To Kill a Mockingbird

Questions and Answers

How does Scout describe the night of the pageant?

Clear

Sunny

Foggy

Pitch black (correct)

What mood is suggested by Scout's description of the night?

Suspense and foreboding.

How have Scout's feelings about Boo Radley changed since the beginning of the novel?

She is no longer frightened of him and believes he means no harm.

What other childhood fears have Jem and Scout left behind?

Haints, Hot Steams, incantations, secret signs. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the simile that Scout uses to describe the fading of childhood fears.

As mist with sunrise. Signup and view all the answers

What do Scout and Jem hear as they pass by the edge of the Radley property?

A lone mockingbird singing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the mockingbird scene?

It symbolizes innocence and foreshadows potential harm coming to the children. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mrs. Merriweather accuse Scout of ruining the pageant?

Because Scout fell asleep and missed her cue. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout feel about Jem in this chapter?

She appreciates his maturity and support. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout think about Jem after he sympathizes with her?

She thinks he is becoming almost as good as Atticus at comforting her. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly summarize Jem and Scout's journey from the school to the big oak tree.

They walk home in the dark, hear noises, and sense someone following them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 28 - Key Events and Themes

The night is described as dark, cloudy, and windy, creating an atmosphere of suspense and foreboding, resembling the calm before a thunderstorm.
Scout's fear of the Radley house has diminished; she now understands Boo Radley poses no harm, showcasing her character growth.
Scout uses the simile, "Haints, Hot Steams, incantations, secret signs, had vanished with our years as mist with sunrise," reflecting the loss of childhood superstitions.

Symbolism

A mockingbird sings high in the tree, symbolizing innocence; it may represent Boo Radley as Scout recognizes his harmless nature.
The mockingbird can also symbolize Jem and Scout, innocent children navigating a dark, intimidating world, foreshadowing potential threats to their innocence.

Pageant Incident

Mrs. Merriweather rebukes Scout for missing her cue during the pageant due to falling asleep, indicating her rigid demeanor and lack of understanding for children's moments of fatigue.

Sibling Dynamics

Scout expresses growing respect for Jem, accepting his maturity and feeling grateful for his support; her acknowledgment of his gallantry shows her changing perception of him.
Jem comforts Scout after Mrs. Merriweather’s criticism, demonstrating his empathy and growth, as Scout compares him to Atticus for his ability to console.

Suspenseful Journey

Scout and Jem decline a ride home, leading to a tense walk back to school when Scout realizes she forgot her shoes.
The mood becomes increasingly suspenseful as they encounter odd sounds, heightening their fear; Jem suspects someone is following them, contributing to their anxiety.

Climax of Tension

As the figure following them suddenly approaches, the tension escalates; Scout's cumbersome costume impedes her ability to escape, leading to a moment of crisis.

Description

Explore the atmospheric elements in Chapter 28 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' through flashcards. This chapter is characterized by a suspenseful mood created by dark and ominous weather conditions. Analyze how these elements contribute to the overall tone of the story.