Ch. 23 - To Kill a Mockingbird Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How did Atticus react to Bob's burst of anger?

He said, 'I wish Bob Ewell didn't chew tobacco.' He took out his handkerchief and let Mr. Ewell call him names.

What does Atticus say about carrying a gun around with you?

He says, 'Having a gun around's an invitation to somebody to shoot you.'

How does Atticus justify Bob spitting in his face?

Atticus said that Bob Ewell spit in his face because Ewell needed 'to have some kind of comeback.'

Where is Tom right now?

Tom Robinson has been sent to another prison seventy miles away while his appeal winds through the court system. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if Tom loses his appeal?

Tom will go to the electric chair and be killed. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jem's solution to the court system?

Jem said that the jury should only hear the evidence and not be able to see the defendant. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus mean by saying, 'There's something in our world that makes men lose their heads'?

Atticus is saying that racism and hate keeps white people from believing a black person over a white person. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most sickening thing to Atticus?

Atticus says, 'There's nothing more sickening to me than a low-grade white man who'll take advantage of a Negro's ignorance.' Signup and view all the answers

Why can't women sit on a jury?

It was against the law, and Atticus said it was to protect women from hearing horrible cases like Tom's. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it that no one from the town serves on the jury?

They are uninterested, afraid, or do not want to make a decision. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Atticus recognize in the jury?

One of the Cunninghams. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus tell us about the Cunninghams and their idea of respect?

He said once you earned their respect, they were tooth and nail. The Finches earned their respect when Atticus stood up to the mob at the jailhouse. Signup and view all the answers

Regardless of her being right or not, do you think Aunt Alexandra had the right to talk to the children that way?

No, Aunt Alexandra is wrong because she is judging the Cunninghams because they are poor. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four types of people according to Jem?

The ordinary kind like us, the kind like the Cunninghams out in the woods, the kind like the Ewells down at the dump, and the Negroes. Signup and view all the answers

What kinds of people does Scout say exist?

Scout says, 'I think there's just one group of folks. Folks.' Signup and view all the answers

At the end of the chapter, what does Jem reveal to Scout?

Jem tells Scout that he understands why Boo Radley has stayed shut up in the house all this time—it's because he wants to stay inside. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atticus's Character and Responses

Atticus remains calm under Bob Ewell's anger, wishing Ewell would refrain from chewing tobacco while allowing himself to be called names.
He views gun ownership as a provocation, believing it invites violence and threat instead of promoting safety.
Atticus rationalizes Ewell's spitting as a desire for a comeback, showing understanding of human behavior despite the insult.

Tom Robinson's Situation

Tom Robinson is currently imprisoned seventy miles away as his legal appeal progresses through the court system.
If Tom loses the appeal, he faces execution by electric chair, highlighting the dire consequences of systemic injustice.

Jem's Perspective on Justice

Jem proposes that juries should only hear evidence without seeing the defendant to ensure an unbiased trial.
He expresses frustration over the impact of racism, suggesting that societal prejudice undermines fairness in the legal system.

Atticus discusses societal breakdown, attributing it to racism and hatred, which biases white juries against black defendants.
He finds it revolting when a white person exploits a black individual's lack of education, reflecting deep moral values.

Jury Composition and Community Attitudes

Women are excluded from juries by law to shield them from distressing cases, revealing societal protectionist views.
The Maycomb jury pool is uninvolved due to apathy, fear, and a reluctance to make difficult decisions.

Respect and Community Relationships

Atticus identifies a Cunningham in the jury, emphasizing the importance of respect earned through integrity and courage.
The Finches gain the Cunninghams' respect after Atticus stands firm against a mob, showcasing the interconnectedness of community relationships.

Jem outlines four social groups, indicating his awareness of social hierarchies: ordinary people, the impoverished Cunninghams, the destitute Ewells, and black individuals.
In contrast, Scout distinguishes humanity as a single group, suggesting an egalitarian viewpoint.

Final Insights from Jem and Scout

At the chapter's conclusion, Jem reveals understanding of Boo Radley’s reclusive nature as a personal choice for solitude, showcasing growing empathy and maturity.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 23 from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' with these flashcards. Explore key quotes and themes while deepening your understanding of Atticus Finch's character and moral lessons. Ideal for students preparing for discussions or exams.

Ch. 23 - To Kill a Mockingbird Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How did Atticus react to Bob's burst of anger?

What does Atticus say about carrying a gun around with you?