To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 18-22

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Questions and Answers

Why does Mayella feel that Atticus is mocking her?

Atticus refers to Mayella as ma'am and miss.

What does Mayella say happened?

Mayella says that Tom raped her and choked her when she called him over to help her chop up a dresser.

How does Mayella's version contradict her father's?

Mr. Ewell claimed that he saw Tom Robinson rape her, but Mayella claims that Tom came in and hollered, who did it?

Why does Atticus begin by asking Mayella a lot of questions about herself and her family?

To provide background about the Ewells, show Mayella's loneliness, and create the opportunity for her to stumble. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom say happened?

Tom says that Mayella called him into the house to fix the door frame, but Mayella actually just started kissing him. Signup and view all the answers

Where were the other Ewells on the day of the alleged rape?

Mayella saved up nickels for a year so that the children could go into town to get ice cream. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom Robinson do after Mayella allegedly raped him?

He runs away from the Ewell home. Signup and view all the answers

What does Link Deas say about Tom Robinson that helps Atticus's case?

Link Deas says that Tom hasn't given him a speck of trouble in the eight years that Tom has worked for him. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. Gilmer's cross-examination of Tom Robinson?

Mr. Gilmer tried to make Tom mess up by throwing a ton of questions at him at once. Signup and view all the answers

When Tom admits that he feels sorry for Mayella Ewell, how do white people in the court react?

The white people are shocked and think that Tom has no right to feel sorry for Mayella. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dill start crying and have to exit the courtroom?

Dill is angry with the unfairness of the court system and how terribly Tom is being treated. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dolphus Raymond pretend to drink liquor? What does Scout think of this?

Raymond uses it to explain his lifestyle to others. Scout thinks that this is dishonest and weird. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dolphus Raymond explain Dill crying?

He said that Dill is only a child and that he will understand it when he gets older. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jem believe the verdict will be?

Jem believes that Tom Robinson will go free. Signup and view all the answers

What surprising thing does Atticus do at the end of his speech to the jury?

Atticus takes his coat off, loosens his clothes, and becomes more casual with the jurors. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Mayella Ewell to accuse Tom of raping her?

Tom is a constant, living reminder to Mayella that she made a mistake. Signup and view all the answers

What does Calpurnia's note to Atticus say?

The note says that Jem and Scout have been missing since 1:18 PM. Signup and view all the answers

What does Reverend Sykes say about his experiences in the court?

He says that he has never seen a jury choose a black man's side over a white man's. Signup and view all the answers

What is the verdict of the jury?

The jury rules Tom guilty. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus mean when he says, 'it seems only that only children weep'?

Atticus is saying that children have more empathy towards society, while adults are used to injustice. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dill want to be when he grows up?

Dill wants to become a clown. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of clown does Dill say he wants to be?

The kind of clown that laughs at the crowd. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Atticus believe actually beat Mayella?

Her dad, Bob Ewell. Signup and view all the answers

What is actually in Dolphus Raymond's brown bag?

Coca-cola. Signup and view all the answers

How old is Mayella?

Nineteen and a half. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Tom's left arm?

It got caught in a cotton gin when he was a boy, tearing all the muscles loose from his bones. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Tom say he ran away even though he was innocent?

He says a black man has to run in any bad situation because most white people would assume he was guilty. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Link Deas when he stood up and vouched for Tom's character?

He gets expelled from the courtroom. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mr. Gilmer trick Tom into saying he felt sorry for Mayella?

To stir up public opinion and anger about the fact that Tom thinks he is 'superior' compared to a white girl. Signup and view all the answers

What shocking thing does Atticus do that shocks even his children? Why does he do this?

He takes off his coat and loosens his tie to point out that the prosecution is relying on racial stereotypes. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Tom's left hand such an important piece of evidence?

Mayella's injuries require a left-handed attacker, and her right eye was bruised, indicating the attacker must be left-handed. Signup and view all the answers

What day did the incident occur?

November 21st. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Mayella say she was on the day she got raped, before the incident occurred?

On her front porch. Signup and view all the answers

What excuse did Mayella give for not remembering the attack?

She said she fainted. Signup and view all the answers

What time was it when Atticus called up his only witness? Who was the witness?

4 PM. The witness was Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mayella burst into tears?

She was afraid of Atticus. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mayella get Tom to come inside the house?

She claimed that the door was off its hinges. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mayella answer for her right eye being blackened?

She said she ducked and his fist must have glanced her right side. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mayella jump a little when asked if November 21st was the first time she asked Tom to come inside the fence?

She was shocked to be asked such a question. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Atticus smiling when it was his turn to cross-examine Mayella?

To put her at ease with him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mayella respond when Atticus asks her if she loves her father?

She asks him to define love and later says he is tolerable. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mayella's appearance differ from her father's?

She looks like she tries to keep clean, unlike her drunken father. Signup and view all the answers

How old is Tom Robinson?

25 years old. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Atticus bring up Tom's past disorderly conduct charge?

To show that Tom has nothing to hide. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Tom have to pass by the Ewell house every day?

To go to work for Link Deas. Signup and view all the answers

What did the black community do to express their gratitude for Atticus? Why?

They brought Atticus baskets of food because even though he lost the case, they know he sacrificed a lot to defend Tom. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the kids told to get off the streets after the trial?

Bob Ewell had spit in Atticus' face and threatened him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ms. Maudie say about the trial?

She says that it's heading in the right direction and that there are some good people out there. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mayella's Testimony and Accusations

Mayella Ewell feels mocked by Atticus due to his respectful address of her as "ma'am" and "miss."
She claims that Tom Robinson raped and choked her while asking for help with a dresser.
Mayella's narrative contradicts her father Bob Ewell's, who asserts he witnessed the assault.

Atticus's Strategy and Evidence

Atticus questions Mayella about her family background to reveal her loneliness and possibly trap her in inconsistencies.
Tom Robinson testifies that Mayella initiated a kiss, contradicting her accusations.
On the day of the alleged incident, Mayella had saved money to take her siblings to town, meaning her father and siblings were absent.

Tom Robinson’s Actions and Character Evidence

Tom ran away from the Ewell home, fearing unjust repercussions despite his innocence.
Link Deas, Tom's employer, testifies that Tom has been trouble-free for eight years, supporting Tom's character.

Courtroom Dynamics and Reactions

Mr. Gilmer cross-examines Tom relentlessly, attempting to confuse him with rapid questioning.
The courtroom is shocked when Tom expresses sympathy for Mayella, seen as offensive by the white audience.
Dill becomes upset over the injustice he witnesses, leading him to leave the courtroom.

Public Perception and Verdict

Dolphus Raymond pretends to drink liquor to explain his lifestyle choices to society; Scout perceives this as odd.
Reverend Sykes reflects on racial biases in jury decisions, noting never seeing a jury favor a black man.
The jury ultimately finds Tom guilty, despite Tom's innocence.

Atticus's Closing Arguments and Observations

Atticus adopts a more casual demeanor to connect with the jurors, removing his coat and loosening his attire.
His message emphasizes the hypocrisy surrounding racism and societal prejudices against African-Americans.
Mayella's accusations seem motivated by her guilt and fear over her past actions rather than truth.

Subsequent Developments and Community Support

Calpurnia communicates with Atticus about the children's absence during the trial.
Following the trial's outcome, the black community expresses gratitude to Atticus with gifts, acknowledging his effort despite the loss.
Bob Ewell threatens Atticus after the verdict, prompting concerns for the children's safety and calls for them to stay off the streets.

Character and Contextual Insights

Mayella, at nineteen and a half, lives in a harsh environment, characterized by her cleanliness compared to her father's disheveled appearance.
Tom Robinson, age 25, has a significant physical scar from a childhood accident that makes instances of left-handed aggression relevant to the case.
Dill aspires to be a clown, representing innocence and a quest for humor amidst troubling societal issues.

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Description

Explore key themes and events from Chapters 18 to 22 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' with these study guide flashcards. Understand the testimonies presented during the trial and the implications for the characters involved, particularly Mayella and Tom Robinson.