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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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