending Tom Robinson, but Atticus feels that he couldn't even ask his own children to listen to him if he refused to defend Tom because it wouldn't be right.

(Ch. 15-17) What do we learn about the Ewell family and their home in chapter 17?

There are a lot of children so it's very chaotic since their father is always drinking and their mother is dead. They live next to the dump right near the black community because they're poor.

(Ch.19-21) What do the black spectators do as Atticus leaves the courtroom? What does their gesture signify?

They all rise to their feet as a sign of respect and thanks to Atticus for trying so hard.

(Ch. 4-7) What new game do Jem, Scout, and Dill play in chapter 4? How does Atticus respond to it? What changes do they make at the beginning of chapter 5?

They play "Boo Radley" and Atticus disapproved of it so they changed the names.

(Ch. 15-17) According to Jem, what are "mixed" children and why are they sad?

They're black and white so they don't fit into either community and are shunned by both.

(Ch. 15-17) Why is there a crowd of men gathered outside of the Finch home at the beginning of chapter 15? What are they concerned about?

They're moving Tom to the county jail and they're worried about where to keep him before the trial.

(Ch. 4-7) Who are Jem and Dill trying to send a not to? What does the note say? How are they sending it?

They're trying to send a note to Boo Radley that's asking him to come out by attaching the note to a fishing pole and putting it through a window.

(Ch.19-21) What is the verdict announced in court?

Tom Robinson is guilty.

(Ch.19-21) We find out that Tom has had legal issues in his past. What "disorderly conduct" did he receive punishment for previously? Why do you think that Atticus asks Tom about this in court?

Tom had gotten in a fight with a man who tried to cut him, so Tom served because he couldn't afford to pay. Since Atticus brought it up, they couldn't use it against them later

(Ch. 18) Describe the way Tom Robinson looks as he stands up. What is unusual about his arms? Why is this important?

Tom's left arm does not work, which is significant because Mayella's attacker would have needed the function of their left hand to create the bruises on her that she has.

(Ch. 12-14) How is the trial affecting the children's weekly visits to town? What are people saying?

When the children go to town everyone is gossiping and watching them and pointing them out as 'his children'.

(Ch.19-21) In what way does Scout think Mayella is even worse off than Boo Radley? In what way does Scout think that she is similar to "mixed" children?

-She's even lonelier that Boo is -White people don't socialize with them because they live like pigs, and black people don't socialize with them because they're white

(Ch. 29-31) What is Atticus's final statement about people?

"Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them."

(Ch. 24-26) According to Miss Gates, what is the difference between America and Germany? In what way is her view ironic?

-America is a democracy with equal rights for all. where as Germany is a dictatorship where certain people have advantages, unlike America -This is ironic because not everyone is treated equally and some people do have huge advantages in America

(Ch. 22-23) Atticus and Aunt Alexandra have different opinions on what kind of people are considered "trash." Who does Atticus say is trash? Who does Aunt Alexandra say is trash?

-Atticus: People who take advantage of Negroes' ignorance are trash -Aunt A.: People like Walter Cunningham and people like him are trash

(Ch.27-28) Who do you suppose the assailant was? Who was the stranger that carries Jem home?

-Bob Ewell -Boo Radley

Several people are accused of killing Mr Ewell as tensions rise between Heck Tate and Atticus on the porch. Who does Atticus originally believe killed him? Who do Heck Tate and Atticus officially decide to publicize as the killer? Who actually killed him, and why does Heck want to protect him?

-Jem -Bob Ewell fell on his knife and killed himself -Arthur Radley, but they want to protect him because they feel he didn't do anything bad

(Ch. 24-26) As Scout is about to kill a roly-poly bug, what stops her from doing it? What two themes does the incident underscore?

-Jem tells her not to kill it. -This shows aging and innocence,

(Ch.27-28) Scout says three unusual things happened in Maycomb by the middle of October. Briefly summarize each of these three things.

-Mr Ewell got a job and lost it in three days -There was odd scratching at Judge Taylor's home -Mr Ewell would follow and taunt Helen Robinson when she would go by to go to work

(Ch. 24-26) Mr Underwood writes and editorial covering Tom's death. What does he consider sin? To what to what does he compare Tom's death? What is the significance of his comparison?

-Mr Underwood says he believes that it's a sin to kill a cripple. -He compared Tom's death to the death of a bird's song, which compares to the death of a mockingbird and innocence

(Ch. 22-23) What new information do we learn about the Cunninghams? What is Aunt Alexandra's response to Scout's idea of having Walter over when school begins?

-One of the Cunninghams was on the jury and was the one who took a long time to decide on a verdict -She disapproved because they're not of the same type of people

(Ch.27-28) Why is Scout late to go on stage during the Halloween play? What does Jem's response to this signify concerning his level of maturity?

-She fell asleep while Miss Merriweather was talking about history -Jem comforted her which shows how mature he has become because he chose not to make fun of her

(Ch. 8-9) What information is provided about the Robinson case as the chapter comes to a close?

-The case is Ewell V. Robinson -Tom is black and there isn't any evidence for the case except for "who says what" statements

(Ch. 15-17) Aside from the Finches, who also comes to the Maycomb county jail that night? Why are they there? Why is Heck Tate among them?

-There's a bunch of men there to lynch Tom -Heck Tate is there to also protect Tom

(Ch.27-28) What childhood fears have Jem and Scout left behind? Identify the simile that she uses to explain the disappearance of these fears.

-They've left behind their fears of Boo Radley, Hot Steams, Haints, and secret signs. -Their fears had "vanished with our years as mist with sunrise"

(Ch. 22-23) According to Atticus, what are the three reasons why many Maycomb citizens do not want to serve on a jury?

-Women can't serve -They're not interested -They're scared of what might happen to their business

(Ch. 29-31) Now that Scout has finally met Boo, she is able to see what he is really like. Describe Boo in your own words.

-socially awkward -tall -pale -very quite -kind hearted -timid -very child like -gentle

(Ch.27-28) What happened when Jem and Scout were on their way home from the Halloween party?

A large man tried to crush Scout, and then Jem and the man wrestled until something snapped and another man joined. The first man was on the ground and the second carried Jem home.

(Ch. 29-31) As Heck Tate and Atticus discuss the identity of the person who killed Bob Ewell, Atticus says, "best way to clear the air it to have it all out in the open." What does he mean by this?

Atticus thinks they shouldn't hide what happened because he thinks Jem killed Bob Ewell and doesn't want to "hide something 'Jem did'"

(Ch. 29-31) Who saved Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell?

Arthur Radley

(Ch. 24-26) When Atticus arrives home, what news does he bring about Tom Robinson? Summarize what happened to Tom.

Atticus tells them that Tom got shot because he tried to run. When the warned him and he kept going, they shot. Atticus said he could have made it if it wasn't for his left arm.

(Ch. 29-31) According to Heck Tate, why did Bob Ewell go after Scout and Jem instead of Atticus?

Bob Ewell is outright mean and wouldn't meet Atticus face to face

(Ch.27-28) Who are the "Barber ladies" and what angering incident occurred that changed Halloween in Maycomb county?

Children snuck into the house of these two deaf elderly sisters and hid all of their furniture in the cellar so the town decided to create activities during Halloween for children to do.

(Ch. 29-31) To what specific thing does Scout compare Boo's possible exposure? Explain her meaning.

Exposing Boo would be like killing a mockingbird because you'd be destroying his privacy which is his comfort and he didn't do any thing bad in the situation

(Ch. 8-9) When Scout asks Atticus if he is going to win the case, he tells her, "No, honey." She then asks him why he is taking on a case that cannot be won. What is his response, and what do you think he is referring to?

He says that they were licked 100 years before they started but the case wasn't a good reason not to try. He's referring to the fact that there's no chance for them to win because of the racism during their time.

(Ch. 24-26) Why do you think Tom ran for the fence? Why did he keep running even when the guards warned him to stop?

He wanted to get out and he didn't stop because at least he would be dying trying.

(Ch. 22-23) If Tom is found guilty after his case is reviewed, what will his punishment be? Why?

He would go to the chair because courts around there wouldn't partially punish a black man for a crime like that.

(Ch. 10-11) Atticus hands Jem a box that Mrs. Dubose had left for him. What is in the box? What does it symbolize for Jem?

In the box was a camellia that Jem knocked off. For Jem it symbolizes Mrs. Dubose's courage and death.

(Ch.19-21) Calpurnia comes into the courtroom to hand a note to Atticus. What does the note say?

It's from Aunt Alexandra and says that the kids haven't been home since noon.

(Ch. 22-23) At the end of the chapter, what conclusion does Jem draw about Boo Radley? What leads him to this conclusion?

Jem decides that Boo must stay inside because wants to. If there really was just one type of people why would they all go out of their way to despise each other?

(Ch. 22-23) What problem does Jem have concerning rape and capital punishment? What problem does Atticus have with capital punishment in this specific case?

Jem doesn't think the situation is right, but Atticus has deep misgivings when the death penalty is given based on circumstantial evidence.

(Ch. 22-23) What physical signs indicate that Jem is growing up? What does he show to Scout when he brings her into his room?

Jem is getting much taller and he shows Scout a chest hair

(Ch. 22-23) How does Jem describe the social hierarchy in Maycomb? (What are the four kinds of people in Maycomb?) How many groups of people does Scout think exist?

Jem: Them and their neighbors, people like the Cunninghams, the Ewells, and the Negroes Scout: She thought there was just one group.

(Ch. 29-31) What lesson comes to Scout's mind as she reminisces on the Radley porch? What is the significance of this?

Scout goes through events in her life, from his perspective. She realizes how he has given them so much but everyone else hasn't given anything back. He peacefully watched them grow up, and he was apart of the community, just not as noticeably.

(Ch. 24-26) Scout says that the Radley place had ceased to terrify her. Why? How does Scout feel about the way she, Jem, and Dill treated Boo Radley?

Scout is maturing and finds the Radley place gloomy, not scary now. Every time she passes by, she feels a bit of remorse for the way the three treated him when they were younger.

(Ch. 4-7) How is Scout's relationship with Miss Maudie affecting the reliability of the narration?

Scout really looks up to Miss Maudie so her narration might be becoming biased towards her.

(Ch. 24-26) What was Scout confused about when she read the editorial? What became clear to her upon later reflection?

She was confused by the idea of 'senseless killing' but upon later reflection she realizes that even though evidence was brought to open court, "the secret courts of men's hearts" would beat any evidence

(Ch. 24-26) Alexandra tells Miss Maudie, "They're perfectly willing to let him do what they're afraid to do themselves." Who is she referring to, and what does she mean by this?

She's referring to people of Maycomb who make Atticus do all the 'dirty work' that no one else wants to have to do

(Ch. 24-26) When Aunt Alexandra is entertaining her missionary circle, Mrs Merriweather says, "If we just let them know we forgive 'em, that we've forgotten it, the this whole thing'll blow over." Who and what is she talking about? What is ironic about her statement?

She's talking about the maids, cooks, and field hands that are upset over the trial. It's ironic because it didn't effect them as much as it effected the black community. If anyone should be forgiving, it'd be the black community forgiving the white community.

(Ch. 29-31) As Atticus leads Scout to bed, she dreamily talks about the plot of the Gray Ghost, one of the novels she and Jem had known very well. How is the ending of that book similar to Scout's experiences with Boo Radley?

Stoner's Boy and Boo are similar because they're both accused of things, but they actually were nice and innocent.

(Ch. 24-26) In what way does Miss Gates' Current Events presentation highlight the socioeconomic disparity between the students who lived in town and the "bus kids"?

The "bus kids" would bring things in that didn't pertain to the same social or political topics that the kids from town would bring because they didn't know what was happening in town.

(Ch. 1-3) Describe the Cunningham clan.

The Cunninghams are poor farmers from the Depression, but they won't accept anything that they can't repay in some way.

(Ch. 24-26) Why does Scout prefer the company of men opposed to that of women?

The men don't make you make yourself look like a fool, aren't so critical or so hypocritical.

(Ch. 12-14) What prompts Reverend Sykes to order the doors be closed and that no one be allowed to leave for a period of time?

They didn't collect enough money in the offering and they need ten dollars for Hellen,Tom's wife, so the doors are shut until they receive ten dollars for her.

(Ch.27-28) As Scout and Jem pass by the edge of the Radley property, what do they hear in the tree? Why is this significant?

They heard birds in the trees, which is significant because it symbolizes the mockingbird and innocence

(Ch. 1-3) How do Jem and Scout meet Dill?

They weer going to look at their neighbor, Ms Rachel's dog, but found Dill instead.

(Ch. 24-26) In what way do you see the Maycomb ladies' hypocrisy, especially concerning the Mrunas?

They're sympathizing for the Mrunas but not the black people in their own community.

(Ch.27-28) The chapter closes on a dramatic note. According to Sheriff Tate, what is lying under the big oak tree

Under the tree Scout's dress, part of her costume, and a dead Bob Ewell

(Ch. 22-23) Jem uses the metaphor of a caterpillar in a cocoon to describe his feelings. According to him, in what way is he like a caterpillar in a cocoon? What feeling is he struggling with, and how does it relate to the trial and the town of Maycomb? What does the caterpillar symbolize?

-He's struggling with letting out his feelings toward the trial and what people are really like -The caterpillar symbolizes peoples' true selves

(Ch. 12-14) When they arrive at the church, Scout and Jem experience first-hand what it feels like to be the object of racial intolerance. Briefly describe the incident and how it was resolved.

-A lady, Lula, wasn't happy that Cal was bringing white kids to their church. -Zeebo, the garbage collecter, stepped in and welcomed Jem and Scout saying that they were glad to have them and not to worry about what Lula was saying.

(Ch. 10-11) What does Atticus do that surprises the children and makes them feel proud? Why does he do it? What do they learn about their father from Miss Maudie?

-Atticus shoots Tim Johnson, and the children realize that he is a really good shooter. -He does it because Heck Tate didn't think he could do it so he told Atticus that he had to do it for everyone's safety -Miss Maudie tells Jem and Scout how Atticus was the deadest shot in Maycomb when he was younger

(Ch. 12-14) When Atticus comes into Jem's room before bed time at the end of chapter 13 to speak with the children, what information does he relay to them from Aunt Alexandra? Do they think he believes what Aunt Alexandra has made him say? Why or why not?

-Atticus tells the children that Aunt Alexandra want to come and help teach them that they from "generations of gentle breeding" -I think Atticus believes that him and his family were raised that way, but he doesn't think it necessary to raise Jem and Scout that way because if he did, he would be raising him that way already.

(Ch. 8-9) Up to this point in the novel, Boo Radley has been perceived as a lunatic or a monster. What evidence in the past two chapters indicates that he is not at all the threatening figure that people have made him out to be?

-He was giving Jem and Scouts presents -Gave Scout a blanket during the fire

(Ch.19-21) When Tom admits that he felt sorry for Mayella Ewell, how do the majority of white people in the courtroom react? Why does Atticus stand up when Mr Gilmer asks Tom if he's accusing Mayella of lying?

Everyone was shocked that he, a black man, would dare say he felt sorry for a white woman. Atticus stood when Mr Gilmer did to make sure Tom didn't say anything like he did earlier that could cause more trouble.

(Ch. 8-9) What does Francis say about Atticus? How do his comments illustrate that racism exists not just in the other residents of Maycomb, but within the Finch family as well? How does Scout respond?

Francis calls Atticus a "n.i.g.g.e.r-lover" and Scout tackles him and tries to make him take it back but he hides in the kitchen. This shows how even in the Finch family there's racism because Francis is their cousin.