To Kill A Mockingbird Chapters 6-10

What does Scout think of Jem and Dill's plan of looking in one of the Radleys' windows?

It is dangerous and a bad idea.

What does Mr. Radley know about the intruders he calls "negros" in his garden?

That they are white

What indicates that Mr. Radley doesn't really think the intruder(s) was African American?

He shot over their head, not to kill

Why is Dill's explanation of Jem's lack of pants?

That he (Dill) won them from Jem in a poker game

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

Their religion says that playing cards is a sin

How does Jem cover for Dill's lie?

He says they were playing with matches not cards

What actually happened to Jem's pants?

They were caught on the Radleys' fence while the children were trying to escape

What did Jem find when he went back for his pants?

His pants we're crudely sewn up and folded over the fence.

Why did the state in which he found his pants disturb Jem?

It meant that someone had known he was coming

What evidence is there that Jem begins to understand more about Boo Radley than Scout?

Jem wants to tell Scout something but doesn't. It is the fact that he thinks Boo is leaving them gifts, fixed his pants, and came near him on the Radleys' porch.

What items appear in the knot hole?

A ball of twine, soap carved like Scout and Jem, a pack of gum, a spelling bee medal, and a pocket watch that doesn't work on a chain with an aluminum knife.

What reason does Mr. Radley give for filling the knot hole?

He says the tree is dying and that you plug up trees with cement when they are sick.

What does Atticus tell Jem when he asks if the tree is dying?

Atticus tells Jem that the tree looks perfectly healthy.

Why does Jem cry after the knot hole is plugged up?

He cries because there will be no more communication with Boo.

Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley place?

She wants to know if he had seen Arthur and whether or not he was the one who killed Mrs. Radley.

What information does Atticus give Scout about his visit and Mrs. Radley's death?

Other then the fact that Mrs Radley died of natural causes, Atticus gives Scout no information.

What is the "near libel" that Jem puts in the front yard?

A snowman that looks a lot like Mr Avery

How do Atticus and Miss Maudie react to the snowman?

They think it is clever but a little mean, and have Jem change its appearance.

What does Atticus save of Miss Maudie's from the fire?

Her oak rocking chair

Why does Atticus save the rocking chair?

It was Miss Maudie's favorite piece of furniture

What does Jem realize when Atticus asks about the blanket around Scout's shoulders?

Jem realizes that Arthur has been the one one doing everything for them. He realizes that Arthur may be crazy, but he is a kind person.

What does Atticus mean when he tells Jem not to let his discovery "inspire" him to "further glory"?

He means that Jem shouldn't go snooping around the Radley place.

Why might now Jem follow his father's order?

Jem now knows what Arthur is like and doesn't need to make Arthur come out to find out.

Why does Scout want to fight Cecil Jacobs?

He was talking badly about Atticus and called him "a ****** lover".

How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson?

Atticus feels he should defend Tom to the best of his ability.

Why didn't many white lawyers do their best for black clients in Alabama at this time?

It was a racist time, and if they did they were seen as breaking unwritten, social rules.

Why doesn't Atticus want Scout to fight in his defense?

It is ill mannered and she needs to learn to control herself: "start learning to fight with your head"

What do Scout and Jem like about Christmas?

They enjoy their Uncle Jack staying with them for a week, the tree, getting presents, and Aunt Alexandra's cooking.

What do Scout and Jem dislike about Christmas?

They don't enjoy visiting their Aunt Alexandra and her grandson Francis. (Although her cooking almost makes up for it).

Why does Scout like Uncle Jack but not Aunt Alexandra?

Jack is kind to her while Alexandra is judgmental.

Why does Uncle Jack tell Scout she is growing out of her pants?

He means that she is becoming a lady so she should start acting like one; start wearing dresses and stop fighting and cussing.

Why doesn't Scout like Francis?

They are opposites. She finds him boring.

What is Alexandra like?

She is a snob, feels she is better than most people, and wants people to know it.

How does Alexandra feel about Atticus defending a black man?

She disapproves and feels that by doing so, Atticus is ruining the family's reputation.

What does Scout learn about Dill from Francis?

She learns that Dill doesn't have a permanent home or any decent family.

Why does Atticus want Scout to hear what he is saying to Jack?

He wants her to know that he wants Jem and herself to listen to him about what is right and wrong, not the town. Also, that although things may get ugly, it will all be okay.

Why don't Scout and Jem feel their father is as good as the other fathers?

They think he isn't good at anything and that he is too old. Other fathers play football, hunt, and have "admirable" jobs, like driving a dump truck or farming. Atticus just works in an office and reads.

Why does Atticus say that it is a sin to kill a Mockingbird?

Mocking birds do nothing but make pretty music for us; they've done nothing wrong.

What does Jem see coming up the road?

A mad dog (named Tim Johnson)

Who is Mr. Heck Tate?

The sheriff of Maycomb

Why doesn't Heck Tate want to shoot Tim Johnson?

It is a one shot job and if he misses, the shot will go into the Radley place?

What does Maudie say Atticus's old nickname was?

Ol' One Shot

Why did Atticus stop shooting?

He felt God had given him an unfair advantage over most living things.

Why does Scout want to tell everyone at school about how well Atticus can shoot?

She wants to be able to brag about her father to the other kids.

Why doesn't Jem want to tell anyone about Atticus's talent (shooting)?

He has realized that if Atticus had wanted people to know about his ability, he would have mentioned it before.