Chapter 8
1.) Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her?
Atticus went to the Radley house because Mrs. Radley passed needed help, when she asks if Boo was there he says no.
2.) Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie’s oak rocking chair?
Atticus saved the rocking chair because it is her favorite possession.
3.) When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize?
Jem realizes that while the kids were watching the fire and the adults were putting it out, Boo came up and put the blanket around Scout. It could have only been Boo because he was the only other person not putting out the fires
4.) 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?
Atticus means to not try to bother Boo anymore just because he knows that he is alive. He may not listen to Atticus because he is too curious.
Chapter 9
1.) How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? What are his reasons?
Atticus will defend Tom as well as possible. His reasons are that he believes Tom Robinson is a good person, and Cal does too.
2.) Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas. Explain. What are these feelings and why do they feel this way?
The upsides of Christmas are that they see Uncle Jack, decorate the Christmas tree, and get air guns. The bad side about Christmas is that they see Aunt Alexandria and Francis. They resent Francis because he likes to cause trouble and Aunt Alexandria always likes to tell what is wrong with them and tries to make Atticus teach them how she wants them to act.
3.) Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it?
Uncle Jack means that Scout thinks she is older than she actually is.
4.) When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this?
Francis reveals that Aunt Alexandra is an obsessive and constant gossiper.
5.) Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus’s conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be?
Scout overhears that is it okay that acts out and Atticus knows that Scout will mature well and will follow in Jem's footsteps. This is because he wants to assure that she is not a bad kid.
6.) Read the final sentence of Chapter 9. Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story.
Atticus wants he to hear him because one day, she will need to know it.
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? Why? Does she still think this after the events recorded in this chapter?
I think that this is her view as a kid because she would later realize that Atticus is actually very bold and strong.
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?
It is a sin to kill a mockingbird because they don't do any harm and they don't annoy people, they only sing without payment.
3.) 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 might have told Jem more about Atticus, but Atticus cuts him off because he wanted to be modest about his talents and show Jem to do the same.
4.) 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? Explain.
Jem wants to keep it a secret from everyone because if Atticus wanted people to know, he would tell them. Scout on the other hand, wants to spread the word about Atticus' act and for once she will be a able to brag about her dad. I would probably want to tell people, but I wouldn't after being requested not to.
Chapter 11
1.) How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs. Dubose’s taunts?
Atticus advises Jem to ignore her taunts because he needs to prepare for worse.
2.) What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children’s mother? How does Jem feel about this?
Mrs. Dubose said about the children's mother that "a lovelier lady never lived", and pondered why Atticus didn't remarry.
3.) What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this a fair punishment for his “crime”?
As a punishment for Jem's "crimes", Mrs. Dubose requests that she be read to by Jem for a month, two hours a week.
4.) Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of insults like “nigger-lover”. How far do you agree with him? Explain.
Atticus thinks it's true because he helps defend them and loves them equally.
5.) Why, in Atticus’ view, was Mrs. Dubose “a great lady”?
Mrs. Dubose was a "great lady" to Atticus because she was courageous.
6.) Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”. What was her courageous act? What does he mean? Do you think he is right?
Mrs. Dubose's courageous acts were speaking her mind, and dying without painkillers. I think that Atticus is right to believe that she is courageous.
7.) Chapters ten and eleven are the last two chapters in the first part of the book. Explain why you think Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here.
Harper Lee chose this to builf suspense and anticipation.
Chapter 12
1.) What new things does Scout learn from Jem and Scout’s visit to First Purchase Church about how the black people live?
The kids learn Calpurnia is older than Atticus and has been serving the Finches and the Bufords for many years. Also, at First Purchase they sing the hymns rather than say them, and Scout learns that Cal taught Zeebo.
2.) What does Scout learn from Calpurnia’s account of Zeebo’s education?
Scout learned that Calpurnia taught Zeebo to read and write using the Bible.
3.) Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbors at church.
Cal speaks differently in both places because she wants to fit in by speak as everyone else does so there is no misunderstanding in what she is saying.
Chapter 13
1.) Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and his family? What is she like?
Aunt Alexandra came because she though it necessary for a feminine influence in the house. Aunt Alexandra is someone who has a fixed opinion about everyone and believes that her way is always right.
2.) Read the first two things Alexandra says when she comes to the finch house. Provide a quote. Are these typical of her or not? Explain.
The first to thing Aunt Alexandra says are, "Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia," and, "Jean Louise, stop scratching your head." These are typical of her because she is bossing them on what to do and likes to correct people in a lot of things.
3.) What are Aunt Alexandra’s ideas about breeding and family? Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Who do you think is right?
She believes that families are only fine if they lived on the same land for generations and all have good professions. Atticus tells them to forget it because he wants the children to define what a good family is by themselves.
Chapter 14
1.) Why does Alexandra think Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to the suggestion?
Aunt Alexandra thinks Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia because she doesn't want the children to grow up around black people and because she envies Cal's relationship with the kids. Atticus responds by defending Calpurnia and saying that Calpurnia is the reason that the family is still running.
2.) Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her back? Why is she less pleased when he tells Atticus about Dill?
Scout is pleased because she perceives Jem fighting back as a sign that Jem is still her equal when he fights back and that he still doesn't have the power over her. She is less pleased because Jem betrayed them and ratted Dill and her out.
3.) What do we learn from Dill’s account of his running away?
We learn that Dill's parents don't spend time with him or get to know him. They spoil him with everything he wants but love and affection.
Chapter 15
1.) What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children?
The nightmare is that Atticus will be hurt emotionally and maybe physically because of his defending Tom.
2.) Why did Heck Tate and the other men come to see Atticus?
They are friends of Atticus who decide to warn Atticus about what he is doing, moving Tom and defending him.
3.) What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus/’ comment about it?
The KKK is a white supremacy organization that believes that everyone should be white and follow the same religion. When Atticus says that the KKK is no longer around, he is trying to make them feel safer.
4.) How does Jem react when Atticus tell him to go home, and why?
Jem stands defiantly because he is worried about Atticus' safety and wants to prove that he is strong.
5.) What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom’s life?
Scout diffuses tension by having a normal conversation with Mr. Cunningham and she acts innocent in front of the group. Not to mention, they would not want to hurt Atticus in front of kids.
6.) Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time.
Scout successfully diffuses the tension by having a normal, every day conversation with Mr. Cunningham. This reveals that she has a way with people and words, and could possibly become a lawyer.
Chapter 16
1.) What does the atmosphere in Maycomb at the beginning of the trial show about human nature?
The atmosphere shows that people feed off of gossip and other suffering or humiliation.
2.) What sort of person is Dolphus Ramond?
Dolphus Raymond is a man who wants to appear to be drunk who also associates himself with colored people. He is also married to a black woman and has kids with her.
3.) How does Reverend Sykes help the children see and hear the trial?
Reverend Sykes brings them up to the color balcony to sit and watch from above.
4.) Why is Scout confused after overhearing remarks about her father’s defense of Tom Robinson?
Scout doesn't get the difference between being assigned to defend Tom unwillingly and aiming to defend him to the extent of his abilities.
5.) Comment on Judge Taylor’s attitude to his job. Does he take the trial seriously or not?
Judge Taylor appears aloof and uninterested, but in the contrary, he just appears that he doesn't take the job seriously when he actually takes it very seriously.
Chapter 17
1.) What are the main points in Heck Tate’s evidence?
Heck's evidence is that she has bruises, she has a black eye on her right eye, and Mr. Ewell came and Tom ran.
2.) What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate?
Atticus shows that they didn't call a doctor immediately, so Bob might have done it.
3.) What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the Ewell family in this chapter?
We learn that both the parents no longer talk to each other, the kids are raised by Mayella, and Mr. Ewell beats Mayella.
4.) What do you learn from Bob Ewell’s evidence?
Bob Ewell constantly avoids the question of his thoughtfulness on his daughter, and instead tries to continue stating that he saw Tom Robinson. Bob Ewell is also left handed, which means his punch would cross to the right side, the same side that his daughter was bruised at.
5.) Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his name? What does the jury see when he does this?
Atticus asks him to write his name to see which hand he is dominant with, which was his left, and the jury sees that Bob Ewell is left handed and is a possible suspect to beating up his daughter.
Chapter 18
1.) Is Mayella like her father or different from him? Explain in what ways they are similar and/or different.
Both Bob and Mayella are unmannered, not treated well, unintelligent and defensive, but Mayella tries not to live up to her family reputation.
2.) What might be the reason for Mayella’s crying in court?
She is crying because her father beat her up and is blaming Tom, who she seemed to like.
3.) How does Mayella react to Atticus’ politeness? Is she used to people being polite?
Mayella doesn't understand that Atticus is being polite and she thinks he is making fun of her. this shows that people are not polite to her.
4.) How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom’s guilt in the eyes of the reader and in the eyes of the jury? Can you suggest why these might be different?
Mr. Gilmer makes it seem like Tom raped Mayella because she was crying and acting innocent, and Tom is black so people assume he's guilty anyway. The jury might have thought that it wasn't Tom Robinson was that raped her because he doesn't have his arm, or if he wasn't black, or if he didn't "feel sorry" for her.
1.) Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her?
Atticus went to the Radley house because Mrs. Radley passed needed help, when she asks if Boo was there he says no.
2.) Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie’s oak rocking chair?
Atticus saved the rocking chair because it is her favorite possession.
3.) When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize?
Jem realizes that while the kids were watching the fire and the adults were putting it out, Boo came up and put the blanket around Scout. It could have only been Boo because he was the only other person not putting out the fires
4.) 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?
Atticus means to not try to bother Boo anymore just because he knows that he is alive. He may not listen to Atticus because he is too curious.
Chapter 9
1.) How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? What are his reasons?
Atticus will defend Tom as well as possible. His reasons are that he believes Tom Robinson is a good person, and Cal does too.
2.) Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas. Explain. What are these feelings and why do they feel this way?
The upsides of Christmas are that they see Uncle Jack, decorate the Christmas tree, and get air guns. The bad side about Christmas is that they see Aunt Alexandria and Francis. They resent Francis because he likes to cause trouble and Aunt Alexandria always likes to tell what is wrong with them and tries to make Atticus teach them how she wants them to act.
3.) Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it?
Uncle Jack means that Scout thinks she is older than she actually is.
4.) When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this?
Francis reveals that Aunt Alexandra is an obsessive and constant gossiper.
5.) Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus’s conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be?
Scout overhears that is it okay that acts out and Atticus knows that Scout will mature well and will follow in Jem's footsteps. This is because he wants to assure that she is not a bad kid.
6.) Read the final sentence of Chapter 9. Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story.
Atticus wants he to hear him because one day, she will need to know it.
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? Why? Does she still think this after the events recorded in this chapter?
I think that this is her view as a kid because she would later realize that Atticus is actually very bold and strong.
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?
It is a sin to kill a mockingbird because they don't do any harm and they don't annoy people, they only sing without payment.
3.) 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 might have told Jem more about Atticus, but Atticus cuts him off because he wanted to be modest about his talents and show Jem to do the same.
4.) 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? Explain.
Jem wants to keep it a secret from everyone because if Atticus wanted people to know, he would tell them. Scout on the other hand, wants to spread the word about Atticus' act and for once she will be a able to brag about her dad. I would probably want to tell people, but I wouldn't after being requested not to.
Chapter 11
1.) How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs. Dubose’s taunts?
Atticus advises Jem to ignore her taunts because he needs to prepare for worse.
2.) What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children’s mother? How does Jem feel about this?
Mrs. Dubose said about the children's mother that "a lovelier lady never lived", and pondered why Atticus didn't remarry.
3.) What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this a fair punishment for his “crime”?
As a punishment for Jem's "crimes", Mrs. Dubose requests that she be read to by Jem for a month, two hours a week.
4.) Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of insults like “nigger-lover”. How far do you agree with him? Explain.
Atticus thinks it's true because he helps defend them and loves them equally.
5.) Why, in Atticus’ view, was Mrs. Dubose “a great lady”?
Mrs. Dubose was a "great lady" to Atticus because she was courageous.
6.) Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”. What was her courageous act? What does he mean? Do you think he is right?
Mrs. Dubose's courageous acts were speaking her mind, and dying without painkillers. I think that Atticus is right to believe that she is courageous.
7.) Chapters ten and eleven are the last two chapters in the first part of the book. Explain why you think Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here.
Harper Lee chose this to builf suspense and anticipation.
Chapter 12
1.) What new things does Scout learn from Jem and Scout’s visit to First Purchase Church about how the black people live?
The kids learn Calpurnia is older than Atticus and has been serving the Finches and the Bufords for many years. Also, at First Purchase they sing the hymns rather than say them, and Scout learns that Cal taught Zeebo.
2.) What does Scout learn from Calpurnia’s account of Zeebo’s education?
Scout learned that Calpurnia taught Zeebo to read and write using the Bible.
3.) Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbors at church.
Cal speaks differently in both places because she wants to fit in by speak as everyone else does so there is no misunderstanding in what she is saying.
Chapter 13
1.) Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and his family? What is she like?
Aunt Alexandra came because she though it necessary for a feminine influence in the house. Aunt Alexandra is someone who has a fixed opinion about everyone and believes that her way is always right.
2.) Read the first two things Alexandra says when she comes to the finch house. Provide a quote. Are these typical of her or not? Explain.
The first to thing Aunt Alexandra says are, "Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia," and, "Jean Louise, stop scratching your head." These are typical of her because she is bossing them on what to do and likes to correct people in a lot of things.
3.) What are Aunt Alexandra’s ideas about breeding and family? Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Who do you think is right?
She believes that families are only fine if they lived on the same land for generations and all have good professions. Atticus tells them to forget it because he wants the children to define what a good family is by themselves.
Chapter 14
1.) Why does Alexandra think Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to the suggestion?
Aunt Alexandra thinks Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia because she doesn't want the children to grow up around black people and because she envies Cal's relationship with the kids. Atticus responds by defending Calpurnia and saying that Calpurnia is the reason that the family is still running.
2.) Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her back? Why is she less pleased when he tells Atticus about Dill?
Scout is pleased because she perceives Jem fighting back as a sign that Jem is still her equal when he fights back and that he still doesn't have the power over her. She is less pleased because Jem betrayed them and ratted Dill and her out.
3.) What do we learn from Dill’s account of his running away?
We learn that Dill's parents don't spend time with him or get to know him. They spoil him with everything he wants but love and affection.
Chapter 15
1.) What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children?
The nightmare is that Atticus will be hurt emotionally and maybe physically because of his defending Tom.
2.) Why did Heck Tate and the other men come to see Atticus?
They are friends of Atticus who decide to warn Atticus about what he is doing, moving Tom and defending him.
3.) What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus/’ comment about it?
The KKK is a white supremacy organization that believes that everyone should be white and follow the same religion. When Atticus says that the KKK is no longer around, he is trying to make them feel safer.
4.) How does Jem react when Atticus tell him to go home, and why?
Jem stands defiantly because he is worried about Atticus' safety and wants to prove that he is strong.
5.) What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom’s life?
Scout diffuses tension by having a normal conversation with Mr. Cunningham and she acts innocent in front of the group. Not to mention, they would not want to hurt Atticus in front of kids.
6.) Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time.
Scout successfully diffuses the tension by having a normal, every day conversation with Mr. Cunningham. This reveals that she has a way with people and words, and could possibly become a lawyer.
Chapter 16
1.) What does the atmosphere in Maycomb at the beginning of the trial show about human nature?
The atmosphere shows that people feed off of gossip and other suffering or humiliation.
2.) What sort of person is Dolphus Ramond?
Dolphus Raymond is a man who wants to appear to be drunk who also associates himself with colored people. He is also married to a black woman and has kids with her.
3.) How does Reverend Sykes help the children see and hear the trial?
Reverend Sykes brings them up to the color balcony to sit and watch from above.
4.) Why is Scout confused after overhearing remarks about her father’s defense of Tom Robinson?
Scout doesn't get the difference between being assigned to defend Tom unwillingly and aiming to defend him to the extent of his abilities.
5.) Comment on Judge Taylor’s attitude to his job. Does he take the trial seriously or not?
Judge Taylor appears aloof and uninterested, but in the contrary, he just appears that he doesn't take the job seriously when he actually takes it very seriously.
Chapter 17
1.) What are the main points in Heck Tate’s evidence?
Heck's evidence is that she has bruises, she has a black eye on her right eye, and Mr. Ewell came and Tom ran.
2.) What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate?
Atticus shows that they didn't call a doctor immediately, so Bob might have done it.
3.) What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the Ewell family in this chapter?
We learn that both the parents no longer talk to each other, the kids are raised by Mayella, and Mr. Ewell beats Mayella.
4.) What do you learn from Bob Ewell’s evidence?
Bob Ewell constantly avoids the question of his thoughtfulness on his daughter, and instead tries to continue stating that he saw Tom Robinson. Bob Ewell is also left handed, which means his punch would cross to the right side, the same side that his daughter was bruised at.
5.) Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his name? What does the jury see when he does this?
Atticus asks him to write his name to see which hand he is dominant with, which was his left, and the jury sees that Bob Ewell is left handed and is a possible suspect to beating up his daughter.
Chapter 18
1.) Is Mayella like her father or different from him? Explain in what ways they are similar and/or different.
Both Bob and Mayella are unmannered, not treated well, unintelligent and defensive, but Mayella tries not to live up to her family reputation.
2.) What might be the reason for Mayella’s crying in court?
She is crying because her father beat her up and is blaming Tom, who she seemed to like.
3.) How does Mayella react to Atticus’ politeness? Is she used to people being polite?
Mayella doesn't understand that Atticus is being polite and she thinks he is making fun of her. this shows that people are not polite to her.
4.) How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom’s guilt in the eyes of the reader and in the eyes of the jury? Can you suggest why these might be different?
Mr. Gilmer makes it seem like Tom raped Mayella because she was crying and acting innocent, and Tom is black so people assume he's guilty anyway. The jury might have thought that it wasn't Tom Robinson was that raped her because he doesn't have his arm, or if he wasn't black, or if he didn't "feel sorry" for her.