To Kill A Mockingbird Chapters 26-31

How has Scout's attitude toward Boo Radley changed?

She has gone back to wanting to see Boo Radley in person.

In her lesson on Hitler, what does Miss Gates say regarding the American people?

"We (American people) don't believe in persecuting anyone."

What is ironic about Miss Gates' comments on persecution in America?

The American people are notorious for persecuting African Americans.

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

Miss Gates had made it clear that she was perfectly fine with the prosecution of African Americans after Mr. Robinson's trial.

Why does Scout's question involving the trial upset Jem?

Jem is still angry about the events of the trial and learning about how 'unfair' the people in Maycomb had been. He wasn't ready to talk about it yet.

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

-he gets and looses a job with the WPA and blamed Atticus for it

-he burgled (or at least tried to) John Taylor's house

-he followed behind Helen Robinson, muttering, on her way to work to scare her

Why does Atticus say Bob holds a grudge?

He knows that, after the trial, no one believes him and Mayella's story. Now they think even lower of him.

Which people does Ewell see as enemies?

-Atticus Finch

-John Taylor

-Helen Robinson

Why does Ewell see Atticus and Judge Taylor as enemies?

They embarrassed him in court and exposed him for being a liar and a terrible person, even though he won.

Why does Ewell see Helen as an enemy?

She is a reminder of Tom and the trial.

What is the purpose of the Halloween pageant?

The pageant was created to give kids something to do and keep them out of trouble.

What practical joke persuaded the grown ups to have an organized event?

The Barber sisters' had their furniture taken and put in their cellar?

Who were the Barber sisters?

-called Misses Tutti and Frutti Barber

-actual names Sarah and Frances

-maiden ladies

-rumored to be Republican

-the only people with a cellar

Why does Jem say that Boo Radley must not be at home? What is the irony in this?

He says that because there is a bird singing in one of the Radley's trees. This is ironic because Arthur Radley is always home.

How does Scout ruin the pageant, according to Mrs. Merriweather?

Scout falls asleep, misses her cue, and therefore does not come out on stage when Mrs. Merriweather yells 'pork!'.

What happened the night of the pageant?

Bob Ewell was following the kids and they believed it was Cecil Jacobs, until he rushed them. Jem put up a fight but was yanked to the ground and had his elbow broken. Bob tried to stab Scout but she was saved by her wire costume. Arthur Radley must have heard the fight because he fought back Bob Ewell and killed him with a kitchen knife.

What caused the "shiny clean line" on the otherwise "dull wire" of Scout's costume?

Bob Ewell had tried to stab her with a knife.

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

Atticus said, "He was out of his mind."- crazy and drunk

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

Heck Tate said, "wasn't crazy, mean as hell. Low down skunk with enough liquor in him to make him brave enough to kill children."- a nasty human being

Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell's death?

Jem- in self defense

Why does Heck insist that Bob Ewell's death was self inflicted?

Heck knows Arthur killed Bob and he doesn't want Arthur to be dragged into the lime light. Anyway, Bob put himself in that situation, he tried to murder children.

Why is Atticus so insistent that Jem go to trial for his act of self defense?

Atticus doesn't want anyone to think his actions were covered up because he is the "lawyer's son".

How does the author handle the appearance of Boo Radley in the end?

Arthur is in a corner, behind the door. He is pale, quiet, grey-eyed, but his hand is warm.

How do the events of the final chapter explain the first sentence of the entire book?

The first sentence says Jem had his arm badly broken when he was nearly thirteen. The last chapters explain how the arm got broken.

Why does Scout insist about Arthur, "I would lead him through our house, but I would never lead him home."?

She wants to make Arthur look like a gentleman, as she has learned how to be a lady, so she has him walk her to his front door for anyone to see.`

What does Scout realize when she stands on the Radley porch as though she is in Arthur's shoes?

She realizes that Arthur has been able to see everything. She feels remorse for ever bugging him.

Who in the book is represented as the Mockingbird, and why is the title of the book "To Kill A Mockingbird"?

The Mockingbird is a symbol for innocence. Arthur, Tom (really all African Americans), Scout and Jem (really all children), are mockingbirds. The book showcases the unjust or unfair destruction or persecution of innocence and the innocent.