To Kill a Mockingbird Study Questions

Complete these AS YOU READ to help you focus

CHAPTER 1
Andrew Jackson- military hero who defeated the Creek Indians in Victor Appleton- author of the popular Tom Swift novels, which told the
Alabama in 1814. He was the seventh president. stories of an "all-American Boy"
Battle of Hastings- battle in which the Norman invaders conquered Edgar Rice Burroughs- creator of Tarzan and other popular fictional
England in 1066 characters (1875-1950)
John Wesley's- Wesley was the founder of the Methodist religion flivver- old, cheap automobile
nothing to fear... itself- a reference to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Tuscaloosa- site of a major Alabama medical center
statement in his 1933 inaugural address entailment- a restriction on the inheritance of a piece of land

1. Describe the setting of the story.

a. The setting of the story is a town called Maycomb in Alabama during the 1930’s, coincidentally during the Great
Depression. The town is described by the narrator as old tired and worn southern town. The point of view of the story is
written in first person.

2. Who is Scout?
a. Scout is the main character of the book. She is a six-year-old girl who acts like a tomboy. The story is written in her
point of view.

3. Who is Jem?
a. Jem is Scout’s older brother in the book. From what is described he’s the typical American boy, unable to back down
from dares and thinks about playing football.

4. Who is Atticus?
a. Atticus is Jem and Scout’s father. He is a lawyer and an attorney in Maycomb, Alabama.

5. Who is Calpurnia?
a. Calpurnia is the Finch’s black housekeeper and a nanny to Jem and Scout. She has been there since Jem’s birth.

6. What is the nickname for Charles Baker Harris?

a. The nickname for Charles Baker Harris is Dill.

7. Where is Dill's father?

a. The location of Dill’s father is unknown, but Dill knows he is alive somewhere.

8. Who is Boo?
a. Arthur “Boo” Radley is the son of Mr. Radley, and is the neighbor of Scout and Jem.

9. What did Boo do that was odd?

a. Boo stabbed his father in legs with a pair of scissors.

10. When the routine of Jem, Scout, and Dill's summer becomes tiresome, what idea does Dill have?
a. Dill has the idea to get Boo to come out of his home.

11. How had Mr. Radley seen to it that his younger son, Arthur (Boo) caused "no further trouble" in Maycomb?
a. Mr. Radley kept Boo from going to the state industrial school, and employed Boo to keep him inside.

12. After Mr. Radley died, what changes occurred at the Radley place?
a. Instead of Mr. Radley, his other son, Nathan Radley, took his place.

13. What dare of Dill's did Jem courageously accept?

a. Dill originally dared Jem that he will not run up to the Radley’s home and knock on their door. After three days, Dill
changes the dare to Jem touching the side of the Radley home instead of knocking on the door.

CHAPTERS 2-3
the crash- the stock market crash of 1929 ushered in the Great Depression hain't- ghost
W.P.A. - the Works Progress Administration, established in 1935 to provide jobs for people on welfare
 1. When Jem takes Scout to school for her first day, what "order" does he give her?
a. Jem tells Scout to not talk or interact with him when they are at school.

2. For what two reasons does Scout get off to a bad start in the first grade?
a. Scout gets in to trouble for learning how to read and writing in class. She also gets in trouble for telling Miss. Caroline
about the Cunningham family.

3. When Scout tries to spare Walter Cunningham any further humiliation, what does Miss Caroline do to her?
a. Miss. Caroline yells at Scout and makes her stick out her hand, and Scouts receives six pats on her arm from a ruler
as a punishment. Miss. Caroline also tells Scout to stand in the corner.

4. Why can't Walter Cunningham pass the first grade?

a. Walter cannot pass the first because must word in fields with his father in the spring.

5. What is Scout's assessment of school and what is her plan?

a. Scout’s assignment is to refrain from reading anything. Her plan was to get Atticus to let her quit school.

6. How does Atticus explain Miss Caroline's behavior?

a. Atticus explains that Miss. Caroline’s behavior is due to her not having prior understand of the family backgrounds of
her students.

7. What simple trick does Atticus tell Scout to help her learn to get along with others, including Miss Caroline? What does this
advice mean to you?
a. Atticus tells Scout that she will understand people better if she looks and considers things from their point of view. The
advice Atticus gave to Scout is similar to the saying ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’, and this means a lot to me,
because it is a sense or action of respect by/from another person.

8. What compromise does Scout make with Atticus about school?

a. Scout and Atticus make a compromise that they can still read together, if Scout keeps it a secret from Miss. Caroline.

9. What does Atticus's management of Scout's problems at school suggest about his strengths as a parent?
a. Atticus’ management of Scout’s problems at school suggest that he is good at communicating and teaching his
children how to deal with their problems with other people.

10. Who do you think is responsible for Burris Ewell's misbehavior?

a. I think the lack of a mother or motherly figure and the lack of a father is the reason for Burris Ewell’s misbehavior.

CHAPTER 4
scuppernongs- sweet grapes common in the southeastern states One Man's Family- popular weekly radio show of the 1930s

1. What does Scout find on the way home from school? Where does she find it? What does Jem make her do when she gets
home?
a. Scout finds two pieces of gum in the tree outside of the Radley home. Jem saw her chewing it and told her to spit it out
right now when he found out it was from the Radley’s.

2. What do Jem and Scout find on the last day of school?

a. Jem and Scout found two old “Indian-head” pennies.

3. What do you think Jem might be "thinkin'" about when he tells Scout to "Hush a minute?" (p.39 in most books).
a. Jem might be “thinkin” of what to do with the money or who the money might belong to.

4. What happens when Jem rolls Scout in the tire?

a. Scouts rolls into the Radley yard from Jem’s push.

5. Describe the Boo Radley game that the children play.

 a. The children act out the rumored stories about Boo. Scout played the role of Mrs. Radley, all she had to do was sweep
the porch. Dill played the role of Mr. Radley, he would walk up and down the sidewalk and would cough when Jem
talked to him. Jem played the role of Boo, he would go under the front steps, and shrieked and howled from time to
time.

6. What two reasons does Scout give for quitting this game?
a. Scout’s first reason for quitting the game was her rolling into the Radley’s yard, and the second reason was Atticus’
arrival.

CHAPTERS 5-6
Second Battle of the Marne- a major battle of World War I (1918)
Kudzu-covered front porch- Kudzu is a rapidly spreading parasitic vine which grows in the South

1. Explain why Scout becomes annoyed with Dill.

a. Scout becomes annoyed with Dill because he is neglecting her. Jem and Dill are growing up and maturing, and they
start to reject Scout because she is a girl and she is younger than them.

2. What does Miss Maudie do best?

a. Miss. Maudie is the best at talking with the children of Maycomb, she is the children’s best friend.

3. Why does Miss Maudie think that Boo is still alive?

a. Miss. Maudie thinks that Boo is still alive because she has not seen him carried out yet.

4. What is a "foot-washing Baptist?"

a. A “foot-washing Baptist” is a person that believes that anything that is pleasure is a sin and they believed that women
are a sin by definition, and they take the bible literally.

5. What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about "some kind of men?"
a. Miss. Maudie tells Scout that “some kind of men” who are too busy worrying about the next world and they have never
learned how to live in this one.

6. In Chapter 5, what is Jem and Dill's plan to contact Boo Radley?

a. Jem was going to put a note on the end of a fishing rod and stick it through the shutters, and if anyone came Dill would
ring the bell.

7. Dill says that he thinks Boo might feel better if he'd come out and "set a spell" with the children. Given all you know about Boo,
do you agree with Dill? Explain.
a. I think that Boo might actually come out with the children for a while. Since he is stuck inside the house majority of the
time, Boo might find it interesting to play with or even see children or other people.

8. When they are "caught" trying to "bait" Boo, what order does Atticus give the children regarding Boo?
a. Atticus tells all three of them to leave Boo alone and stop tormenting him.

9. What seems to be Atticus's opinion of Boo?

a. Atticus seems to respect Boo as a person, since he is telling his children to leave him alone.

10. Even though Atticus has forbidden the children to go near the Radley house until they are invited there, Dill and Jem take a
"walk" that leads them to the Radley's front porch. What is their plan?
a. Dill and Jem were going to peep in the window with the loose shutter to see if they could get a look a Boo.

11. How do they stop the gate from squeaking?

a. They stop the gate from squeaking by spitting on the hinge.

12. Why do Dill, Jem, and Scout run from the Radley place?
a. The sound of a gunshot makes Dill, Jem, and Scout run away from the house.

13. How does Dill explain Jem's missing pants?

 a. Dill explains Jem’s missing pants by saying he lost them when they were playing strip poker.

14. What, according to Scout, causes her and Jem to begin to part company?
a. Scout and Jem begin to part company when he goes back to the Radley place for his pants.

CHAPTERS 7-8
Rosetta stone- an ancient Egyptian tablet which provided the key to Appomattox- site of Lee's surrender to Grant in 1865; this surrender
deciphering hieroglyphs but had nothing whatsoever to do with ended the Civil War
predicting the weather morphodite- Scout has mispronounced the word "hermaphrodite"
colloquial language- language used in ordinary, informal, or familiar conversation or writing. It is often used in novels and stories narrated from
the first-person point of view to help the reader feel as if a real person is telling the story.
The colloquial language of To Kill a Mockingbird is that of the American South in the 1930s. For example, Scout says to Jem in chapter 7, "...
Can't anybody tell what you're gonna do lest they live in the house with you." In standard English this sentence would be read, "Nobody can tell
what you're going to do unless he lives in the house with you."

1. Rewrite the following colloquial expressions in standard English

a. "Jem and me's the only children around here."
i. Jem and I are the only children around here.
b. "No, he's just moseyin' along, so slow you can't hardly tell it."
i. No, he’s just moseying around, so slowly you can hardly tell.
c. "I hafta aim for ten minutes 'fore I can hit somethin'."
i. I have to aim for ten minutes before I can hit something.

2. What does Jem eventually reveal to Scout about the night he went back for his pants?
a. Jem reveals that his pants were neatly folded and sewn once he went to get them back.

3. List four items that the children find in the knothole. Who has left these items for the children?
a. They find a while pack of gum, a spelling contest medal, a pocket watch on a chain with an aluminum knife, and soap
carvings of the children.

4. Why don't the children leave their thank-you note in the knothole?
a. Mr. Nathan Radley filled the tree with cement, because he said it was dying.

5. Why do you think Jem cried when he learned that Nathan Radley lied about the tree?
a. I think Jem cried because he learned that Mr. Radley not only lied about the dying tree, he also is trying to the stop the
forming relationship between Boo and the kids.

6. According to Mr. Avery, what made the seasons change?

a. Mr. Avery said that the seasons are changing because of the children’s bad behavior.

7. Describe how Jem constructs his "snowman." Who does it look like? What complement does Atticus pay Jem?
a. Jem uses sticks to make the snowman’s bones, and then he uses dirt to build the snowman’s body. He final adds snow
on the outside to turn it into a snowman who looks like Mr. Avery.

8. Why does Atticus wake the children in the middle of the night?
a. A fire started in Miss. Maudie’s house.

9. Why do the fire trucks have such a difficult time?

a. Firstly, Maycomb did not have the fire hydrants and trucks could only hold a little bit of water, then the men of
Maycomb thought it was too cold to volunteer, so there were not enough men to help. Thirdly, the outside temperature
was below freezing, so the truck and the hoses were frozen. Lastly, the fire hydrants had run dry and no one had
refilled them.

10. When they return home, what is Scout wearing? How does Atticus explain this?
a. When they return home, Scout is wearing a blanket, and Atticus explains this by saying Boo Radley put it on her.

11. What picture of Boo Radley is emerging from the incidents of the pants, the knothole, and the fire?
a. An image of someone who is a caring and kind person, and he somewhat cares for Jem and Scout.
 12. Miss Maudie tells the children that her only concern about the fire that destroyed her home was the danger to the neighborhood.
What does her attitude reveal about her character?
a. Miss. Maudie cares for her neighborhood and the people around her more than herself, and she is not bothered by the
loss of her material possessions burning. She is shown to be selfless, and morally upstanding.

CHAPTERS 9- 11
Missouri Compromise- act of congress (1820) intended to maintain Lord Melbourne- British statesman (1779-1848)
a balance between free and slave states Jew's Harp- a simple folk instrument used in country music
Stonewall Jackson- Confederate general (1824-1863) CSA- Confederate States of America
Rose Aylmer- reference to a poem Ivanhoe- novel about 12th century England by Sir Walter Scott

1. Two children taunt Scout in similar ways. Who are they, and for what reasons do they taunt Scout?
a. Cecil Jacobs, a boy from her school, and Francis, Scout’s cousin are taunting her because Atticus is representing a
black man in court.

2. What are Atticus's reasons for defending his new client?

a. Atticus’ reasons for defending his new client are for integrity and character, two traits that he is trying instill into Jem
and Scout. So, he is going to show these qualities in himself through his actions.

3. Atticus tells Scout to try fighting with her head for a change instead of using her fists. Comment on this advice with regard to
Scout, yourself, and others. Why, in your opinion, do people resort to physical violence to settle disagreements?
a. I believe that people resort to physical violence to settle disagreements to make the other person or group people
angry in the process of the argument, therefore making it seem as if violence is the only other option.

4. What do Scout and Jem get for Christmas?

a. Uncle Jack gave them two presents, air rifles for both Jem and Scout, and a chemistry set for Jem.

5. Use three adjectives to describe Francis.

a. Francis in described in three adjectives would be impressionable, gullible, and an ignorant troublemaker.

6. What does Uncle Jack need to learn?

a. Scout teaches Uncle Jack to listen to both sides of the story before punishing a child, and Atticus adds that you should
tell a child the truth when they ask a question.

7. About what does Scout make her Uncle Jack promise not to tell Atticus the truth?
a. Scout makes Uncle Jack promise to not tell Atticus about what Francis called Dill and Atticus behind their backs.

8. Atticus tells Jack he hopes his children get through Tom Robinson's trial without bitterness and with out "catching Maycomb's
disease." What is Maycomb's disease?
a. Maycomb’s disease is leading towards racism and prejudice and the tendency to judge people too harshly for their
actions without understanding their hearts or intentions.

9. Chapter nine introduces a very relevant social issue of the 1930s, but one which is still relevant today. Identify this social issue.
What might Harper Lee be trying to get her readers to think about?
a. The social issue introduced in chapter nine is racism. Harper Lee is trying to get her readers to think about racism and
how it affects the lives of black people and how white people continue to act out racism.

10. In chapter 10, Scout says, "Our father didn't do anything... that could possibly arouse the admiration of anyone." Given the fact
that Atticus is a lawyer and state legislator, what does she mean?
a. Scout believes that her father is not very interesting and that no admires him, and she even describes him as old and
boring.

11. What are your own feelings about Atticus? Would he make a good father? Why or why not?
a. I believe that Atticus would make a great father because of his values and morals. He believes in equality and the
integrity and character of a person.

12. What is wrong with Tim Johnson?

 a. Tim Johnson is a dog belonging to Harry Johnson, and the dog is infected with rabies and he goes mad, putting
everyone in the town at risk.

13. What does Atticus do in chapter 10 that surprises his children?

a. Atticus kills the mad dog with a single shot between his eyes.

14. What was Atticus's nickname?

a. Atticus’ nickname was ‘One-Shot Finch’.

15. Why doesn't Atticus go hunting?

a. Atticus does not go hunting because he prefers helping than hurting others. Atticus only hurts another person or animal
in defense of another person.

16. Miss Maudie says that "people in their right minds never take pride in their talents." What does she mean? Do you agree or
disagree?
a. Miss Maudie means to instill humility in the kids and encourage them not to brag. I agree with this statement, because
bragging is not necessary and can often make you come off as egotistical.

17. Look at Scout's description of Mrs. Dubose (p. 103-104). What three adjectives would you use to describe Mrs. Dubose?
a. Mrs. Dubose is an elderly morphine addict, and she is verbally abusive.

18. What does Atticus do that causes Scout to say that Atticus is the "bravest man who ever lived?"
a. Scout says that Atticus is the “bravest man who ever lived” because he is never rude to Mrs. Dubose and he always
waves at her.

19. Atticus says that most people think he is wrong to defend Tom Robinson. According to Atticus, what are people "entitled" to?
a. Atticus says that people are entitled to full respect for their opinions.

20. What does Jem do to Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes?

a. Jem takes a baton from Scout and destroys all of Mrs. Dubose’s camellia bushes.

21. What does Mrs. Dubose want from Jem as payment for his "crime?
a. Jem must go to Mrs. Dubose’s house every day for a month and read to her for 2 hours.

22. How does Atticus explain the term "nigger-lover" to Scout?

a. Atticus explains the term “nigger-lover” to Scout by saying the term does not mean anything like the term “snot-nose”,
he says that ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody is favoring Negroes over and above themselves.

23. What change has occurred in Mrs. Dubose by the last week Scout and Jem go to her home?
a. Mrs. Dubose’s attitude changes and how she thought about people, and she allows them to go home herself instead of
the alarm clock releasing them.

24. Scout says that she considers her father the bravest man alive for visiting Mrs. Dubose and speaking kindly to her. Atticus later
tells the children, after her death, that Mrs. Dubose was the "bravest person" he ever knew. Explain the two views of bravery
presented here.
a. Scout and Atticus’ views of bravery are presented. Scout’s view of bravery is physically defending yourself from a self-
perceived threat. Atticus’ view of bravery is showing courageousness.

CHAPTERS 12-15
ecclesiastical impediments- items associated with religion, such as Blackstone's Commentaries- monumental 18th century compendium of
hymnbooks, musical instruments, or church programs English law
Shadrach- one of the three Biblical characters cast into the fiery myopic- the inability to see things that are far away
furnace, but delivered unharmed by an angel shinny- slang term for unlawfully distilled whiskey

1. List the three things that were bothering Scout at the beginning of the summer.
 a. The three things that were bothering Scout were Jem beginning to grow away from her, Dill was not coming over the
summer, and Atticus was leaving for two weeks.

2. In chapter 12, how old is Jem? What does Calpurnia begin to call him? Why might she call him this?
a. In chapter 12, Jem is twelve years old and Calpurnia begins to call him Mister Jem. Calpurnia might call him this for
respect of Jem, and because he is growing up.

3. How did the First Purchase Church get its name? How is it different from the churches Scout is used to?
a. First Purchase Church is named after the first purchase the freed slaves made in Maycomb. First Purchase Church
allows children to remain where they are, while white churches are strictly segregated, and there are few hymn books
and there is no organ or piano and it is unpainted. Scout and Jem also notice that the preacher uses his pulpit more
freely when expressing his views on “individual lapses from grace.”

4. Why does Reverend Sykes order the doors of the church shut?
a. The doors of the church were shut so ten dollars could be collected for Helen Robinson and her children, Tom
Robinson’s family.

5. Scout states that Reverend Sykes's sermon is the same that she has heard time after time at her own church. Cal, earlier, tells
Lula that the all, black and white, have the same God. What idea about religion does Harper Lee present?
a. Harper Lee present the idea that we all are the same because we worship the same God and it does not matter what
color they are.

6. Why has Aunt Alexandra come to stay with the Finches? How does she explain the peculiar behavior of various citizens of
Maycomb?
a. Aunt Alexandra comes to stay with the Finches because Atticus will be away for most of the time during the Tom
Robinson trial, but specifically to see Scout’s transition into a lady. Aunt Alexandra believes the Maycomb citizens have
streaks or a strong influence of heredity, like a drinking streak. She also believes that nobility come through genes, and
she points out that other families have streaks that through each line.

7. Who do you think is a better "mother" to the children, Calpurnia or Aunt Alexandra? Explain your opinion.
a. I think Calpurnia is the better “mother” to the children because she takes her role in the children’s life more seriously
than Alexandra. She has always been there acting as a parent; constantly teaching the kids lessons about life and
race.

8. What concerns does Scout express to Atticus after his speech about "gentle breeding?" How does he reassure her?
a. Scout expresses to Atticus that after he is acting strange and not like himself. Atticus reassures her that things will not
be different between them, and jokes that “I get more like Cousin Joshua every day, don’t I?”

9. Why do you think Atticus changes his mind about making the children conform to Alexandra's ideas?
a. Atticus changes his mind about making the children conform because he is not exactly doing what a proper Finch
would do either, and he cannot preach something he is not doing himself.

10. How does Atticus deal with finding Dill in Scout's room?
a. Atticus reacts calmly, feeds Dill, and he tells Dill to call is aunt.

11. Even though Dill gets permission to stay in Maycomb, why does Scout say their peace ended after a week?
a. There have been more vents pertaining to the trial that are beginning to occur, such as Tom Robinson being moved to
jail.

12. Describe Dill's latest plan to get Boo Radley to come out.
a. Dill plans to place a trail of lemon chips/drops from the back porch to the front yard, and Boo will follow it.

13. When Jem asks Atticus if the men who came to the house were a "gang," what is Atticus's response?
a. Atticus’ response is nonsense such as mobs and gangs have never occurred in Maycomb.

14. After Atticus leaves the house late at night, where do the children find him? What is he doing?
a. Atticus is sitting in front of the county jail reading.
 15. Explain why the men have come to the jail.
a. The men have come to the jail to hurt Tom Robinson.

16. When he is asked whether he can get a change of venue for Tom Robinson, the sheriff replies, "Not much point in that, now is
it?" What is the sheriff implying?
a. The sheriff is implying that wherever Tom Robinson was, he would have the position in the trial. There would be no
chance of him wining.

17. When Jem defies Atticus's order that they go home, Scout expects Atticus to be angry with Jem while they walk home, but she
sees Atticus tousle the boy's hair, his one gesture of affection. Why do you think Atticus wanted them to leave? Why do you
think Jem refused to do so? Why do you think Atticus is not angry with him?
a. Atticus wanted Jem and Scout to leave so they would be safe. I think Jem refused to leave because he wanted to
protect his father, and Atticus is not angry with him because he was proud of Jem for doing what he believed was the
right thing.

CHAPTERS 16-18
Mennonites- Protestant religious sect that favors a simple, traditionalchampertous connivance- consent to wrongdoing, in particular, when
way of life someone not a party to a lawsuit bargains to help a litigant with costs in
Victorian- an architectural style popular during the reign of Queen return for a share of the proceeds
Victoria in England (1837-1901) strict constructionist- one who adheres to the letter of the Constitution,
ex cathedra- by virtue of one's office of position with minimal interpretation
chiffarobe- another word for a chest of drawers

1. How does Atticus explain "mobs" to his children?

a. Atticus says that “mobs” are always made up of people and even people you may know.

2. Scout describes the opening of Tom Robinson's trial as a "gala occasion." Since this trial may result in a man's losing his life,
how would you explain the atmosphere?
a. The atmosphere of the book currently is anticipation for the fate of the possibility of a man losing his life. The trial of a
black man for rape against a white woman in this era is an event that promises a hanging, and a hanging is always an
important occasion and a social event, bringing people together.

3. Why does Jem say that "mixed children" are sad?

a. Jem says that “mixed children” are sad because black and white people will not accept them.

4. Where in the courtroom do the children sit? Why does this suggest to you about prejudice?
a. In the courtroom the children sit in the balcony for black people next to Reverend Sykes. This suggests racism in
Maycomb, since the white citizens of Maycomb sit in the lower levels.

5. What question does Atticus ask the sheriff three times?

a. Atticus asks the sheriff if someone had called a doctor.

6. What does Atticus lead Sheriff Tate to remember about Mayella Ewell's black eye?
a. Atticus makes the sheriff remember that Mayella’s injured eye was her right eye.

7. Explain why Jem tells Reverend Sykes that it's okay for Scout to sit in the courtroom.
a. Jem tells Reverend Sykes it is okay for Scout to sit in the courtroom, because she is too young to understand anything.

8. What excuse does Mr. Ewell give for not running after Tom Robinson?
a. Mr. Ewell says that he was too worried about Mayella’s condition.

9. Explain what Atticus is attempting to show by asking Mr. Ewell to write something.
a. Atticus was trying to show that Mr. Ewell could have beaten up Mayella. Bob was left handed, and it would have been
easier to swing at the right side of Mayella’s face.
10. Why does Mayella think that Atticus is mocking her?
a. Mayella has never been called “ma’am” or “miss”; she is not used to being treated with respect or dignity.

11. Mayella is puzzled when Atticus questions her about having friends. Then, when Atticus asks her whether she loves her father,
her response is, "Love him, whatcha mean?" Considering the kind of life Mayella leads, do you think she has any idea what love
is? Explain.
a. I do not think Mayella knows what love is because her father is always gone in the woods or drunk and clearly beats
her. She also does not have friends and she does not know anyone her age.

12. Explain why Atticus has Tom Robinson stand up.

a. Atticus has Tom Robinson stand up to show everyone his arm was short and crippled.

13. Towards the end of Mayella's testimony in chapter 18, who does Atticus suggest is responsible for beating her?
a. Atticus suggests that Bob Ewell is responsible for beating her.

CHAPTERS 19-22
1. According to Tom, where had Mayella's brothers and sisters gone on the evening in question?
a. According to Tom, Mayella told him that she sent her brothers and sisters to get ice cream.

2. Identify what Tom says Mayella did to him while he was standing on the chair and after he got off the chair.
a. Tom says that Mayella grabbed his legs while he was on the chair, jumped on him after he got off the chair, and kissed
him after.

3. When Atticus asks Tom why he ran, what is Tom's reply?

a. Tom’s reply was that he ran because he was scared.

4. According to Scout, Tom realizes during his cross-examination that he has made a mistake. What is that mistake? Why is this
statement a mistake? Why did the spectators dislike it?
a. Tom’s mistake is that he says that he felt sorry for Mayella. This statement is a mistake because as an African-
American in Maycomb he is considered a second-class citizen, so it is socially unacceptable for any black person to
pity a white person. Therefore, the spectators disliked his answer of “pitying her”.

5. How does Mr. Dolphus Raymond explain his pretense about drinking? When Scout accuses Mr. Raymond of being dishonest by
pretending to drink when he doesn't, his response is that it isn't honest, but "it's mighty helpful to folks. What do you think of his
and Scout's differing points of view?
a. Mr. Raymond explains that is people believe that he is drunk, then he can live however he wants to. Scout’s point of
view is that he shouldn’t have to pretend to be an alcoholic in order to be accepted, some people won’t mind how he
chooses to live, and she is right when he refers to him as a liar. However, Scout fails to realize that the challenges the
people who have mixed children face. White people see it as a sin, so Mr. Raymond being labeled as a drunk person
gives the white folks in town a reason for his “sinful” ways, and Mr. Raymond goes along with the rumors so he does
not have to deal with the hateful comments.

6. Mr. Raymond tells Scout that when Dill grows up "he won't cry about the simple hell people give other people-- without even
thinking. Cry about the hell white people give colored folks without even stopping to think that they're people too." What is Mr.
Raymond implying about the difference between children and adults? Why does a child cry about an obvious injustice that an
adult can ignore?
a. Children have a different perspective of justice and of life in general compared to adults. They have the ability to see
the wrong things, such as cruelties and injustices of the world immediately, mainly because of their innocence.

7. When Scout and Dill return to the courtroom, what prediction does Jem make? What basis does Jem have for making this
prediction?
a. Jem makes a prediction that they will win the case. Jem’s basis is Atticus’ strong case against Tom Robinson’s
accusation.

8. What, according to Atticus, is the one thing in the country that truly makes everyone equal?
a. Atticus says that the one thing in country that truly makes everyone equal are the courts.
 9. Describe Cal's reaction to the children's having been at the trial. What is Alexandra's reaction?
a. Cal was angry at Jem for taking Scout, and she yelled at all three of the children. Aunt Alexandrea almost faints when
she sees them but she does not say a word.

10. What is Reverend Sykes's response to Jem's certainty that the jury will find Tom innocent?
a. Reverend Sykes’ response was that he should not be so confident about it, white people never favor a black person
over another white person.

11. How long is the jury out? When the jury returns, what does Scout observe about them? What is their verdict? Do you think that
the jury's verdict proves or disproves Atticus's statement about equality?
a. The jury is out thirty minutes. Scout observes that none of the jury members looked at Tom Robinson when they
returned, meaning that they found Tom Robinson guilty. The jury proves Atticus’ statement about equality.

12. What is Atticus's response to Jem's question about how the jury could have convicted Tom?
a. Atticus says that they have done it before and they will do it again, but you cannot give up.

13. What causes Atticus's eyes to fill with tears?

a. The African-American communities show of appreciation through food and thanks.

14. What does Miss Maudie say about Atticus's ability to have kept the jury out for so long?
a. Miss. Maudie says that Atticus is the only man in Maycomb who can keep the jury out for that long proves that it is a
baby step towards equality.

15. What does Bob Ewell do to Atticus? What might this foreshadow?
a. Bob Ewell spat in Atticus’ face, cursed at him, and threatened to kill him. This foreshadows that Bob will do something
to Atticus or someone he loves.

16. Scout notices Miss Maudie has two little cakes instead of three. When Miss Maudie cuts a piece from Jem from the big cake,
Scout says they understood. What does Miss Maudie's action signify?
a. Miss. Maudie’s actions signify that Jem has grown up and his maturity.

17. Dill's reaction to the travesty of Tom Robinson's conviction is to say he's going to be a clown when he grows up since, "There
ain't one thing in this world I can do about folks except laugh." What did Dill do at the trial? Is there anything else he can do?
a. Dill becomes upset at how Mr. Gilmer is disrespectfully speaking Tom during his testimony.

CHAPTERS 23-26
Mrs. Roosevelt- Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was active in civil rights activities in the South
Grit- a popular rural weekly

1. What had Atticus told Jem about having a gun around? Do you agree or disagree with Atticus?
a. Atticus had told Jem that having a gun around is an invitation for somebody to shoot you, meaning that by owning a
gun you are saying it is okay to give someone the power to shoot you since you have the power to shoot someone
else. I agree with Atticus’ statement about having gun around.

2. How does Atticus explain Bob Ewell's attitude and behavior?

a. Atticus explains Bob’s attitude and behavior by saying that he had lost his pride and his credibility by the trial.

3. Where is Tom Robinson? What will happen if he loses his appeal?

a. Tom Robinson is in the jail, and if Tom loses his appeal then he will be sentenced to the death penalty unless the
governor says otherwise.

4. When Jem suggests juries should be done away with, what does Atticus suggest should be done instead?
a. Atticus suggests that the law should be changed instead.

5. When is a man white trash?

a. A white man is trash when he cheats a black man.
6. How does Atticus explain the fact that women can't serve on juries in Alabama?
a. Atticus tells Scout that women cannot serve on juries to protect them from terrible cases like Tom Robinson.

7. How does Atticus explain his decision to allow a Cunningham to sit on a jury?
a. Atticus explains that he has a suspicion that during the night the men were at the jail, Mr. Cunningham left with a high
respect for the Finches, and because of this respect he may change the outcome of the entire case.

8. Why don't the "normal" people of Maycomb serve on juries?

a. Atticus says that many Maycomb citizens simply are not interested in serving on a jury. Also, they fear the retribution
from their fellow citizens.

9. What is Aunt Alexandra's decision about Walter Cunningham? What is her reasoning?
a. Aunt Alexandra forbids Walter from coming to dinner because Finches do not associate with trash.

10. According to Jem, what are the four kinds of folks?

a. Jem says that the four kinds of folks are the people like them and the neighbors, a kind like the Cunningham’s out in
the woods, the kind like the Ewells down at the dump, and the Negroes.

11. What does Jem conclude constitutes "old family?"

a. Jem concludes that “old family” does not refer to a person’s background but to “how long your family’s been readin’ or
writin’.”

12. What conclusion does Jem come to about Boo Radley? Do you agree with his conclusion?
a. Jem concludes that Boo Radley chooses to not come out of his house. I agree with conclusion because the state of the
world in the book is not something that is enjoyable or worth leaving the house for.

13. After their discussion of the Mrunas, what do the ladies of the missionary society do?
a. They direction their conversion to the Tom Robinson case and Helen Robinson.

14. Mrs. Merriweather had great compassion for the "poor Mrunas." She then criticizes the "cooks and field hands" of Maycomb for
being dissatisfied about the verdict of Tom's trial and accuses "her Sophy" of "not being Christian." How can you account for the
differences in Mrs. Merriweather's attitude?
a. Mrs. Merriweather is an example of a hypocrite, she feels compassion and remorse for Mrunas, but nothing for the
people in her own county.

15. What is Miss Stephanie's advice to Scout about becoming a lady?

a. Miss. Stephanie’s advice is that Scout will not become a lady until she starts wearing dresses.

16. What news does Atticus bring about Tom Robinson?

a. Tom Robinson was dead because he was shot multiple times while trying to escape prison.

17. How does Atticus explain what Tom did?

a. Atticus explains and believes that Tom knew he was going to be shot and killed, he believes that Tom was tired of the
white man dictating his future. Atticus compares his death to the killing of a mockingbird.

18. Why is Maycomb only interested in the news of Tom's death for two days?
a. Tom Robinson’s death was typical of what a Black man would do – cut and run, have no plan, and no thought for the
future in the eyes of Maycomb.

19. What conclusion does Scout come to about Tom after reading Mr. Underwood's article?
a. Scout experiences a realization that Tom was sentenced to death as soon as “Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and
screamed.”
20. How did Atticus tell Scout that he knew of the incident in the collard patch?
a. Atticus tells Scout, “You know Mr. Nathan shoots at every shadow he sees, even shadows that leave size-four bare
footprints. You were lucky not to be killed.” This means he knows that Jem and Scout were at the Radley’s house that
night.
 21. Identify the irony in Miss Gates's lesson on democracy.
a. The irony is that Miss. Gates criticizes Nazis’ treatment of Jews, even saying that American don’t believe in
persecuting others. Miss. Gates says that people who persecute are prejudice, but she herself is prejudiced.

22. What hypocrisy does Scout see in Mrs. Gates?

a. Miss. Gates says that America is better than Germany because it is not prejudice, but America, specifically Maycomb,
is prejudice against African-Americans.

CHAPTERS 27-31
National Recovery Act- a program intended to help Americans recover dog Victrola- an old-fashioned phonograph that featured a dog as its
from the Great Depression; ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme trademark
Court in 1935 Cotton Tom Heflin- an Alabama senator and white supremacist

1. Why does Bob Ewell lose his W.P.A. job? Who does he blame?
a. Bob loses his job because of his laziness, but he blames Atticus.

2. Why does Judge Taylor have a shotgun in his lap when his wife comes home from church?
a. Bob Ewell was responsible for trying to break into his house in home of seeking revenge, and Judge Taylor seen his
shadow.

3. Why was Helen Robinson walking a mile out of her way to get to her job?
a. Helen Robinson would walk a mile out of her way to avoid bullying of the Ewells.

4. Describe how Atticus explains Bob Ewell's dislike of John Taylor.

a. Bob Ewell did not like the fact that John Taylor made him look like a fool on the stand.

5. What might your responses to numbers 1-4 be foreshadowing?

a. My responses foreshadow that Bob Ewell is going to attack Atticus next.

6. What are the discomforts of Scout's ham costume?

a. The costume has a close fit, Scout couldn’t itch herself, and she could not get out of the costume by herself.

7. As Scout and Jem walk toward the school, what happens to them?
a. Cecil Jacobs jumps out and scares them.

8. After Jem tries to comfort Scout for coming on stage at the wrong time, what does Scout realize about Jem?
a. Scout realizes that Jem is becoming more like Atticus.

9. When Jem hears someone following him and Scout, who does he conclude it is?
a. Jem believes it is Cecil Jacobs again.

10. How does Scout know that the body she touches with her toes is not Jem's?
a. Scout feels a beard on the body.

11. When Scout reaches the street, what does she see in the light?
a. Scout sees a man carrying Jem.

12. What, according to Dr. Reynolds, is Jem's condition?

a. Dr. Reynolds says that Jem has a broken arm and a bump on his head.

13. Who is in Jem's room besides Scout, Atticus, and Alexandra?

a. Boo Radley is in his home.

14. What news does Sheriff Tate give Atticus?

a. Sheriff Tate tells Atticus that Bob Ewell was laying under a tree stabbed in the ribs, dead.

15. Why can't Atticus or any of the other neighbors hear the children yelling?
 a. Atticus and the other neighbors had the radio on.

16. What conclusion does Sheriff Tate come to about Scout's costume?
a. Sheriff Tate concludes that Scout’s costume had been punctured with holes, and Bob Ewell had been trying to stab
her. Scout’s costume saved her from Bob’s stabbings.

17. According to the sheriff, what kind of man was Bob Ewell?
a. Sheriff Tate says Bob was “low-down skunk with enough liquor in him to make him brave enough to kill children.”

18. When Scout points to the man who saved Jem and looks at him closely, what does she realize? What does she say?
a. Scout realizes that Boo was standing in the corner, she says “Hey Boo.”

19. Why does Atticus suggest that they go to the porch instead of the living room? Why does Scout seat Boo in a chair in the
shade?
a. The living room lights were too bright and strong for Boo.

20. Who does Atticus think killed Bob Ewell?

a. Atticus thinks that Jem killed Bob Ewell.

21. What does Sheriff Tate say about Bob Ewell's death?
a. Tate says that Bob Ewell had fallen on his knife, killing himself.

22. When Atticus continues to argue with the sheriff about protecting Jem, what does the sheriff yell?
a. Tate yells, “I’m not thinking about Jem.”

23. What does the sheriff say the townspeople, including his wife, would do if they knew the truth about who killed Bob Ewell? What
does the sheriff say would be a sin?
a. Tate says that all of the people would bring Boo cakes and drag him into the limelight. The sheriff says that it is a sin to
drag a man and his shy ways into the limelight.

24. What is Scout's response when Atticus asks her if she can understand that "Mr. Ewell fell on his knife?"
a. Scout says that she can understand and it’d sort of be like killing a mockingbird.

25. After Scout takes Boo home, what makes her sad?
a. Scout is saddened at the fact that Boo had given them tons of gifts, but Jem and Scout had never given anything to
Boo.

26. As Scout tells Atticus the story of The Gray Ghost, what does she say about Stoner's boy? What is Atticus's response?
a. Scout says that no one knew what Stoner’s boy looked and that he was always innocent, even though he was blamed
for bad things. Atticus responds by saying that most people are good people once you see them.

27. As Scout returns home after leaving the Radley place, she comments that she and Jem hadn't much left to learn but Algebra.
What has Scout learned from the episodes she recounts? What have you learned from having read about Scout's experiences?
a. Scout has learned to not judge someone by the comments about them, but the by their character’s. Scout has also
learned that prejudice is still alive within the area of her own county. I have learned that not everyone is saved, some
people are killed because of racial prejudice, racism, and inequality.