To Kill A Mockingbird Study Guide

To Kill A Mockingbird: Study Guide Chapter 1 See “Companion to Reading” Chapter 2 1. How is Scout’s school satirized? Answers may vary. 2. Why does Scout explain Walter Cunningham’s situation to Miss Caroline? While Scout thinks she is enlightening Ms. Caroline with understanding she is expressing a superficial idea and passing judgment on Walter based on Maycomb’s social structure. Chapter 3 3. Contrast Jem and Scout. The major difference is in their treatment of Walter Cunningham. Scout takes revenge on Walter for the trouble his family’s reputation caused her; however, Jem treats Walter with respect grown out of actual experience of the Cunningham family attributes. This is further seen in Scout openly criticizing Walter’s eating habits which are, to her, odd. 4. Contrast Burris Ewell with the other students. Burris is contrasted by both physical descriptions and his family’s background. Scout remarks he is the dirtiest person she has ever seen, and Ms. Caroline’s desire to protect the other kids implies they are clean. 5. What is the important thematic connection in the advice Atticus gives Scout? Atticus implores her to consider things from other people’s point of view, showing compassion and empathy. Chapter 4 6. How do Jem and Scout’s reactions to the pennies help characterize them? While both are curious, both are immature… in different ways. Jem’s immaturity is seen as he “deeply thinks” about the situation, though thinking in terms of superstitions. 7. What characteristics of children are revealed through the Boo Radley game? Kids are curious, imaginative, insensitive (unintentionally cruel), and often fearful of adult authority Chapter 5 8. What function does Miss Maudie Atkinson symbolize in the novel? Maudie serves as exposure to “ladylike” behaviors and thoughts, seen in Scout’s comments about her character, especially as Jem and Dill exclude her from their play. She also juxtaposes Stephanie Crawford, the neighborhood gossip. Chapter 6 9. What is significant about Jem’s nocturnal return to the Radleys’? It creates a high point of interest/suspense due to the threat of a prowler and the mysteriousness of his pants being mended and folded. It also demonstrates his respect for Atticus, though it might come across as fearful. 10. What does the town decide about the disturbance at the Radleys’? It must have been a Negro. Chapter 7 11. What bewildering incidents occur to Jem and Scout? The kids find more trinket is the knothole, until it is cemented by Nathan Radley because it’s dying. 12. Why is it significant that Jem has been crying? Jem’s tears reveal that, unlike Scout, he assumes it was the kindness of Boo and he may have been reaching out due to loneliness, but that is no longer available. Chapter 8 13. How do people react to Miss Maudie’s fire? Atticus is a calm spectator, which Jem tries to emulate. Other attempt to be helpful, as fire trucks come from up to 60 miles away. 14. How does Miss Maudie react? Maudie is brave and optimistic. Chapter 9 15. What do we know about Atticus from his defense of Tom Robinson? He suggests every lawyer has one such case in a lifetime… this is his. He must defend Tom to remain true to his convictions. 16. Contrast Aunt Alexandra and Atticus and Jack. This chapter describes their differences in parenting (as seen in the children the raise), race (as in the Robinson case), and appearance versus character. 17. How does Atticus try to prevent his kids from catching Maycomb’s “disease.” By his own example… his tolerance, his calm thinking, and mostly his defense of Tom. Chapter 10 18. What does the mockingbird symbolize? Atticus explains, which is then furthered by Maudie, is that mockingbirds cause no harm… so it is a sin to destroy a gentle person. 19. What effects do the Finches experience from the chapter’s main events? The main effect of the chapter is the change of the light in which Jem and Scout see their father. When the chapter opens, the kids see their father as feeble and no fun. By chapter’s end, they feel differently. However, Scout’s admiration is based on the “cool” thought her dad is a good shot and Jem’s is based on his admiration for Atticus’s humility/modesty. Chapter 11 20. What causes Jem to strike out against Mrs. Dubose? While the kids have been taunted about their poor behaviors, Atticus’ lack of parenting, their deceased mother, etc. Jem strikes out when the comments are directed towards Atticus’s defense of Tom Robinson. 21. What is Mrs. Dubose’s problem? What does this say about her character? As a morphine user, she must be in great pain of some sort. However, it’s lead to addiction. And while she might need the pain killer, she reveals her strength in breaking the addiction. 22. What does Jem gain from his experience with Mrs. Dubose? As Atticus suggests, she is an example of what true courage is (as opposed to a man with a gun, as in the previous chapter). He also learns tolerance of others, as well as the motif of walking in another’s shoes. Chapter 12 23. What accounts for the changed relationship between Jem and Scout? Jem becomes 12, and with that change inconsistent behaviors and moodiness, as noted by Scout. He chooses to spend more time by himself, which pushes Scout more toward the company of women. 24. What insights do Jem and Scout gain from attending church with Calpurnia? Jem and Scout notice generous unity amongst members (excluding Lula. There is also a recognition of the disparity between Cal’s church and theirs (hymnals, benches, condition of the materials/building). Scout also makes note of Cal’s “double life” based on her command of two languages. Chapter 13 25. What elements heighten the contrast between Atticus and Aunt Alexandra? Alexandra’s stay with the Finches heightens when she asks him to speak to the children about their awareness of the family name and heredity. Because he often feels like a failure as parent, he goes along with it, as award as it is. Chapter 14 26. Cite examples of prejudice and lack of human understanding. Answers may include any number of derogatory remarks directed at the children, much like Francis did at Christmas. This is further compounded when Alexandra urges Atticus to release Cal from the service, though he refuse to do so. 27. In what way does Jem break the one remaining code of childhood? He becomes a “tattletale” by revealing Dill’s presence. 28. Further contrast Dill’s home life with Scout’s. When Dill explains his new family situation, Scout realizes that while she feels needed and valued, Dill does not. Chapter 15 29. Contrast the two groups of men Atticus faces. While Jem worries the first group of men may be the KKK, Atticus insists they are friends. And while the group led by Heck Tate does not come inside, they are there to deliver a warning of trouble brewing among the Old Sarum bunch. There is a fear of lynching and what could possible happen to Atticus. The second group of men is the Old Sarum bunch, arriving at the jail just as Heck warned. The mob smells of pigpens and whiskey, in their sullen and “shinnied up” intent to do harm to Tom. 30. Explain Jem’s reason for following Atticus to town. Jem is concerned for Atticus’s safety after eavesdropping on the first group’s warning. That is furthered when Atticus takes the car, which is a rare occurrence, peaking Jem’s curiosity and concern. 31. Why does the group at the jail disperse after Scout’s talk? The tension is released when Scout innocently asks Mr. Cunningham about his entailment and his son. One could argue it is parental protectiveness and empathy or recognition of guilt confronting Atticus that disperses the mob. Chapter 16 32. Why does Scout cry after returning home? How does Jem show maturity? Scout’s tears demonstrates her recognition of the severity and imminent danger Atticus just faced. Jem’s treatment of her, as he comforts her, displays his caring nature. By allowing her to sleep in the bed with him and cry because she needs to, he acts paternally, as Atticus is too drained to do so. 33. What does Maycomb’s turnout for the trial imply about human nature? Humans have a morbid curiosity, as Maudie refers to it as a Roman carnival. For most it is a gala occasion, calling for fine clothes and picnic lunches. Among the negroes, the mood is far more concerning, as the nature of the trial is dark and sad. 34. Why is Scout confused about remarks about Atticus’s defense of Tom? Here, Scout learns Atticus was appointed, not just chose to defend Tom. She is confused as to why Atticus would not reveal his appointment to her or Jem. She is further confused about why the town is upset that Atticus has chosen to do what she sees as natural, to do the best job he can. Chapter 17 35. What does Atticus attempt to establish through Heck Tate’s testimony? The lack of medical examination; he further attempts to explain she was beaten by a left-handed assailant, being very emphatic about that point. 36. What devices does the author use in chapter 17 to characterize the Ewells? Characterization: (physical description, surrounding descriptions, says, does, reaction to and of others, narration) the Ewells have long been in impoverished, as established through their homestead behind the twon dump. There is also certainty of Bob’s unfounded arrogance and lack of education, as well as his crude delivery. 37. What does Atticus attempt to establish through Bob Ewell’s testimony? Atticus attempts to reaffirm Mayella’s injuries and then establish Bob is left handed, implying he could have been the person who beat his daughter. Chapter 18 38. What does Mayella’s testimony add to the case? Mayella’s testimony helps paint a picture of the sad existence and life she lives, almost animalistic. This is further explored by establishing her loneliness which motivated her to reach out for some human contact. During the question and answer, her hesitation seems to indicate an attempt to keep her story straight, implying the entire story is fabricated. 39. What startling revelation is made about Tom? As Tom rises to be identified by Mayella, it’s apparent his arm is deformed… so he couldn’t have beaten her the way in which it’s been described. Chapter 19 40. What important realization does Scout come to during Tom’s testimony? Evaluating Tom’s testimony becomes an exercise in empathy as Scout increases her understanding of others. She notes Tom’s kindness was unrecognized and receives only hostility in return. 41. What tragic racial situation is illustrated in this chapter? The definition of roles and rules for blacks is clear, and segregation impacts Tom’s resistance to Mayella’s advances and his decision to run. This is further when Tom is cross examined and receives condescending treatment from Mr. Gilmer. 42. Why is it important that Dill is the character that gets sick in the courtroom? Dill is an outsider and a child, so the degradation may be the first time he’s experienced it (as opposed to Scout and Jem). He insists it just ain’t right. Chapter 20 43. What thematically related insights do Scout and Dill receive outside the courtroom? After admitting his secret, it reinforces the idea that people are not always who they may appear to be. , 44. In reference to Dill, what pessimistic note does Dolphus Raymond cast? As they talk about the trial, Dolphus’s words serve as sad reminder of the hell people give one another and that is the way it is… so when Dill gets older he will not react as emotionally as he is now. 45. What/who is Atticus actually condemning in his closing remarks to the jury? What is the target of his final plea? Atticus attacks the social climate of Maycomb on three fronts: 1. He condemns the social code which is so strict and time-honored that the breaking of it creates a haunting guilt, a guilt so strong that it places another’s life at stake. 2. He attacks the false stereotype that all blacks lie, are immoral, and are not to be trusted around white women. 3. He then insists that the jury see Tom as an individual, and as their equal at least in the eyes of the law, where it is no ideal but a reality. Chapter 21 46. How does Scout know the verdict before it is read? What is the broader meaning of the jury’s behavior? She notes the mood of that overwhelms the courtroom. She notes that a jury does not look at a defendant it has convicted, which Tom’s jury does not. That can be for guilt in finding him guilty despite knowledge of his innocence. Chapter 22 47. What finally forces Jem over the threshold into adulthood? What symbolic incident occurs that testifies to Jem’s move toward adulthood? The jury’s conviction of Tom forces Jem to abandon his idealistic belief in justice, rationality, and individual integrity. This connects back to the kids’ conversation with Dolphus. The symbolic incident is in Maudie’s baking of the two smaller cakes for the Dill and Scout, while Jem serves him from the big cake, a gesture indicating she is aware he has come of age. 48. What hope and what fear are expressed at the end of the chapter? Hope- The idea that since the jury took so long in deliberation is a hope that society has made some progress in eradicating prejudice. Fear –Bob’s threat to Atticus. Chapter 23 49. Give Atticus’s interpretation of recent events. Atticus sees Bob’s threat as anger toward eliminating whatever credibility he may have had in the community. Atticus tries to see it from Bob’s point of view, but sees accepting the insults and spit as a better option over another beating for Mayella. He also anticipated the guilty verdict, considering the section of the world in which he lives, but notes the jury’s lengthy deliberation as a sign of progress. 50. Cite more examples of Jem’s continuing maturity. Jem continues to show maturity through his conversations about the case with Atticus, no longer just accepting things but rather questioning them. He even tries to comfort Scout when she is irritated by Aunty. He also further speculates on Boo Radley, trying to show tolerance and gentility. Chapter 24 51. What is ironic about the missionary circle’s conversation? These women share their caring and compassion for the problems of the African tribe, as long as it comes from a distance and does not require the soiling of their white hands and communities. These hypocrites still see themselves as “good Christians”. 52. Why did Tom try to escape? Faced with the choice of appealing the trial and risking his life, he loses his sense of self and self-worth and does not believe he will ever get a fair trial in a white man’s court/world. 53. What insight is gained into Aunt Alexandra’s character? She shows concern over Atticus’s well-being, saying the town has used him up, but that she will stand beside him. Chapter 25 54. How is Tom symbolized through the mockingbird? While most of Maycomb, his death is typical and not of note beyond the two days. However, Mr. Underwood’s editorial suggests that Tom was as harmless as a mockingbird and senselessly slaughtered. 55. How is the mood of apprehension conveyed at the end of the chapter? Bob’s comment of one down two to go implies another death is imminent. Chapter 26 56. What satirical points are AGAIN made on the subject of education? Ms. Gates’ requires her students to parrot responses of what democracy is, despite seeing the injustice in Maycomb without thought. This is furthered when she condemns Hitler’s persecution of the Jews in Nazi Germany while ignoring the persecution in front of her. This confuses Scout and connects back to the missionary circle. 57. Why is Jem unable to speak about the trial? Due to the intensity and their nearness in time, Atticus insists Jem set it aside ling enough to place the events in proper perspective. Chapter 27 58. What three incidents concerning the Ewells occur? What does this tell us about Bob Ewell? Bob has been fired from the WPA for laziness, though he places the blame elsewhere. He also burglarizes the home of Judege Taylor, and then he harasses Helen Robinson. These incidents demonstrate his growing aggressive behavior and pursuit of revenge on everyone associated with the trial, though Atticus seems to dismiss any personal danger. 59. What comic incident is related in this chapter, and what function does it serve? The hidden furniture of Misses Tutti and Frutti establishes a whereabouts for where Scout and Jem will be on Halloween. It also lightens the mood before the tension built in upcoming chapters. Chapter 28 60. What details in this chapter, and the last, add to the mounting tension prior to the attack? The simple timing of the kids’ walk, as all elements of setting and minor plot events contribute to the tension. Strange shadows, Scout’s immobility in her ham, darkness, the eerie talk of ‘haints by Jem, Cecil’s attempt to frighten the kids, and Alexandra’s acknowledgement that the kids will be unescorted all create a mood that sets up the attack. Chapter 29 61. Discuss the credibility of Boo’s defense of Jem and Scout? Their defense has been foreshadowed by his many affectionate and protective overtures (think gum, blanket, pants) toward them. Chapter 30 62. What insight is gained into Heck Tate’s character? Heck shows himself to be stubborn when discussing the attack with Atticus. He argues in a blunt, simplistic manner. And suggests that he is not lying to protect Jem, as Atticus believes. One can also see this as understanding and sympathetic towards Boo’s situation. 63. What situation do both Atticus and Scout recognize? Upon Heck’s insistence, both Atticus and Scout see the necessity of protecting Arthur. And despite the poetic justice of Bob’s death, dragging Boo into a prolonged nightmare may not only damage him but provide Maycomb with even more fodder and gossip. 64. Discuss Scout’s comment about the mockingbird theme in relation to Boo. Scout’s reassuring comment to her father shows the level of compassion she has achieved, internalizing and applying prior advice to the new situation, making a moral decision to protect the harmless. Chapter 31 65. In what way does Scout demonstrate compassion in chapter 30 and 31? Scout demonstrates her compassion and sensitivity when she courteously talks to Arthur and guides him about the house to the porch. This is furthered when she allows him the role of gentleman as she take his arm for a stroll back to his home. This in contrast to leading him and allowing for another humiliating and embarrassing situation for him. Once inside his house, she turns to see the neighborhood as he saw it. She slips into his shoes, as Atticus has urged her to do. It is then she feels sorrow for how she has not given commensurately to Boo for all he has given her, including her life.