tkam ch 15

What do Jem and Scout do after Atticus leaves the house, and why?

They decide to go downtown because they are worried about their father's safety. They go get Dill, and the three of them make their way to the courthouse square.

After the men leave, Jem reveals his fears to Atticus. What is Jem worried about?

Jem is afraid that Atticus might become the target of a mob or the Ku Klux Klan.

The concept of protection plays a major role in this chapter, as several characters are involved in the act of defending or safeguarding one another. Who protects whom, and how do they do it?

His children protects Atticus. Atticus defends Tom Robinson. Mr. Underwood (the newspaper man) protects Atticus also.

According to Scout, Atticus does "something that interest[s]" her and Jem. What is it? What other surprising thing does he do, and why does this suggest to Jem that something is wrong?

Atticus comes into the livingroom carrying an extension cord with a light bulb on the end of it. Shortly thereafter, he leaves for the evening, taking the car. The children are surprised because Atticus always walks to his office. The fact that he drives this night suggests to Jem that something is wrong. Atticus may be in danger, and he apparently knows it.

Where do the children find Atticus, and what is he doing when they spot him? How does this explain why he left the house with the extension cord and light bulb?

Atticus is sitting outside in front of the jail. He is calmly reading by the light of the bare bulb that he had brought with him.

What does Atticus say that causes the men to close in on him? What makes the men scatter?

Atticus says he needs to tell the truth. Suddenly, Jem screams to Atticus that the telephone is ringing. This startles the men, and they scatter.

The chapter begins on an ominous note as the reader receives hints that something bad is about to happen. Identify at least two instances of foreshadowing from the first several paragraphs.

She says, "A nightmare was upon us." Also, Jem says that there are some men out in the yard, and they want Atticus to come out.

Briefly summarize what happens when Scout pushes her way through the group of men. How does she ultimately defuse the situation?

She yells "Hey Mr. Cunningham" and asks about Walter Cunningham.

What are the men talking about as the children listen from the window? What can the reader infer from the conversation? For example, what makes Heck Tate "uneasy"?

The men are apparently talking about Tom Robinson. The reader can infer that Heck Tate is nervous that something might happen to Tom.

The reason for the men's arrival at the jail is not directly stated. Taking into account what they say and their behavior, why have they come to the jail?

They come to take Tom and torture him.