To Kill a Mockingbird

Questions and Answers

What two images come to mind as Scout is falling asleep?

Atticus calmly folding his newspaper and pushing back his hat, and Atticus standing in the middle of an empty waiting street, pushing up his glasses.

What is the significance of the two images?

They show Atticus in positions of danger and heroism.

Why do the images make Scout cry?

She realizes the extent of the danger her father faced and the injustice inflicted upon him.

What surprising fact does Atticus reveal about Mr. Underwood at the breakfast table?

Mr. Underwood despises Negroes but protected Atticus during the mob incident. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus say about mobs and men over the breakfast table?

Mobs are made up of men who have blind spots about their actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mood in the courthouse square on the first day of the trial?

The mood is almost festive, like a party or holiday. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Mr. Dolphus Raymond?

He is a white man who prefers the company of black people. 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.

White spectators convey a festive atmosphere while black spectators sit quietly. Signup and view all the answers

How are blacks and whites segregated inside the courthouse?

Whites enter the courthouse first and sit on the ground floor, while blacks sit in the balcony section labeled 'Colored.' Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout describe the Maycomb County courthouse?

The courthouse is a mix of architectural styles, with Greek revival columns and a Victorian clock tower. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the members of the Idlers' Club. What information does Scout get from them?

The members are old men who critique the court proceedings and mention Atticus has been appointed to defend Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Themes and Imagery

Scout recalls two poignant images of Atticus: calmly facing a mob at the jail and confronting a rabid dog, symbolizing his roles as protector and defender.
These contrasting scenes reveal Atticus's bravery and moral integrity, highlighting the dangers he faces from the community he has served.

Emotional Impact on Scout

Scout is overwhelmed with emotion as she realizes the peril Atticus faced and the injustice he endures, leading to tears for her father's burden against societal threats.
The duality of Atticus's actions—protecting the town and himself from the same hostile individuals—evokes deep sympathy and awareness of the racial tensions.

Mr. Underwood's Complex Character

Atticus uncovers Mr. Underwood's racial views while acknowledging his loyalty, complicating the notion of good and evil within individuals.
Despite Mr. Underwood's racism, his decision to protect Atticus from the mob reflects a deeper sense of justice and loyalty to a friend.

Insights on Humanity and Mobs

Atticus explains the nature of mobs, asserting that men have "blind spots," which leads to irrational group behaviors.
He suggests the necessity of a "police force of children," referencing Scout's role in diffusing the previous night’s mob, symbolizing innocence and clarity.

Mood of the Courthouse Square

The atmosphere in the courthouse square is festive, contrasting starkly with the gravity of the trial unfolding, illustrating societal denial of serious issues.
The juxtaposition of celebration against the backdrop of an alleged rape and a man's life at stake underlines the community's moral dissonance.

Mr. Dolphus Raymond's Identity

Mr. Raymond, a wealthy white man who associates with the Black community, highlights themes of societal prejudice and personal choice amidst racism.
His lifestyle decisions spark curiosity and reflect the complexities of race relations in Maycomb.

The Plight of Mixed Children

Mixed children face exclusion from both Black and white communities, resulting in a deep sense of identity crisis and belonging.
Jem explains their loneliness and marginalized status due to their mixed heritage.

Segregation in the Courthouse

Racial segregation is displayed in how Black spectators are relegated to the balcony while white individuals occupy the primary seating area.
Scout, Jem, and Dill are guided to the "Colored" section by Reverend Sykes, emphasizing the racial hierarchy ingrained in the legal system.

Architectural Reflection of Maycomb

The Maycomb County courthouse features a blend of architectural styles, symbolizing the town's struggles between tradition and progress.
Scout perceives the contrasting styles as reflective of the community's ties to the past, hinting at an unwillingness to move forward.

The Idlers' Club Observations

The Idlers' Club consists of older men idly discussing court proceedings, depicting a sense of apathy towards meaningful engagement.
Scout learns of Atticus's court appointment to defend Tom Robinson, leading to confusion over the differing opinions on his commitment to the defense, reflecting the contradictions in community values regarding justice.

Description

This quiz focuses on Chapter 16 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. It explores significant imagery and character actions that reflect themes in the novel. Test your knowledge of Scout's memories and the scenes involving Atticus.