To Kill a Mockingbird

What town and state does the story take place in? (Chapter 1)

Maycomb, Alabama

What year is the story in? (Chapter 1)

1930s (1933-1935)

What is Scout and Jem's father's occupation and where is their mother? (Chapter 1)

He is a lawyer. She is dead.

What is unusual about the Radley place and why? (Chapter 1)

Its shutters and doors are closed on Sunday. That is unusual because "closed doors meant illness and cold weather only." They did not go to church and worshiped at home. They were very antisocial and rarely went out.

What are some of the children's superstitions concerning Boo? (Chapter 1)

He mutilated people's chickens and household pets (proved false, turned out to be Crazy Addie). Some people thought he didn't exist because he would never come out of his house.

Why had Dill been staying in Maycomb? (Chapter 2)

His aunt lives there. The book just says that and that he will be staying there every summer.

What great thing happens to Scout in this chapter? (Chapter 2)

She goes to school for the first time.

Why does the teacher, Miss Fisher, become annoyed with Scout? (Chapter 2)

Scout already knows how to read and Miss Fisher says her father is teaching her the wrong way.

How had Scout learned to read and write? (Chapter 2)

Scout does not remember, but she knows it just came naturally to her.

How else does Scout get in trouble in with Miss Fisher? (Chapter 2)

She tells Miss Caroline that she is shaming Walter because Cunninghams don't take favors.

Why was Scout beating up Walter Cunningham in the schoolyard? (Chapter 3)

He got her in trouble with Miss Caroline.

What does Jem do about the situation? (Chapter 3)

He tells Scout to let go and invited Walter to "dinner" (aka lunch).

Why does it take Walter so long to make up his mind to take up Jem's offer? (Chapter 3)

He doesn't want to take a favor he can't return.

What makes Scout decide she wants to quit school and run away? (Chapter 3)

Miss Caroline won't let her read.

What trick does Atticus teach Scout to help her get along with people? (Chapter 3)

Compromise.

Using the description in the book, give the definition of the Dewey Decimal System. (Chapter 4)

Teachers use flashcards to test kids on simple words. (?, that's not what the Dewy Decimal system is when I looked it up, but that's the impression I got from the book)

What are the objects that Scout and Jem find in the tree near the Radleys' front yard? (Chapter 4)

Two pieces of Wrigley's Double-Mint gum and two "Indian-head" pennies.

What are some of the summertime games Dill, Jem, and Scout play? (Chapter 4)

Roll in the tire, Rover Boys and the Radleys (acting games).

How has the relationship between Scout and Calpurnia changed? (Chapter 4)

Calpurnia has stopped bothering Scout as much.

Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson. (Chapter 5)

She hated spending time indoors. She was a widow and gardened (flower beds). She also baked cakes for herself and the three kids (Scout, Dill, and Jem). Jem and Dill were getting closer, so Scout had started hanging out with Miss Maudie instead.

What opinion does Miss Maudie have of Atticus Finch and why? (Chapter 5)

She thinks he is very open because she says "Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets."

Explain the situation of the children trying to give Boo a note: what did they write, how did they plan on giving it to him end what happens? (Chapter 5)

The paper asked Boo to come out, they planned on sticking it to a window with a fishing pole. They were not successful. After a few tries the kids get caught by Atticus who tells them to stop.

Is Jem resentful of his father's orders? Why or why not? (Chapter 5)

Yes, because his father outsmarts him and he is accused of something he did not do.

What is the children's plan for Dill's last night in Maycomb? (Chapter 6)

They will peep into the window with a loose shutter in the Radley place to get a look at Boo Radley.

What reasons are given for their waiting until night to carry out their plan? (Chapter 6)

Atticus will be reading so he wouldn't hear them. It is easier to see inside a dark house in the dark than in the daytime. Also, it's before school, so if they get caught they'd miss school instead of vacation.

How do you keep a squeaky gate from making a noise? (Chapter 6)

You spit on it.

Jem ran into some trouble while trying to escape the Radley property. What was his problem and how did the children explain this predicament to the adults? (Chapter 6)

Jem's pants get stuck on the fence. He has to take them off. Dill says they were playing strip poker with matches by the fish pool.

How does Jem remedy this problem late that night and what are Scout's feelings about this? (Chapter 6)

He sneaks out when he thinks Atticus is sleeping and retrieves his pants. Scout is worried that Jem will be shot because Nathan has another barrel waiting to shoot anyone with if he hears another sound on his property.

What is Jem's theory about school? (Chapter 7)

It gets better as you get older.

What confession does Jem make to Scout about the night he retrieved his pants? (Chapter 7)

They were mended and hung neatly over the fence when he got them back.

What are about four more items the children find in the knothole and what do they decide to do about their treasures? (Chapter 7)

Pocket watch, spelling bee medal, soap dolls, and gray twine. They decide to keep them.

Do you think Jem knows who has been putting treasures in the tree and why? (Chapter 7)

Yes, because he seems to be excited to tell Scout something but does not tell her it.

Why does Jem cry when he realizes that the hole has been cemented up? (Chapter 7)

Jem cries because as Boo gives him the gifts he starts to see Boo as a friend. Scout and Jem are like Boo's only friends and it makes Jem sad that he is losing a friend and Boo is losing his only friends.

Is Scout in on this communication? (Chapter 7)

She is not. If she was she would mention it in her narration.

What is the reasoning for closing up the hole and does Atticus agree with it? (Chapter 7)

The reasoning is that the tree is dying and the cement will help the tree. Atticus agrees with it because he thinks that Mr. Nathan knows about his trees better than Atticus knows about the Radleys' trees.

Who died during the winter and how do the children think she died? (Chapter 8)

Old Mrs. Radley dies. Jem and Scout think she was killed by Boo.

What does Mr. Avery tell the children about unusual seasons? (Chapter 8)

Mr. Avery tells them unusual seasons are caused by bad children.

Describe the snowman Scout and Jem build—whom does it resemble? How is it made? What is wrong with it? (Chapter 8)

The snowman Scout and Jem build resembles Mr. Avery. They make it with mud and snow. The children have to change it so that it does not offend Mr. Avery and put Miss Maudie's clothing on it making it look like it has no gender.

What tragedy comes to Miss Maudie? (Chapter 8)

Miss Maudie's house burns down.

What is the significance of the children standing in front of the Radley home during this tragedy? (Chapter 8)

Boo puts a blanket over Scout without her noticing.

What kind of woman is Miss Maudie? (Chapter 8)

Miss Maudie is a strong and optimistic woman.

What is the purpose of all the action in this chapter, especially the building of the snowman? (Chapter 8)

The purpose of all the action is to build up excitement for the inciting moment, which happens in the next chapter. (I don't know about the building of the snowman)

Why does Scout get in a fight with Cecil Jacobs? (Chapter 9)

Cecil Jacobs says he father "defends n****s."

What is Atticus about to do which places his honor in question? (Chapter 9)

Atticus was about to not take the case about Tom Robinson, but does because every lawyer gets a case that affects themselves personally so Atticus has to take it.

Why is Atticus defending the man? (Chapter 9)

He would not he able to represent the county in the legislature and his pride would be affected.

What does he say about the case and does he expect to win it? (Chapter 9)

He says the case is personal to him and he expects to not win it.

How does this affect Scout? (Chapter 9)

Scout decides to say sorry to Cecil Jacobs even though she does not mean it.

What do the Finches do at Christmas? (Chapter 9)

Jem, Atticus, Scout, Francis, and Uncle Jack go to Finch's landing to be with Aunt Alexandra and Uncle Jimmy.

How do the children feel about their relatives--Aunt Alexandra, Uncle Jimmy, Francis, and Uncle Jack? (Chapter 9)

Scout is annoyed by Aunt Alexandra because she tries to make Scout be more like a girl. She thinks Uncle Jimmy is very quiet. Francis is annoying because he calls Atticus a "n****r lover." Francis is also a very boring person. Scout loves Uncle Jack because he is fun.

Compare and contrast Uncle Jack and Atticus. (Chapter 9)

Uncle Jack had no children, therefore, not as much experience with them. He is also a bachelor and does not plan to settle down. He is a doctor.

Atticus is more serious, older, a widower, and a lawyer.

Both men are fond of children, Finches, Jem and Scout love them, and have good jobs and educations.

Compare and contrast Scout and Francis. (Chapter 9)

Scout is a girl and she gets into physical fights.

Francis is a bit racist, from Mobile, and boring.

Both of them are boyish, loud and talkative, Finches, and around the same age (Francis is older though).

How does Aunt Alexandra feel about the way Scout and Jem are being brought up? (Chapter 9)

She feels like Atticus lets his kids roam too freely and thinks Scout should be raised more like a female.

What is the relationship between Scout and Uncle Jack, especially after he discovers her new habit? (Chapter 9)

It is good, but is not as good when he learns she cusses. He does not like this.

What does Scout wish were different about Atticus? (Chapter 10)

Scout wishes he were younger because all of her classmates' fathers are young.

According to Miss Maudie, why is it a sin in to kill a mockingbird? (Chapter 10)

All they do is sing beautifully they don't do anything bad so there is no reason to kill them.

What purpose do you think the author has in mind for putting this explanation ("to kill a mockingbird") at this point in the story? (Chapter 10)

Harper Lee puts that in that point of the story because it is around the part where the reader learns more about Tom Robinson.

What accomplishments does Miss Maudie attribute to Atticus? (Chapter 10)

Atticus was the best shot in town. He could also play the Jew's harp.

What does Atticus do which makes him a hero in the sight of his children? (Chapter 10)

He shoots the mad dog.

Who is Mr. Heck Tate? (Chapter 10)

The sheriff of Maycomb.

What is Atticus philosophy on shooting and guns? (Chapter 10)

According to Miss Maudie she says that he stopped shooting when he realized his talent gave him an advantage over other living things, so he decided to not shoot unless he had to.

What does Miss Maudie teach the children about pride and to whom is she referring? (Chapter 10)

She says "People in their right minds never take pride in their talents." She teaches them good people will not boast about their talents. Miss Maudie is referring to Atticus and his humbleness.

How does Jem feel about his father after the incident of the mad dog? (Chapter 10)

Jem feels like his father is a modest gentlemen and looks up to him even more.

What kind of woman is Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose? What does Atticus tell the children about Mrs. Dubose? (Chapter 11)

Mrs. Dubose is an old sickly woman. She is very grumpy and criticizes people a lot. Atticus tells the kids to be kind to her, especially Jem who he tells to be a gentleman to Mrs. Dubose.

What makes Jem so angry and how does he express his anger? (Chapter 11)

Mrs. Dubose insults Atticus and is the first adult to do so. Jem expresses his anger by using Scout's baton to ruin Mrs. Dubose's bushes and yard.

What does Jem have to do to make up for his actions? (Chapter 11)

Jem has to help fix the yard and read to Mrs. Dubose in the afternoon for a whole month.

What does Atticus say a n****r lover is? (Chapter 11)

Someone who favors black people over themselves.

How do the reading sessions finally end? (Chapter 11)

A week later than expected. It was supposed to be only for a month but lasted a week and a month.

What does Atticus tell Jem about Mrs. Dubose after her death? (Chapter 11)

Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose was a morphine addict.

Why is Mrs. Dubose the bravest person Atticus ever knew? (Chapter 11)

Mrs. Dubose is the bravest person Atticus ever knew because she fought hard to overcome her addiction. In the end she was able to overcome it and stayed sober to the very end.

What is Jem's reaction to his gift and what do you think he learns from this event? (Chapter 11)

Jem feels insulted at first from the gift, but then ends up treasuring it. Jem learns about courage and that there is more to someone then it seems.

How old are the children at this point in the story and how are the relations between Jem and Scout now? Give a few specific examples. (Chapter 12)

Jem - 12

Scout - 8

Jem is more distant and moodier. She also mentions his growing hunger and the many times he tells her to stay away from him. He calls her a girl, acts more "wise," and begins to read the paper.

What difference does Scout notice about Calpurnia at her church than at the Finches' home? (Chapter 12)

Her language changes.

What is Calpurnia's explanation for this difference? (Chapter 12)

People at the church might think she was "too proud" if she spoke proper English at the church.

How had Calpurnia learned to speak proper English? (Chapter 12)

Scout and Jem's grandfather taught her.

What are three things we learn about Zeebo? (Chapter 12)

He is Calpurnia's son, literate, and he sings.

What unpleasant surprise do the children receive as they return home? (Chapter 12)

Aunt Alexandra is there.

What is linin'? (Chapter 12)

One person sings a line from the song then the others repeat.

Why has Aunt Alexandra come to stay with the Finch family and why does Scout think that it is more her Aunts idea than her fathers? (Chapter 13)

The children need someone other than Calpurnia to look over them since Atticus is gone so much. Aunt Alexandra is very bossy.

According to Aunt Alexandra, what is a fine family? (Chapter 13)

People who did the best with what they sensed they had.

How did Maycomb welcome Aunt Alexandra? (Give at least four examples.) (Chapter 13)

Miss Rachel had her over for coffee, Miss Maudie brought her Lane cake, Mr. Nathan went to the front yard to see her, and Miss Stephanie visited her a lot.

What does Scout mean that ". . .Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work."? (Chapter 13)

Women are supposed to do that type of thing, not men. Normally females comfort children.

What does Alexandra suggest about Calpurnia? Why? (Chapter 14)

To get rid of Calpurnia because she is no longer needed.

How does Atticus refute this? (Chapter 14)

He says she is a good disciplinarian and the children love her.

What makes Jem and Scout equals again? (Chapter 14)

Scout attacks Jem and Atticus makes them go to bed.

What is the snake under Scout's bed? (Chapter 14)

Dill

What makes Jem different from Scout and Dill? (Chapter 14)

His age and maturity.

What was the real reason Dill ran away from home? (Chapter 14)

His parents were not paying attention to him.

What does it mean in Maycomb when grown men stand outside the front yard? (Chapter 15)

Men only stood there because of death and politics.

Who is Mr. Underwood and what is he like? (Chapter 15)

He points a gun at the mob confronting Atticus. He also runs the newspaper and lives in the upper level of the building the newspaper operates in.

What errand does Atticus do late that night and why? (Chapter 15)

He needs to go to the jail to watch and take care of Tom.

Describe the mob that visits Atticus in town. What are some similarities between this mob and the one at the Finch home earlier that day? What are some differences? (Chapter 15)

They are concerned about Tom Robinson, they are white, they are upset. The town mob wants to make Tom go away, while the house one wants to save Tom. They are upset over different reasons.

How did the first mob (at the Finches) break up? How did the second mob break up? What is the significance of how these mobs broke up? (Chapter 15)

The first one broke up by the phone ringing in the Finch house and Jem calling attention to it. The second one broke up because Scout shames Mr. Cunningham by speaking about his son. Both mobs were not properly resolved.

Why was Atticus never really in danger after all? (Chapter 15)

Mr. Underwood was across the street and pointing a rifle at the mob.

How does Jem feel about the mob at the jail? How does Atticus' opinion differ from Jem's? (Chapter 16)

Jem feels hopeful that all the drama will end soon. Atticus is more cautious.

Although the entire town goes to court out of curiosity, Miss Maudie does not. Why? (Chapter 16)

Miss Maudie feels like it is like watching someone on trial for their life, like at a Roman carnival.

Does Miss Stephanie Crawford? Why or why not? (Chapter 16)

Yes, because she might be called to testify.

Who is Mr. Dolphus Raymond and what explanation does Jem give for Mr. Dolphus drinking from a paper bag? (Chapter 16)

He is drinking because his soon to be wife killed herself right before their wedding.

According to Scout, a mixed child is "real sad." Why does she say this? (Chapter 16)

They don't belong anywhere. The blacks don't like them because they're white and the whites don't like them because they are black.

What is the Idlers' Club? (Chapter 16)

A group of fancy looking old men who do nothing.

What happens to Scout and Jem as a result of the crowding in the courthouse? Why does the author place them there? (Chapter 16)

They have to sit in the balcony with the blacks. Harper Lee does this to because Scout and Jem are siding more with the blacks, not the whites.