Grade 10/ English Language and Literature

Unit Title

Novel Study

Statement of inquiry

Fictional novels through the use of various themes and characters communicate important messages including issues of fairness and development

Global Context

Fairness and Development

Key Concepts

Connections

Related Concept(s)

Character, Theme

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Questions in the study guide are adapted from: (http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/gcse/mockingbird.htm#4)

Student Name:……………………………..

Academic Year: 2016

To Kill A Mockingbird

Chapter 1

1. What do you learn in this chapter about Maycomb, Atticus Finch and his family?

Maycomb was the town that the characters lived in. Atticus Finch is the father of the family. Jean Louise is the narrator of the story. Jem is Jeremy Atticus Finch who is the older brother of Jean Louise. They are a poor family but not as poor as the Cunningham's.

2. What do you learn about Dill's character?

Dill is a six-year-old boy that is also known as Charles Baker Harris. He is a little small for his age but he can read. Dill is spending the summer with his aunt, Miss Rachel. He is from Meridian, Mississippi but his family are originally from Maycomb County.

3. What, briefly, has happened to Arthur “Boo” Radley?

Arthur "Boo" Radley was a thirty-three-year-old man who drove scissors into his parent's leg. His mother ran out into the street screaming that he was killing them all. Mr. Radley insisted that Boo wasn't a criminal. Boo ended up being locked in the courthouse basement.

4. Why does the Radley place fascinate Scout, Jem and Dill?

Dill was fascinated because he wondered what Boo does in his house.

5. What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint in the novel? I noticed that the narrator talks in first person and this story is told in the viewpoint even though she is a child.

Chapter 2

1. Why is Scout so looking forward to starting school?

Scout is looking forward to school because he's a good reader so he enjoys school.

2. Why does Jem not want anything to do with Scout at school? Is his behaviour typical of an older child?

Jem doesn't want to be embarrassed in front of his friends. I think that this behaviour is normal.

3. What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher as a teacher? Can you find qualities which would make her good or not so good at her job? I think that Miss Caroline Fisher isn't a very good teacher because she doesn't listen to her students. She thought that Scout's father taught him how to read, but he didn't. Scout learned how to read on his own.

Chapter 3

1. Who is Calpurnia? What is her place in the Finch household?

Calpurnia is a woman who works for the Finch family. She assists the Finch family with her cooking. She is the housekeeper that helps with disciplinary actions for the children.

2. What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behaviour during lunch suggest about his home life?

Walter Cunningham is a boy who comes from a poor family. He does not seem to very booksmart but he is very knowledgeable about farming.

3. What do you think of the way Atticus treats Walter?

Atticus treats Walter as an equal and he did not judge the boy.

4. Does Scout learn anything from Walter's visit? What do you think this is?

Scout learns that judging someone based on their wealth or class is not very acceptable.

5. Atticus says that you never really understand a person “until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”. What does this mean? Is it an easy thing for Scout to learn? (In the last chapter of the novel, Scout repeats this, but she changes “skin” to “shoes” - this is probably not a mistake: Harper Lee suggests that Scout cannot clearly recall exactly what Atticus said and when, but the reader can check this!)

The statement means that you can not truly understand what the person is feeling like until you have experienced what they feel. The person may be showing others a different personality from what they are truly feeling on the inside.

6. What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells?

The Ewells do not abide and go by the standards of Maycomb. They can come to school when they want to and the townsfolk make them the exception.

Chapter 4

1. What does Scout think of current fashions in education?

Scout disagrees with the current fashions of the education system. They are only learning through the Dewey Decimal System currently. They children in her class will not be learning how to read and write until they are in grade three. School would become an extreme bore for Scout because she has already begun to read with Atticus.

2. What superstitions do the children have in connection with the Radley house?

The children only believe rumours that they hear about the Radley house. The superstitions about the Radley house that they have heard of are that if you touch their house you will die, the trees that are on the Radley property grow poison nuts, and Boo Radley comes out at night and looks into other's houses.

3. Why do the children make Boo's story into a game?

The children make Boo's story into a game because it is not like their usual game that they normally play. Boo Radley's past is mysterious to them and the children want to try to relive his life.

4. What do they do in this game? Do you think the game is an accurate version of what happens in the Radleys' home?

The children role play all the rumours and events that they have heard about Boo Radley's house. I do not believe that the children's game is an accurate version of what really happened to Arthur Radley because what the children have heard are rumours and the stories may become twisted from person to person.

5. What might be the cause of the laughter from inside the house?

I think that the cause of the laughter is Arthur Radley inside the house watching Scout because she rolled in a tire onto his lawn. The children believe that Arthur Radley has died a long time ago but what they think may not be facts.

Chapter 5

1. Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson? How typical is she of Maycomb's women? What do the children think of her?

Miss Maudie Atkinson is a widow who is always tending to her garden. She is nice. She is a typical Maycomb woman. The children like her and they are very careful around her because they made a treaty with her. The treaty states that they can run free in her yard as long as they keep out of her azaleas. They can also eat her scuppernongs as long as they didn't jump on the arbor. They also have permission to explore her back lot.

2. What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about Boo? How does this compare with what Scout already believes?

Miss Maudie tells Scout that Boo is alive, and that his name is not "Boo", but "Arthur". Most of the things that Scout believes is not true. Miss Maudie tells Scout how Arthur probably feels. Arthur is most likely more comfortable inside his house and if he feels like coming outside, then he will.

3. Scout claims that “Dill could tell the biggest ones ” (lies) she ever heard. Why might Dill have told such lies?

Dill told big lies because he wanted to impress Scout with all the wonderful things he's saying. It could also be because he didn't want to get in trouble.

4. What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the Boo Radley game? Do you think he is right? Why?

Atticus doesn't want the children playing the Boo Radley game because it's disruptive to the neighbouhood. I think he is right and wrong because he doesn't want the children to make fun of somebody else. Atticus likes to treat everybody with respect and equality. He's also wrong because Scout, Dill, and Jem are just kids who don't know any better and want to have fun. They are just curious about Boo.

Chapter 6

1. Why does Scout disapprove of Jem's and Dill's plan of looking in at one of the Radleys' windows?

Scout disapproves of Jem and Dill's plan of looking into the Radley house because she is starting to feel empathy for Arthur Radley and his life, but she is also scared if someone catches them.

2. What does Mr. Nathan Radley know about the intruders in his garden? Why does Miss Stephanie refer to a “negro” over whose head Mr. Nathan has fired?

Mr. Nathan Radley knows that there are intruders in his garden because of the noises that he has heard outside such as the loud squeak on the steps. Miss Stephanie refers to a "negro" whose been through Mr. Radley's collard patch because she probably thinks that most Black American people are thieves at this time.

3. Why does Dill's explanation of Jem's state of dress almost land him in trouble?

Dill's explanation of Jem's missing pants almost landed him in trouble because he told the adults that they were playing strip poker and Dill won Jem's pants. This almost landed Dill in trouble because children at their age should not be playing gambling games even though Dill lied and said that they used matches.

Chapter 7

1. When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange. What is this?

Jem tells Scout that when he was retrieving his trousers from the Radley house, he found that they were neatly folded and all sewn up. Before, when he was trying to eacape from the Radley place his trousers were all tangled in knots and torn from the gate. It's as if someone knew he was going to go back for them.

2. Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley? What do you think this is?

Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Arthur Radley because he realizes that Arthur might not be the person who they made rumours about and is actually a nice person.

3. Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer.

Jem does not fear the gifts in the tree anymore even if the tree is from the Radley's property. Jem and Scout thought that it was someone's hiding place and that they would look for their belongings again. They waited for three weeks until they could take the ball of twine. After that, they would often find more gifts in the tree so they would just take them.

4. When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this happen? Who does it, and why might he do so?

The children planned to write a letter to whoever was sending the gifts in the tree but it is prevented by cement covering the knot-hole in the tree. Mr. Nathan Radley is the one who covered the hole in the tree and explains to the children that the tree is dying and that you have to cover a dying tree with cement. Mr. Nathan Radley might have done so because he knows of the gifts being left in the tree and the children taking them; he does not want that to happen anymore.

Chapter 8

1. Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her?

Scout is curious about Arthur Radley and wonders if he killed Mrs. Radley. Atticus tells the children that had died of natural causes. Scout also asks if Atticus ever saw Arthur Radley but Atticus tells them that he did not. Scout seems to still believe those rumours that she had heard about the Radley house.

2. What is the “near libel” which Jem puts in the front yard? How do Miss Maudie and Atticus react to it?

The "near libel" that Jem puts in the front yard is the snowman that looks like Mr. Avery. Atticus says that Jem shouldn't make fun of the neighbours. Miss Maudie thinks that Jem is talented for making the snowman. Atticus also thinks that Jem is talented and that he could be anything he wanted, like a lawyer or an artist.

3. Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie's oak rocking chair?

Atticus saves Miss Maudie's oak rocking chair because it is something that she cherishes and one of the most important things to her.

"I saw Atticus carrying Miss Maudie's heavy oak rocking chair, and thought it sensible of him to save what she valued most."

4. When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize?

When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket over her shoulders, Jem realizes that it was Arthur Radley who came out of his house and placed it on Scout's shoulders. Scout did not notice that a blanket had been placed on her because she did not turn around to Arthur Radley.

5. Explain what Atticus means by telling Jem not to let his discovery “inspire ” him to “further glory”? Is there any reason why Jem might now do as his father says?

This means that Jem should appreciate Boo Radley. Jem should stop trying to find out who he is because that may lead to something.

Chapter 9

1. How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? Is it usual for (white) lawyers to do their best for black clients in Alabama at this time?

Atticus feels strongly of defending Tom Robinson. Yes, it is usual for (white) lawyers to do their best for black clients in Alabama at this time.

2. Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas? What are these feelings and why?

Scout and Jem both love Christmas because their Uncle Jack Finch comes over and brings them gifts. They also love to decorate the Christmas tree. Both Scout and Jem dislike Christmas because their Aunt Alexandra keeps nagging them and their cousin, Francis, keeps making fun of Atticus.

3. Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it?

This means that Uncle Jack Finch thinks that Scout is acting too old for her age. She shouldn't be saying bad words all the time. Uncle Jack Finch said it so that Scout might stop swearing, and become a nice lady.

4. When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this?

Francis tells Scout that Aunt Alexandra talks behind Atticus' back. Aunt Alexandra said that Atticus was a disgrace to the family because he defended a black client during a case.

5. Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus's conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be?

Scout heard Atticus say that he wants his children to trust him and to grow up.

6. Read the final sentence of this chapter. Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story.

The last sentence of this chapter was, "But I never figured out how Atticus knew I was listening, and it was not until many years later that I realized he wanted me to hear every word he said." This means that Atticus knew that Scout was listening and that he wanted her to listen to every word so that it would help her in the future.

Chapter 10

1. Scout says that “Atticus was feeble”. Do you think that this is her view as she tells the story or her view when she was younger? Does she still think this after the events recorded in this chapter?

When Scout said that Atticus was feeble, she was saying it when she was younger. She doesn't think this anymore because now she knows why Atticus does what he does.

2. In this chapter Atticus tells his children that “it's a sin to kill a mockingbird”. What reason does he give for saying this?

Atticus told his children that "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" because mockingbirds don't do anything to harm people. They don't eat up people's garden or nest in corncribs. All they do is sing.

3. Why does Heck Tate not want to shoot Tim Johnson?

Heck Tate doesn't want to shoot Tim Johnson because his aim isn't as good as Atticus'. Atticus has always been good with guns and he has good aim. Atticus used to be called one-shot Finch.

4. Near the end of this chapter Atticus cuts off Heck Tate as he is speaking to Jem. What might Heck have been about to say, and why would Atticus want to stop him from saying it?

Heck Tate was about to tell Jem that Atticus was good with guns. He could shoot 15 times and hit 14 doves. Atticus stopped Heck Tate from saying that because he doesn't want Jem to think of Atticus as a killing type of person.

5. Jem and Scout have different views about telling people at school how well Atticus can shoot. Explain this difference. Which view is closer to your own? Jem doesn't want to tell the people at school because he feels that it should remain a secret. Scout want to tell the people at school because she wants to brag about it. I think that Jem's view is closer to mine because I don't think it would be right to tell people about things when it's not yours to tell.

Chapter 11

1. How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs. Dubose's taunts?

Atticus advised Jem to not pay attention to Mrs. Dubose's taunts because Mrs. Dubose is an old lady who is ill. He also says for Jem to make sure that her comments did not make him mad and that he should be a gentleman.

2. What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children's mother? How does Jem feel about this?

Mrs. Dubose said that it was a shame that Atticus never remarried after their mother's death. Jem felt livid about Mrs. Dubose's comment.

3. What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this a fair punishment for his “crime”?

Mrs. Dubose requested that Jem read to her every day. This is a fair punishment for his crime because Jem destroyed her flowers.

4. Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of insults like “nigger-lover”. How far do you agree with him?

Atticus does not care about the insults because he treats everybody the same and that what someone says about you does not define you. I agree with Atticus because insults don't make you any different and all you can do is ignore them.

5. Why, in Atticus's view, was Mrs. Dubose “a great lady”?

Mrs. Dubose was a "great lady" in Atticus's view because she suffered so much from her illness and she didn't have anything to tie her down right until the very end.

6. Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”. What does he mean? Do you think he is right?

Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model for courage rather than "a man with a gun in his hand" because when his children found out that he was good with guns, he didn't want to set an example for his children to be shooting everything. Mrs. Dubose was a model of courage because she helped Jem become better at reading as well as become a better person.

7. Chapters ten and eleven are the last two chapters in the first part of the book. Explain why Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here.

I think that Harper Lee chooses to end the first part of the book here, because she feels that her characters and events have concluded during this part of the story and will assume new events in part 2.

Chapter 12

1. Comment on Jem's and Scout's visit to First Purchase church.

Jem and Scout's visit to First Purchase church was quite strange for them, they did not believe that the African American people did the same things that they did in their church. Instead of reading out of hymn-books, they sang lines after the reverend. One lady named Lula told Calpurnia that she should not bring white children to the First Purchase. The other people welcomed Jem and Scout to the church.

2. What new things does Scout learn here about how the black people live?

Scout learns that a lot of black people are poor but they will always try to support each other.

3. What does Scout learn from Calpurnia's account of Zeebo's education?

Scout learns from Calpurnia that Zeebo, the reverend and Calpurnia's eldest son, learned how to read because Calpurnia taught him how to read out of the bible, a page a day. Calpurnia also taught him from a book Miss Buford taught her out of.

4. Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbours at church.

The children also learn that even though Calpurnia speaks sufficient English, she feels that she has to speak like other African American people because they do not like it when you act superior to them. She also speaks like this to fit in with her neighbours at church.

Chapter 13

1. Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and his family? What is she like?

Aunt Alexandra comes to stay with Atticus and his family because she thinks that he needs a woman's touch help to raise Jem and Scout. She wants Scout to become a proper lady.

2. Read the first two things Aunt Alexandra says when she comes to the Finch home: "Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia" and "Jean Louise, stop scratching your head". Are these typical of her or not?

I think that those quotes are typical of Aunt Alexandra because she seems to be a mean, bitter old lady. She treats Calpurnia like a slave to be ordered because she is black. Aunt Alexandra also wants Scout to become a proper lady.

3. Alexandra thinks Scout is “dull” (not clever). Why does she think this, and is she right? Are all adults good at knowing how clever young people are?

Alexandra thinks that Scout is dull because she once told Atticus that she was sluggish.

Alexandra thinks that Scout is "dull" because Scout can't act girly. Some adults may know how clever people are, and other don't. It depends.

4. How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Maycomb's social life?

Alexandra involves herself in Maycomb's social life by spending time with the neighbours. Miss Maudie Atkinson baked her a lane cake, Miss Stephanie Crawford had long chats with her, Miss Rachel had her over for coffee on afternoons, and Mr. Nathan Radley told her that it was nice to see her.

5. Comment on Aunt Alexandra's ideas about breeding and family. Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Who is right, do you think?

Aunt Alexandra's idea was that the War Between the States, Reconstruction rule and economic ruin made the town of Maycomb to grow. She said that new settlers were hard to find until the same families married each other.

Chapter 14

1. Comment on Atticus's explanation of rape. How suitable is this as an answer to Scout.

Atticus's explanation of rape was "carnal knowledge of female by force without consent."

This is a suitable answer for Scout because it basically states the definition of rape but it is suitable for Scout because of her age. He also explains it in a way that does not really answer the question.

2. Why does Alexandra think Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to the suggestion?

Alexandra thinks that Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia because Alexandra is living in the house now to take care of the children. Atticus responds to the suggestion that he Calpurnia can leave whenever she feels like she has to. He could not make it out without her and that she is also apart of the family.

3. Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her back? Why is she less pleased when he tells Atticus about Dill?

Scout is pleased when Jem fights back at her because she has noticed that Jem is not his usual self and doesn't want her company anymore. Scout is less pleased when Jem tells Atticus about Dill because she thought that Atticus would be mad, or tell Miss Rachel about Dill running away.

4. What do we learn from Dill's account of his running away?

We learn from Dill that he ran away because his new father made big promises and never kept them. Dill's parents treat him as if he does not exist and he is neglected.

Chapter 15

1. What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children?

The nightmare that descends upon the children is when the townsfolk of Maycomb crowd Atticus's house, they talk about the trail and how they will move Tom Robinson out of Maycomb. Atticus tells the mob that they should keep Tom for at least one more night. The children are afraid that Atticus will get hurt.

2. What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus's comment"The Ku Klux/'s gone. It'll never come back."

The Ku Klux Klan was a group of white supremacists who used violence against people who were not white. I think that Atticus's optimism is great for the children, but even today there are still members of the Ku Klux Klan still living, you just wouldn't see big mobs of these people outside now.

3. How does Jem react when Atticus tells him to go home, and why?

When Atticus tells Jem to go home, Jem stays because he knows that the mob around Atticus would probably hurt him.

4. What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom's life?

Scout persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom's life because she notices Mr. Cunningham. She asks him to say "hi" for her to his son. She also asks about his entailment and comments that entailments are bad.

5. Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time.

Scouts affects events without realizing them because she is a child. The lynching-party were persuaded to stop all because of a child. If Jem, Scout, and Dill did not show up to help Atticus, someone would have been hurt.

Chapter 16

1. What “subtle change” does Scout notice in her father?

Scout notices that when Atticus talks to Aunt Alexandra he goes out to talk with her because he does not want the children to hear and he is starting to ignore what Alexandra says. Atticus knows his children and he will continue to raise them like he always has.

2. What sort of person is Dolphus Raymond?

Mr. Dolphus Raymond is a drunkard who has several children with a black woman. He was going to get married to a white woman, but she killed herself probably because she found out he was with a black woman. He comes from an old family and he owns one side of a riverbank.

3. How does Reverend Sykes help the children see and hear the trial? Is he right to do?

Reverend Sykes helps the children see and hear the trial by taking them to the coloured balcony. This is the right thing to do because the children were probably curious about what was happening with Atticus.

4. Comment on Judge Taylor's attitude to his job. Does he take the trial seriously or not? Judge Taylor takes his job quite seriously. He made sure everything was fair and that Atticus could help support Tom Robinson.

Chapter 17

1. What are the main points in Heck Tate's evidence? What does Atticus show in his [[javascript: {alert(' Asking questions of a witness who has given evidence for the other side ')}|cross-examination]] of Sheriff Tate?

The main points in Heck Tate's evidence is how Mayella was injured.

2. What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the Ewell family in this chapter?

That Bob Ewell uses his money not on the family but on alcohol, sometimes he beats Mayella.

3. What do you learn from Bob Ewell's evidence?

I learned that Bob Ewell is a liar trying to cover up himself. He most likely put the blame on Tom Robinson because he is black. Bob Ewell is also left handed like how Mayella was injured in her right eye.

4. Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his name? What does the jury see when he does this?

Atticus asks Bob to write out his name to see which hand he writes with. The jury sees that Bob Ewell is left handed.

Chapter 18

1. Is Mayella like her father or different from him? In what ways?

Mayella is like her father in the way that she lies. She only went to school for two or three years. She tends to her flowers outside which is something that she is passionate about.

2. What might be the reason for Mayella's crying in the court?

Mayella may be crying because she wants to say that the person who harmed her was her father but if she does, maybe her father would hurt her again when he sees her.

3. How does Mayella react to Atticus's politeness? Is she used to people being polite to her?

Mayells reacts to Atticus's politeness by saying that he is insulting her. She is probably not used to people being polite to her because of the family she comes from and how she was brought up.

4. How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom's guilt in the eyes of the reader (you) and in the eyes of the jury? Can you suggest why these might be different?

Mr. Gilmer didn't prove much. It was Atticus who found out that Bob is left-handed and likes to drink, so it's most likely that Mayella was raped by her father, and not Tom Robinson.

Chapter 19

1. What made Tom visit the Ewell's house in the first place?

Tom was on his way work and he has to pass by the Ewell place. Mayella inviting him to come inside to help her with a task. Tom is invited to do tasks for Mayella often and without pay.

2. Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was “the loneliest person in the world”?

Scout thinks that Mayella Ewell was "the loneliest person in the world" because when Atticus asks her if she had any friends, she felt that he was making fun of her, that means that she probably does not have any friends. She must have been really lonely to invite Tom Robinson to her house numerous times to help her with tasks.

3. In your own words explain Mayella's relationship with her father.

Mayella and her father's relationship together is not very stable because they have to lie often and they don't accept each other like when he saw her kissing Tom, Mr. Ewell said that he was going to kill her.

4. How does Dill react to this part of the trial? Why is this, in your opinion?

Dill is upset on how Mr. Gilmer treats Tom Robinson because he is black. Dill starts to cry and tells Scout that even though Tom is of a different colour, he should still be treated like every other human being. We think that Dill reacts to this part of the trial this way because he is starting to realize that he ran away from home but also because Tom should be treated with equality, like how Atticus treats everyone the same.

Chapter 20

1. Scout says that “Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil man”. Is she right?

Scout thinks that "Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil man" because she always thought that he was a drunkard, always hanging around black people, and having so many mixed children. Later, she finds out that Mr. Dolphus Raymond is not such a bad man because he only appears drunk and he feels comfort when he is with the black people.

2. In most states of the USA people who drink alcohol in public places are required to hide their bottle in a paper bag. Why does Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a bag?

Dolphus Raymond hides Coca-Cola in a bag because he thinks that being drunk can cover up for why he likes black people more than white.

3. What, according to Atticus, is the thing that Mayella has done wrong?

Mayella has accussed Tom Robinson for being the one person that reminds her of what she has done and needed to get rid of him. Mayella kissed Tom Robinson and put the blame on him for raping her so she could send him away.

Explain, in your own words, Atticus's views on people's being equal.

Atticus always treats everyone equally, no matter what their skin colour is or how poor they are. Everyone is human, they have their own feelings and beliefs so they should all be treated with respect.

Chapter 21

1. What does Jem expect the verdict to be? Does Atticus think the same?

Jem expects that Atticus and Tom Robinson will win the case because of how Atticus spoke so solidly towards the witnesses and the defendant. Atticus does not think the same because he knows that the jurymen are all from outside of the Maycomb, do not know the situation, and because they are all racist against black people.

2. What is unusual about how long it takes the jury to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or not?

It is unusual for the jury to take so long to reach the verdict possibly because some men believe Atticus but then they have a debate with the ones that don't believe him.

3. As Scout waits for the verdict, she thinks of earlier events. What are these and how do they remind us of the novel's central themes?

The events that Scout remembers were on "...a cold, February morning, when the mockingbirds were still, and the carpenters had stopped hammering on Miss Maudie's new house, and every wood door in the neighbourhood was shut as tight as the doors of the Radley Place." It explains that the courtroom was very still and silent. The events remind us of Boo Radley and how we still wonder who he is, and the mockingbirds who are always singing. This also reminds Scout of when Atticus was called upon to shoot the mad dog , Tim Johnson. Atticus did not want to kill the dog but he had to.

Chapter 22

1. Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he defends Jem's right to know what has happened. Explain, in your own words, Atticus's reasons for this. (Look at the speech beginning, “This is their home, sister”.

Although Atticus didn't want his children in court, he defends Jem's right to know what has happened in court because eventually, Jem would learn about it anyways and that Jem is a part of Maycomb, so he has the right know. Also because Jem is Atticus's son.

2. Miss Maudie tells Jem that “things are never as bad as they seem”. What reasons does she give for this view?

Miss Maudie told Jem that "things are never as bad as they seem" because some people know that there may be an appeal and the sentence on Tom Robinson may be better.

3. Why does Dill say that he will be a clown when he grows up? Do you think he would keep this ambition for long?

Dill wants to become a clown because he laughs a lot and he wants to be a different sort of clown. He wants to be a clown that laughs at people, not people laughing at the clown. I don't think he will keep this ambition for long because he is just a kid so he'll probably change his mind in the future.

4. This story is set in the 1930s but was published in 1960. Have attitudes to racism remained the same (in the USA and the UK) or have there been any changes (for the better or worse) since then, in your view?

Attitudes towards racism in the 1960's have improved a little, but it still exists, even today.

5. Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus? Do you think his threat is a real one, and how might he try to “get” Atticus?

Bob Ewell is angry with Atticus because Atticus exposed Bob for who he really is and what he does to his daughter. We think that his threat is real, but he is most likely not going to kill Atticus. There is a chance that he might kill Atticus if he were drunk.

Chapter 23

1. What do you think of Atticus's reaction to Bob Ewell's challenge? Should he have ignored Bob, retaliated or done something else?

I think that Atticus's reaction to Bob Ewell's challenge was a good idea. Atticus ignored him so that Atticus wouldn't have to deal with any more drama.

2. What is “circumstantial evidence”? What has it got to do with Tom's conviction?

Circumstantial evidence is when there is a story as to what has happened in a scene, but there's no real evidence. It's related to Tom's conviction because Tom supposedly raped Mayella, but there's no proof.

3. What does Atticus tell Scout about why the jury took so long to convict Tom?

Atticus told Scout that the jury took so long to convict Tom because the jury needed time to debate on whether or not Tom was guilty.

4. Why does Aunt Alexandra accept that the Cunninghams may be good but are not “our kind of folks”? Do you think that people should mix only with others of the same social class? Are class-divisions good or bad for societies?

Aunt Alexandra accepts that the Cunninghams are good people, but they are not her kind because they are poor. I think that people should mix with everyone. It really doesn't matter who you hang out with. I think that class-divisions are bad for societies because it seperates you from other people.

5. At the end of this chapter, Jem forms a new theory about why Boo Radley has never left his house in years. What is this? How likely is it to be true, in your opinion?

Jem's new theory was that Boo Radley has never left the house in years because he doesn't want to.

Chapter 24

1. Do you think the missionary ladies are sincere in worrying about the “Mrunas” (a tribe in Africa)? Give reasons for your answer.

When the ladies are talking about the lives of the Mrunas, I do not believe that they are talking sincerely about them because of the way that the ladies describe their life as dirty or filthy and makes them sound inferior.

2. Compare the reactions of Miss Maudie and the other ladies when Scout says she is wearing her “britches” under her dress.

When Scout tells the ladies that she is wearing britches underneath her dress, the ladies laugh because they think that it is a joke. All the women laugh except for Miss Maudie, she can tell when Scout is making a joke or not and would laugh.

3. What is your opinion of the Maycomb ladies, as depicted in this chapter?

The ladies seem to very chatty and what they love to do is gossip about the townsfolk. They don't really understand Scout and let her have time to think for herself and when Scout would say something that they wouldn't like to hear they would just interrupt her.

4. Explain briefly how Tom was killed. What is Atticus's explanation for Tom's attempted escape. Do you think agree with Atticus?

Tom was killed during an exercise period, he tried to escape by running and tried to climb up a fence but he didn't make it. The guards shot Tom seventeen times, they tried to warn him by firing in the air first. Atticus explains that Tom tried to escape because he had no hope left inside of him. Atticus tried to comfort him by telling Tom that there was still a slight chance for him. Atticus also said that they didn't have to shoot him so many times. I think that Atticus is right because there were so many bullets that were unnecessary.

How, in this chapter, do we see Aunt Alexandra in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support her?

In this chapter, we see Aunt Alexandra in a new light because she showed her compassion for her brother and for Tom. Miss Maudie supports her by telling her about how a fairness isn't just for white people and the people in town with background are the ones who know a kindness known to the Lord.

Chapter 25

1. How does Maycomb react to the news of Tom's death?

The town was interested in the new of Tom's death for what seemed to be two days. Two days was enough for the news to spread to the county.

2. Comment on the idea that Tom's death was “typical”?

The townsfolk think that Tom's death was a typical cut and run action because he is black. I do not agree with this comment because it doesn't matter who chooses to do this action whether they are black or white. These townsfolk would still treat it worse if a white man was in the same situation.

3. Explain the contrast Scout draws between the court where Tom was tried and “the secret courts of men's hearts”. In what way are hearts like courts?

Hearts are like courts in a way that people say to decide to what your heart is telling you.

Why did Jem not want Scout to tell Atticus about Bob Ewell's [[javascript: {alert(' /'One down and about two more to go/' ')}|comment]]? Was this a wise thing to ask her to do?

Jem does not want Scout to tell Atticus about Mr. Ewell's comment in case it means that the children would get hurt and that would make Atticus worry. In a way, it is very sincere to not let Atticus get worried because of the children, but it is also foolish in the way that someone else might get hurt.

Chapter 26

1. In her lesson on Hitler, Miss Gates says that “we (American people) don't believe in persecuting anyone”. What seems odd to the reader about this claim?

What is odd about the claim is that Miss Gates states that they do not persecute anyone but they persecute African American people.

2. Why is Scout puzzled by Miss Gates' disapproval of Hitler?

Scouts is puzzled by Miss Gates' disapproval of Hitler because she wonders how someone could just hate someone really bad and then be mean to the people that are just living in the town.

3. Why does Scout's question upset Jem? Is there a simple answer, or any answer, to the question (“How can you hate Hitler an’ then turn around an be ugly about folks right at home?”

Scout's questions upsets Jem because it has something to do with the courthouse and Jem does not want to remember what happened there.

Chapter 27

1. What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarm Aunt Alexandra?

Bob Ewell acquired a job and then got fired in a matter of days, he accused Atticus of "getting" his job. Secondly, the next event happened to Judge Taylor, he was left alone to let his dog outside when he saw a shadow in the corner of his eye. Judge Taylor's wife came home to find her husband in a chair reading Bob Taylor, with a shotgun in his lap. Lastly, Helen Robinson, Tom's widow, walks home past the Ewell's house and finds that Bob Ewell is following her closely.

2. Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear a grudge? Which people does Ewell see as his enemies, and why?

Bob Ewell bears a grudge because he was exposed at the trial. Bob Ewell sees anyone who dealt with the Tom Robinson case an enemy except for the people who he thought believed Mayella and his words.

3. What was the purpose of the Halloween pageant? What practical joke had persuaded the grown ups to have an organized event?

The purpose of an organized event was to prevent naughty children from playing a prank like sneaking into the Barber sister's house again and move their furniture into the cellar.

Chapter 28

1. Comment on the way this chapter reminds the reader of earlier events in the novel.

This chapter reminds the reader of events that happened before like how they talked about Boo Radley, Dill's myth about haints and Hot Steams.

2. Why does Jem say that Boo Radley must not be at home? What is ironic about this? (Is it true? Does he really mean it? Why might it be important for him and Scout that Boo should not be at home?)

Jem said that Boo Radley must not be home because it was more quiet than usual. It is because he is always inside and he is never outside. It is true because later we find that Boo Radley helps the children.

3. Scout decides to keep her costume on while walking home. How does this affect her understanding of what happens on the way?

Scout's costume protects her from harm. This affects her understanding of what happens because when her costume was ripped it shows that Bob Ewell was trying to get back at Atticus.

4. Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner? Who might this stranger be?

Atticus didn't bring a chair because the man in the corner was a stranger. This stranger is most likely Arthur Boo Radley.

Chapter 29

1. What causes the “shiny clean line” on the otherwise “dull wire” of Scout's costume?

The knife that Bob Ewell used to try and kill Scout was what caused that "shiny clean line" on the otherwise "dull wire".

2. What explanation does Atticus give for Bob Ewell's attack?

Atticus explains that Bob must be still mad at him for exposing him, and that he must not have got all the anger out of his system. Atticus thought that he must insane to try and hurt his children.

3. What does Heck Tate give as the reason for the attack?

Heck Tate said that "He had the guts enough to pester a poor coloured woman, he had the guts to pester Judge Taylor when he thought the house was empty, so do you think he'da met to you face in daylight?"

4. Do you think the sheriff's explanation or Atticus's is the more likely to be true?

I think that the sheriff's explanation is more likely to be true because Bob Ewell is usually drunk, so he's willing to do anything. When Bob Ewell is drunk it is said that he tends to become violent.

Chapter 30

1. Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell's death?

Atticus thinks that Jem caused Bob Ewell's death because he does not believe the Bob Ewell would kill himself.

2. Why does Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell's death was self-inflicted? In what way is this partly true?

Heck Tate insists that Bob Ewell's death was self-inflicted because Jem's arm was broken in the process, while Bob was choking Scout so Bob could have accidentally killed himself, or Boo Radley killed him.

3. Is Heck Tate right to spare Boo then publicity of an inquest? Give reasons for your answer.

Heck is right to spare Boo the publicity of an inquest because Tate knew that Boo Radley saved the children and because he is a good man.

4. How does the writer handle the appearance, at the end of the story, of Boo Radley? The writer describes Boo Radley as a different person, but at the same time, he's still the same person he is. The writer talks about how he's always at home, so

now that he's outside, the Sun is too bright for him, and it makes him uncomfortable. Although Arthur's hands look so pale his hands were actually quite warm.

Chapter 31

1. How do the events of the final chapters explain the first sentence in the whole novel?

The events in the final chapter all go back to the first sentence because Jem had broke his arm when they were walking home and Bob Ewell attacked him.

2. Comment on the way the writer summarizes earlier events to show their significance.

The writer summarizes earlier events by having Scout sitting on the Radley porch and looking back at what has happened through Boo Radley's point of view.

3. How does Scout make sense of an earlier remark of Atticus's as she stands on the Radley porch?

As Scout stands on the Radley porch, Atticus tells her that she should try walking in other people's shoes. Scout tries walking in Boo Radley's shoes and sees things from his point of view.

4. How much of a surprise is it to find what Boo Radley is really like? Has the story before this point prepared the reader for this discovery?

It's not surprising to find out what Boo Radley is like outside of his house. Being cooped out inside of his for many years would probably make him extremely pale which is no surprise. We know that he's a nice person because he had put a blanket around Scout one time, and he had sent Jem and Scout gifts in a hole.

5. At the end of the novel, Atticus reads to Scout. Comment on his choice of story. Does it have any connection with themes earlier in the novel and in its ending?

At the end of the novel, Atticus reads Scout a story called "The Gray Ghost". His choice of story relates to Arthur Boo Radley. When Scout says that she isn't scared anymore, she is also referring the the fact that Arthur Boo Radley's myths aren't true, and that she's not scared of it either. Scout realizes that Arthur Radley is a sincere person.