Literature Final Exam Study Guide The Wednesday Wars by The Wednesday Wars Author * Written by Gary D. Schmidt Protagonist * Holling Hoodhood * A seventh-grade student. * Feels misunderstood by his father and teacher. * Learns responsibility, courage, and empathy throughout the novel. Setting (Time and Place) * Time: 1967–1968 during the Vietnam War era. * Place: Long Island, New York (fictional town of Camillo Junior High). Main Characters & Roles Mrs. Baker * Holling’s teacher. * At first Holling thinks she hates him. * Eventually becomes a mentor and supporter. * Makes Holling read Shakespeare. Danny Hupfer * Holling’s friend. * Funny and loyal. Meryl Lee Kowalski * Holling’s classmate and friend. * Kind and supportive. * Performs in plays with Holling. Mai Thi * Vietnamese refugee student. * Symbolizes the effects of the Vietnam War. Mr. Hoodhood * Holling’s father. * Strict and focused on business reputation. * Has a strained relationship with Holling. Heather Hoodhood * Holling’s sister. * Becomes involved in anti-war protests. * Supportive of Holling. ⸻ Major Events in the Novel Shakespeare Lessons * Holling spends Wednesday afternoons with Mrs. Baker reading Shakespeare. * The lessons connect to events in Holling’s life. Field Trips & School Events * School activities often become embarrassing or chaotic for Holling. Cross-Country Running * Holling discovers confidence and talent through running. The Play * Holling acts in Shakespeare performances. * Learns teamwork and self-confidence. Rats in the School * Holling must help catch escaped rats. * Creates funny and stressful situations. Vietnam War Connections * Mai Thi’s family and soldiers from the town show the war’s impact. Bonding with Mrs. Baker * Their relationship changes from distrust to respect and care. Family Tension * Holling struggles with his father’s expectations and lack of emotional support. ⸻ Holling and His Father * Mr. Hoodhood values business success more than Holling’s feelings. * Holling feels pressured to obey and succeed. * Their relationship is strained because: * Mr. Hoodhood rarely listens to Holling. * He cares deeply about appearances and business deals. * Holling wants independence and understanding. * By the end, Holling grows stronger and more confident despite his father’s pressure. ⸻ To Kill a Mockingbird by To Kill a Mockingbird Author * Written by Harper Lee Setting * Place: Maycomb, Alabama. * Time: The 1930s during the Great Depression. How Many Years Does the Book Cover? * About 3 years. What Happened to Scout’s Mom? * Scout’s mother died when Scout was very young. Town Sheriff * Heck Tate is the sheriff of Maycomb. ⸻ Important Characters Scout Finch * Narrator and main character. * Curious, intelligent, and tomboyish. Jem Finch * Scout’s older brother. * Matures throughout the novel. Atticus Finch * Scout and Jem’s father. * Lawyer who defends Tom Robinson. * Symbol of morality and justice. Walter Cunningham * Poor but honorable boy from the Cunningham family. Boo Radley * Reclusive neighbor. * Secretly watches over Jem and Scout. * Saves them at the end. Miss Maudie * Wise and kind neighbor. * Supports Atticus. Heck Tate * Sheriff of Maycomb. * Protects Boo Radley at the end. Mrs. Dubose * Elderly woman with a bad temper. * Secretly fighting morphine addiction. Mr. Link Deas * Tom Robinson’s employer. * Defends Tom’s character. Uncle Jack * Atticus’s brother. * Doctor. Dolphus Raymond * Pretends to be drunk to give society an explanation for his lifestyle. Bob Ewell * Racist and abusive father of Mayella. * Main antagonist. Mayella Ewell * Accuses Tom Robinson of assault. * Lonely and abused. Little Chuck Little * Student who helps Scout understand school rules. Lula * Woman at First Purchase Church who questions Scout and Jem being there. Zeebo * Calpurnia’s son. * Leads singing at church. Cousin Francis * Insults Atticus, causing Scout to fight him. Mr. Underwood * Newspaper editor who supports justice. Burris Ewell * Dirty and rude Ewell child. * Bullies the teacher. ⸻ Major Events & Important Questions Atticus’ Final Arguments * Atticus argues Tom Robinson is innocent. * Explains the Ewells are lying. * Says prejudice influenced the case. Tom Robinson and Mayella * Mayella kissed Tom Robinson. * Bob Ewell saw this and became angry. * Tom was falsely accused because of racism. Why Jem Destroys Mrs. Dubose’s Camellias * Mrs. Dubose insults Atticus. * Jem becomes angry and destroys her flowers. Why Jem Goes to Mrs. Dubose’s House * As punishment, Jem must read to her daily. * He learns about courage and addiction. Jem and Scout in the Courtroom * They secretly watch Tom Robinson’s trial from the balcony with the Black community. Mr. Cunningham at the Jail * A mob tries to hurt Tom Robinson. * Scout talks politely to Mr. Cunningham. * The mob leaves peacefully. Who Scout Confides In After a Fight * Scout often talks with Atticus or Miss Maudie after problems. What Happens on Christmas Day at Finch’s Landing * Scout fights Cousin Francis after he insults Atticus. Crimes Bob Ewell Has Committed * Abuse, lying under oath, intimidation, and attacking Jem and Scout. Why Is It a Sin to Kill Mockingbirds? * Mockingbirds symbolize innocence. * They do no harm and only bring beauty. Characters That Symbolize Mockingbirds * Tom Robinson * Boo Radley * Sometimes Scout and Jem Who Saves Jem and Scout? * Boo Radley saves them from Bob Ewell. What Happens to Tom Robinson? * He is convicted unfairly. * Later shot and killed while trying to escape prison. Tom Robinson Trial * Shows racism and injustice in Maycomb. * Despite evidence of innocence, Tom is convicted. Why Miss Maudie Moves in with Miss Stephanie * Miss Maudie’s house burns down. Scout’s Halloween Costume * She wears a ham costume. Symbolic Significance of the Mockingbird * Represents innocent people harmed by evil or prejudice. * Main theme: protect innocence and goodness. ⸻ Important Themes for Both Novels Courage * Standing up for what is right even when it is difficult. Growing Up * Characters learn maturity and understanding. Prejudice and Judgment * Both novels explore unfair assumptions about people. Family Relationships * Parent-child relationships strongly affect the characters. Empathy * Understanding others’ perspectives is important in both stories