To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 1-31 Questions



To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 1-31 Questions [pic]

Chapters 1-3 Questions

1.) What does it mean to "act responsibly?" Explain what a person needs to do in order to "act responsibly" in the 1930's in Maycomb, Alabama.

2.) Who can people trust in Maycomb, Alabama? Identify your impressions of Dill, Calpurnia, Jem, the narrator, Atticus, the Radleys, Miss Stephanie Crawford, and Miss Caroline Fisher.

3.) What are some essential family values and family history that have shaped the people in this community?

4.) What behaviors are acceptable in the Maycomb community? What behaviors are not acceptable in the community?

5.) Which characters inform Scout about proper behavior? How do these characters tell her to act?

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

7.) Describe Miss Caroline's interactions with Burris Ewell. What does this suggest about Miss Caroline? What does this suggest about the Ewells?

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

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

10.) Atticus says that you never really understand a person "until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." What does this mean? What does this lesson suggest about Atticus? Is it an easy thing for Scout to learn?

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

• What do you learn about Dill's character?

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

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

• Why is Scout so looking forward to starting school?

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

• 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?

• What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint in the novel?

• Who is Calpurnia? What is her place in the Finch household?

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

• What do you think of the way Atticus treats Walter?

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

• 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!)

• What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells?

Chapter 4 Questions

11.) What does Scout think of current fashions in education? What do her opinions reveal about Scout's character?

12.) What risky behavior do Scout and Jem engage in?

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

14.) How does Atticus react to the game? What does his reaction tell us about his character?

15.) Identify at least 2 slang words/phrases appropriate to the 1930's in Maycomb Alabama. Translate these words/phrases into today's language.

• What does Scout think of current fashions in education?

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

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

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

• What might be the cause of the laughter from inside the house?

Chapter 5 Questions

16.) Describe the relationship between Dill and Scout. Include how he treats her and how she reacts to his treatment. How is this treatment typical and atypical (not typical) of this setting?

17.) Characterize Miss Maudie Atkinson (characterization=personality traits, actions, thoughts/feelings, other people's points of view). How typical is she of Maycomb's women? What do the children think of her?

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 6 Questions

19.) What kind of risky activity do Scout, Jem and Dill engage in? Explain their cover-up (how they avoid being caught).

20.) Who is blamed for trespassing on the Radley Place? What does this blame reveal about the setting (time and place) of the novel?

21.) What causes fear in the hearts of Scout and Jem?

Chapter 7 Questions

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

23.) 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?

24.) Can you find any evidence that Jem is more mature and wise (intelligence and awareness that comes with age/experience) than Scout? Provide at least one example that supports your answer.

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

• 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?

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

Chapter 8 Questions

25.) Identify at least two details in this chapter that reveal the setting (time period and place) of this novel.

26.) Why is Jem's snowman creation so unacceptable to both Atticus and Miss Maudie?

27.) What does the fire at Miss Maudie's house reveal about the people living in Alabama in the 1930s?

28.) Besides Atticus, identify a new character who supports Jem and Scout. Provide evidence to support this character's benevolent spirit.

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

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

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

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

• 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?

Chapter 9 Questions

29.) Why does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? Is it usual for (white) lawyers to do their best for black clients in Alabama during this time period?

30.) Scout and Jem have "mixed feelings" about Christmas. What are these feelings and why do they feel this way?

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

32.) Describe Aunt Alexandra and explain her negative feelings about Scout. How does Aunt Alexandra perpetuate (promote and continue) stereotypes?

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

34.) Explain at least two examples that reveal Atticus's parenting skills. Hint: What is Atticus trying to teach his children, Jem and Scout?

• 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?

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 10 Questions

35.) Scout says that "Atticus was feeble" (weak). 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? Why/Why not?

36.) In this chapter Atticus tells his children that "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" (p. 90). What reason does he give for saying this?

37.) What does the shooting of Tim Johnson reveal about Heck Tate and Atticus? How does Atticus feel about how well he can shoot?

38.) 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?

• 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?

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

• Why does Heck Tate not want to shoot Tim Johnson?

• 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?

• 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?

Chapter 11 Questions

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

40.) Characterize Mrs. Dubose. Characterization includes personality traits, actions, thoughts/feelings, and other people's points of view.

41.) What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? What does Mrs. Dubose gain from this "punishment" to Jem? What does Jem gain?

42.) What does Atticus teach Jem and Scout about understanding antagonizing and belittling language and people like Mrs. Dubose?

43.) 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.

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

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

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

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

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

• 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?

• 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.

Chapter 12 Questions

44.) Briefly explain Jem's and Scout's visit to First Purchase church (Calpurnia's church). What do people think/feel about them? How do they feel about this experience?

45.) What new things do Scout and Jem learn at this church about how the black people live?

46.) Describe Calpurnia's education and her son's education--refer to their literacy.

47.) Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbors at church. How is language different in a workplace and in a social setting and/or around family?

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

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

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

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

Chapter 13 Questions

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

49.) Read the first two things Alexandra says when she comes to the Finch house. Are these typical of her or not?

50.) 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?

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

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

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

• Read the first two things Alexandra says when she comes to the Finch house. Are these typical of her or not?

• 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?

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

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

Chapter 14 Questions

53.)Who does Scout find hiding under bed? Why is this person hiding in the Finch home?

54.) Why is Jem considered a "traitor"? Why is he is also considered a maturing, more responsible young man?

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

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

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

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

Chapter 15 Questions

55.) Describe Jem's behavior when he confronts Atticus at the jailhouse and also meets a mob of hostile men.

56.) Describe Scout's behavior in the setting mentioned above.

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

• What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus's comment about it?

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

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

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

Chapter 16 Questions

57.) Describe how the Maycomb people act at the courthouse square--when they arrive to view the trial of Tom Robinson.

58.) Where do Jem, Scout and Dill sit in the courthouse? Why is this significant?

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

• What sort of person is Dolphus Raymond?

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

• Comment on Judge Taylor's attitude to his job. Does he take the trial seriously or not?

Chapter 17 Questions

59.)Describe Tom Robinson's alleged crime, as told by Bob Ewell and Heck Tate.

60.) What evidence does Atticus reveal about Bob Ewell that may find him guilty of Tom Robinson's alleged crime?

61.) Characterize Bob Ewell (describe his actions, language/speech, and other people's points of view).

• What are the main points in Heck Tate's evidence? What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate?

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

• What do you learn from Bob Ewell's evidence?

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

Chapter 18 Questions

62.) Characterize Mayella on the witness stand. Remember, characterization includes personality traits, actions, thoughts/feelings, language/speech, and other people's points of view. What are your opinions of her? Explain.

63.) Comparison: How are Mayella and her father similar? Contrast: How are they different?

64.) How does Mayella incriminate her father on the witness stand? Why does this help Tom Robinson's case?

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

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

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

• 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?

Chapter 19 Questions

65.) How does Tom Robinson's testimony help his case? How does his testimony hurt his case?

66.) Which characters have courage to break society's code of ethics for this setting? Explain their courageous acts.

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

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

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

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

Chapter 20

67.) How does Atticus's closing statement help his defendant, Tom Robinson? How does his closing statement hurt his defendant?

68.) How do you think the jury will react to Atticus's closing statement? Explain your reasoning.

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

• 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?

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

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

Chapter 21

69.) Who believes that Tom Robinson has a chance at being set free? Why do they believe this?

70.) Why do Reverend Sykes and the rest of the African American specators stand for Atticus, even after his defendant Tom was found guilty?

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

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

• 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?

Chapter 22

71.) Explain how Atticus's character has influenced Jem. Identify evidence that supports Jem's reaction to the guilty verdict.

72.) How do the children (Jem, Scout, and Dill) deal with the outcome of the trial? What do their coping mechanisms reveal about each of them?

73.) How do the adults (Atticus, Miss Rachel, Calpurnia, Aunt Alexandra, Miss Stephanie, Miss Maudie, and Bob Ewell) deal with the outcome of the trial? What do their reactions and comments reveal about each of their characters?

• 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”.

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

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

• 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?

• 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?

Chapter 23

74.) How did Bob Ewell confront Atticus? How did Atticus react? What does Atticus's reaction reveal about his character?

75.) What does circumstantial evidence mean in terms of Tom's trial?

76.) Why don't Maycomb citizens sit on juries in their town?

77.) Why does Scout want to befriend Walter Cunningham now (after learning more about the inner workings of the trial)?

78.) 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 and/or race? Are class/race-divisions good or bad for societies?

79.) Identify evidence in the story that reveals Scout is naive and childlike and Jem is more mature and adult-like in his understanding of people.

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

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

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

• 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?

• 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?

Chapter 24

80.) How does Scout feel about the women (Aunt Alexandra, Miss Rachel, Mrs. Merriweather, Miss Stephanie, and Miss Maudie) and their discussions in this chapter? How do they treat Scout?

81.) What can you learn from the women of Maycomb about proper and improper behavior?

82.) Why did Tom try to escape from prison?

83.) Explain briefly how Tom was killed.

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 25

84.) How is the meaning of the title revealed in this chapter?

85.) Why is Tom's death considered "typical" in Maycomb?

86.) How does Mr. Underwood feel about Tom's death? Why did the author choose to include Mr. Underwood's opinions about Tom's death?

87.) Why is the court of public opinion sometimes more influential than the court of law? Refer to the novel and an example in real life.

88.) What do you think Ewell meant when he said "it made one down and about two more to go"? What can you predict will happen next?

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

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

• 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?

• Why did Jem not want Scout to tell Atticus about Bob Ewell's comment? Was this a wise thing to ask her to do?

Chapter 26

89.) Identify at least one example that Scout is growing up and maturing and one example that Jem is growing up and maturing.

90.) Why is it hypocritical of Miss Gates to teach a lesson on Hitler's persecution of the Jews?

91.) What is Harper Lee's purpose in writing this chapter? Think about the messages she wants to send her readers.

• 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?

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

• 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?”

Chapter 27

92.) Identify three threats that Bob Ewell allegedly makes against some Maycomb townspeople.

93.) Why do you believe the author, Harper Lee, included the Halloween story in her novel? Describe any significance you believe it has.

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

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

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

Chapter 28

94.) Identify at least two signs that foreshadow trouble ahead.

95.) Describe the significant event in this chapter that forever changes Jem and Scout.

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

• 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?)

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

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

Chapter 29

96.) Who is the stranger standing in the corner of Jem's room? Why might he be there?

97.) Why is Scout's ham costume significant to the story?

98.) Who is the perpetrator (the person responsible for the crime)? How do you know who he is?

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

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

• What does Heck Tate give as the reason for the attack?

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

Chapter 30

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

• Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell's death?

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

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

• How does the writer handle the appearance, at the end of the story, of Boo Radley?

Chapter 31

100.) Comment on the way the narrator (Scout) summarizes earlier events and characters to show their siginificance. Refer to events and characters that include Boo Radley, Jem, Atticus, and the neighborhood as a whole. Why do you think Harper Lee (the author) chose to end her novel this way?

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

• Comment on the way the writer summarizes earlier events to show their siginificance.

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

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

• 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?

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