TKAM 10-16 Questions

Why are the children embarrassed by Atticus?

He is much older than the other parents at their school and doesn’t do the activities they do.

What does Atticus remind the kids about shooting and why?

It's a sin to kill a mockingbird because they don't harm the environment, they only sing.

Summarize the incident with the rabid dog.

The dog was lopsided, sick, and possessed; Calpurnia warned the whole town about it.

What do the children learn about Atticus from the rabid dog incident?

He shoots the rabid dog and has a hidden skill, earning the nickname 'One Shot Finch'.

Describe Mrs. Dubose.

She is elderly, ill-tempered, addicted to drugs, racist, and rude.

Why does Scout think Atticus is the bravest man she has ever known?

Atticus respects Mrs. Dubose and is kind to her even though she is rude.

What causes Jem to get angry with Mrs. Dubose?

Mrs. Dubose tells Jem that Atticus is no better than Tom Robinson.

How does Jem react when he gets angry with Mrs. Dubose, and what is his punishment?

He destroys Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes and then has to read to her every afternoon for 2 hours for a month.

What was Mrs. Dubose’s goal and did she achieve it?

Her goal was to break free from her drug addiction by distracting herself with extending jem’s reading everyday, and she achieved it.

What does Atticus hope his children learn from Mrs. Dubose?

He wants them to learn what true courage is.

How does Atticus define courage?

Courage is knowing you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.

Why doesn’t Dill come to visit this summer?

His mother remarried and had plans with his stepfather.

Describe the children's experience with the people at First Purchase church.

They were welcomed, but Lula was hostile towards them and discriminated against them.

What are the two differences the children notice while attending church with Calpurnia?

There are no songbooks or instruments due to lack of money and lining, where one person reads a line and the congregation recites it because they can't read.

What is Tom Robinson on trial for, and how does the time period affect this?

He is on trial for raping a white woman, and black people were almost always assumed guilty regardless of evidence.

Why is Aunt Alexandra in town?

To help raise Scout and Jem and provide a feminine influence in their lives.

What can we learn about Aunt Alexandra from her first statements in Maycomb?

She focuses on the family's reputation and proper manners.

What does Aunt Alexandra suggest Atticus do with Calpurnia, and what is his response?

She suggests he let her go because they no longer need her, but Atticus says the kids like her and she is like family.

Why did Dill run away?

He felt neglected and believed he wouldn't get enough attention.

Why does the group of men come to the Finch house?

To warn Atticus about potential danger relating to Tom Robinson's trial.

Where do the children find Atticus later that evening and why?

They find him at the Maycomb jail protecting Tom from a mob, showing his commitment and courage.

When does Atticus realize the children are watching him?

Jem tells Scout to be quiet.

How does Scout diffuse the situation at the jail unintentionally?

She sees Mr. Cunningham and starts a casual conversation about Walter, which makes him come to his senses.

Who is Mr. Underwood and what role does he play at the jail?

He is the owner and editor of the Maycomb Tribune and has his gun ready to protect Atticus.

How does Atticus explain Mr. Cunningham's participation in the mob?

He is a good man but has blind spots like everyone else.

Why would so many people come to Maycomb for the trial?

Because Atticus is defending a black person, which was frowned upon.

Why does Atticus choose not to tell the kids he was appointed to the Tom Robinson case?

He wants to set an example of doing the right thing.

Where do the children sit for the trial and with whom?

They sit in the balcony with the black people.

Describe Judge Taylor.

He is a lazy old man who acts casual but knows what he is doing.