TKAM Chapter 16 Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What two images come to mind as Scout is falling asleep? What are they and why do they cause her to cry?

Scout remembers Atticus calmly folding his newspaper and pushing back his hat, and the scene just before Atticus killed the rabid dog. She cries because she realizes the extent of the danger that Atticus faced.

What surprising fact does Atticus reveal about Mr. Underwood at the breakfast table? What previously mentioned theme is emphasized by this information?

Atticus reveals that Mr. Underwood despises Negroes but is loyal to his friends, emphasizing the theme that good and evil coexist in all people.

What does Atticus say about mobs and men over the breakfast table? What does he mean by the statement, '[M]aybe we need a police force of children...'?

He says that mobs are made up of men who have blind spots about their actions, meaning children are innocent and unknowing.

What is the mood in the courthouse square on the first day of the trial? What, if anything, do you find disturbing about it?

The mood is almost festive, which is disturbing because it is inappropriate to the serious occasion of a trial for rape and a man's life at stake. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Mr. Dolphus Raymond?

He is white but prefers the company of black people, having a black mistress and several children by her. Signup and view all the answers

According to Jem, what are 'mixed' children, and why are they sad?

Mixed children are half black and half white, and they are sad because they do not belong anywhere. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the behavior of the white spectators to that of the black spectators.

The white spectators convey a more festive atmosphere, while the black spectators sit quietly in a far corner. Signup and view all the answers

How are blacks and whites segregated inside the courthouse? Where do Scout, Jem, and Dill end up sitting?

Blacks wait behind whites to enter the courthouse, and once inside, they are separated. Scout, Jem, and Dill end up sitting in the balcony. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout describe the Maycomb County courthouse? According to her, what do the Greek revival columns and the old clock tower suggest about the people of Maycomb?

The courthouse is a mixture of architectural elements, and it suggests that the people of Maycomb are unwilling to let go of the past. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the members of the Idlers' Club. What information does Scout get from them? What is it that confuses her?

The Idlers' Club is composed of old men critiquing court proceedings. Scout learns that Atticus has been acquitted in defending Tom Robinson, which confuses her. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scout's Reflections

Scout recalls Atticus's calm demeanor when confronted by an angry mob, leading to her tears as she grasps the danger he faced.
Another poignant memory involves Atticus killing a rabid dog, highlighting the serious threats he confronts in their society.

Mr. Underwood's Complexity

Atticus reveals that Mr. Underwood is a racist who despises black people but displays loyalty to friends, illustrating the theme that good and evil coexist within individuals.

Mobs and Innocence

Atticus discusses how mobs consist of men who can overlook the morality of their actions, suggesting they have "blind spots."
He posits that children might serve as a moral compass, implying their innocence contrasts with adult prejudice and blindness.

Courthouse Atmosphere

The mood in the courthouse square is festively inappropriate given the serious context of the trial, amplifying the disconnection of the spectators from the gravity of the situation.

Mr. Dolphus Raymond's Significance

Mr. Dolphus Raymond is notable for associating predominantly with black people and having a mixed-race family, challenging societal norms of racial segregation.

Sadness of Mixed Children

Jem describes "mixed" children as sad because their biracial status prevents them from fully belonging to either race, highlighting issues of identity in a divided society.

Spectator Behavior

White spectators maintain a lighthearted atmosphere while black spectators remain subdued, reflecting racial tensions and differing societal attitudes toward the trial.

Courthouse Segregation

Inside the courthouse, racial segregation is evident; white attendees enter first, while black spectators wait. Scout, Jem, and Dill ultimately sit in the balcony, reinforcing the social hierarchy.

Description of the Courthouse

Scout describes the courthouse as architecturally eclectic, symbolizing the town's unwillingness to move beyond its historical past, which resonates with a central theme of the story.

Idlers' Club Dynamics

The Idlers' Club consists of older men who loiter in the courthouse, discussing court proceedings and displaying a lack of engagement with the seriousness of the trial, particularly the defense of Tom Robinson.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore key moments from Chapter 16 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' with these flashcards. Dive into Scout's reflections and emotions, particularly the strong images of her father, Atticus, that evoke a visceral response. Understand the significance of these scenes in the context of the story's themes of courage and family.