To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter Questions

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Questions and Answers

What evidence in the past 2 chapters indicates that Boo is not a threatening figure?

He is kind: gifts in the tree, pants, blanket, Miss Maudie's word.

Why are Scout and Ceil Jacobs fighting?

Ceil is saying that her father defends black people.

How does the fight between Scout and Ceil end?

Scout walks away from the fight because Atticus asked her to.

Who is Atticus defending?

Tom Robinson, a noble black man. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus tell Scout when she asks if he is going to win the case?

He says they will lose because they were beat 100 years before it even started. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout describe Simon Finch's character through her verbal irony?

The internal arrangements indicate his absolute trust of his offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What does Francis say about Atticus?

He calls Atticus a '****** lover'. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout react to Francis's taunts?

She gets incredibly angry and punches him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout explain her behavior to Uncle Jack?

She tells him about what Francis said and that it wasn’t fair to be punished without hearing her side. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Atticus concerned about Scout keeping her head in the upcoming months?

The trial of Tom Robinson is coming up, and there will be more resistance from the community. Signup and view all the answers

What information is provided for the Robinson case as chapter 9 comes to a close?

Atticus doesn't have a case except Tom Robinson's word against the Ewells, but will try to win the appeal. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atticus describe racism?

Racism is a disease and most people go crazy when it is brought up. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Atticus want Scout to hear what he said during his conversation with Uncle Jack?

He wanted her to understand his thoughts about the trial and the town. Signup and view all the answers

What is different about Atticus compared to other fathers?

Atticus is older than most fathers and doesn’t share the same hobbies as them. Signup and view all the answers

In what context is the title 'To Kill A Mockingbird' presented?

It is a sin to kill a mockingbird because all they do is sing to make people happy. Signup and view all the answers

What do mockingbirds symbolize in the novel?

Mockingbirds represent innocence. Signup and view all the answers

Which characters might be considered similar to mockingbirds?

Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Signup and view all the answers

What incident causes people to lock their doors and stay inside?

A mad dog is roaming around the neighborhood. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus do that surprises the children?

Atticus shoots the mad dog. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atticus's action with the mad dog symbolize evil in Maycomb?

The mad dog represents the fear and superiority over blacks. Signup and view all the answers

How do Scout and Jem feel about Mrs. Dubose?

They feel she is a cranky and old racist lady. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jem do to Mrs. Dubose's flowers?

He destroys all of her camellias. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson does Atticus teach Scout about conscience?

A person's conscience doesn't abide by majority rule. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jem's punishment for his actions towards Mrs. Dubose's flowers?

He must read to Mrs. Dubose for two hours every day. Signup and view all the answers

What is odd about Mrs. Dubose's behavior during visits?

She stops speaking and her mouth moves while her head sways. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson does Atticus teach regarding words like '******-lover'?

It's just a meaningless term; consider the person who uses it. Signup and view all the answers

What does the alarm clock by Mrs. Dubose's bed signify?

It signals the time for her morphine medication. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus reveal to Jem and Scout about Mrs. Dubose?

He reveals that she had just died and left a box for Jem. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mrs. Dubose's goal before she died?

To become drug-free before she died. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus say 'real courage' is?

Real courage is fighting against addiction, as Mrs. Dubose did. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson is Atticus attempting to teach Jem through Mrs. Dubose's bravery?

There is more to a person than their outward behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What gift does Mrs. Dubose leave for Jem?

A flower. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the narrator of the novel? What type of narration is used?

The narrator of the novel is Scout and first person point of view is the narration during the novel. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator reveal about her family history in the first several pages?

The family history is dirty, slow, boring, and tired (gloomy) while there's nothing to buy and no money to buy it with. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that most of the townspeople are poor?

Her relative Simon Finch found land, grew cotton, and continued to live on the land until Atticus Finch came along, which indicates that the townspeople are poor. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout describe the way she and her brother feel about their father?

Scout says he reads to them and respects them, though he treats them with 'courteous detachment' meaning he was polite to them but a little distant. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Scout and Jem's mother?

She died early of a heart attack. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Calpurnia? How does Scout describe her?

Calpurnia is the housemaid and was all angles and bones, slim, near-sighted, and African American. One simile was, 'her hand was as wide as a bed slat and twice as hard.' Signup and view all the answers

How does Jem and Scout meet Dill? How does Scout describe the boy?

Scout and Jem strangely heard a noise coming from Miss Rachel Haverford's porch. Later they met Dill and Scout characterizes him as very small for his age, with white hair (very bright blond), and blue linen shorts. Signup and view all the answers

What is frightening to the children about the Radley's house?

Boo Radley is the frightening 'malevolent phantom' that lives in the house. An evil ghost. Signup and view all the answers

Describe some of the rumors surrounding the Radley's house and its inhabitant.

Many rumors that go around are that Boo stabbed his father in the leg, that they chain him to a bed, and that small animals are found dead around the house. Signup and view all the answers

Beginning with the line, 'The misery of that house began many years before Jem and I were born,' briefly summarize what happened to the Radley family.

It all started when they kept all to themselves and didn't talk to anyone in the community. They didn't go to Church and Boo got in trouble and was released to his father on the condition that Boo never caused any trouble again. Signup and view all the answers

How did the townspeople feel about the Radley family? How did they view Mr. Radley in particular?

Many of the townspeople were scared of him and Calpurnia says that Mr. Radley is the 'meanest man God ever blew breath into.' Signup and view all the answers

How does Jem describe Boo when Dill wonders what he looks like?

Jem depicted Boo to be about 6 feet tall, usually dining on raw squirrel and any cat he could catch, which to most was characterized as a monster. Signup and view all the answers

On what dramatic note does chapter 1 end?

At the end of Chapter 1 there was a movement in the shutter. Then Dill ran up to the Radley's house and slapped it. Only later did a shutter move. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Scout's teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher.

Miss Caroline Fisher is around 21 with auburn hair and rosy pink cheeks. She wears a white striped dress with heels and has crimson nail polish. Her teaching methods are irrational because she tells Scout to stop letting her father teach her how to read. Signup and view all the answers

How did Scout learn to read and write?

Scout learned to read and write by picking it up by watching her father read and writing for Calpurnia. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Cunningham clan.

The Cunningham clan are poor farmers who never take anything they cannot pay back with crops. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus say when Scout asks if they are as poor as the Cunninghams?

Atticus says they are indeed poor, but not as poor as the Cunninghams. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Miss Caroline punish Scout?

Scout is punished because she talks back to her teacher. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout do to make Calpurnia furious?

Scout makes a rude comment about Walker Cunningham's use of molasses. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the Ewells, and why are they treated differently than others?

The Ewells are white trash people who are lazy, bad, and dishonest. They can hunt out of season and not have to go to school. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the education levels of Scout, Walter Cunningham, and Buris Ewell.

Scout can read and write because her family taught her, Cunningham misses school to help his dad on the farm, and Ewell misses because he simply doesn't want to go. Signup and view all the answers

What important lesson does Atticus teach Scout about understanding people?

Atticus tells Scout to put herself in their shoes to understand their point of view. Signup and view all the answers

What compromise does Atticus make with Scout at the end of the chapter?

The compromise was if Scout kept going to school, Atticus would keep teaching her how to read. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout find in one of the trees at the edge of the Radley's lot?

Scout finds a piece of gum and several days later they find two Indian heads (pennies) in a tin foil. Signup and view all the answers

What literary term best fits Scout's description of summer?

Metaphor. Signup and view all the answers

Aside from the Radley's place, what other house do the kids avoid?

The children also avoid Mrs. Dubose's house because she is said to be the meanest lady on the street. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Hot Steam'?

A 'Hot Steam' is a person who died and when you walk through a hot steam you'll become one of them when you die. Signup and view all the answers

What game do the children make up in chapter 4?

They make up the game Boo Radley, which is when they act out the Radleys in various ways. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the tire incident.

The tire incident occurred when Jem got mad at Scout and pushed her down a sidewalk inside of a tire. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson. Why does Scout like her so much?

Miss Maudie loves to garden and is almost always outside. Scout adores her because she is honest and kind to her and gives her cake. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout mean when she says that Miss Maudie was a 'chameleon lady'?

She is a chameleon because when she is in her yard she fits into a gardener's mold, then she sits on her porch and seems to change into a different person. Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Maudie say about foot-washing Baptists?

She means that they believe anything pleasurable is a sin. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to Jem to get his pants before morning?

He doesn't want to disappoint Atticus since he would be caught in his lie without the pants. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jem find when he went to retrieve his pants?

Jem found his pants neatly folded and the rip was sewed up. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that the items in the tree are meant specifically for Scout and Jem?

The soap figures look just like them. Signup and view all the answers

Who plugged the knot-hole, and why?

Mr. Nathan Radley plugs the hole up because 'the tree is dying.' Signup and view all the answers

When Jem finally comes in, why does Scout notice he's been crying?

He thinks Boo Radley is actually a good person. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Atticus wake up the children at one o'clock in the morning?

Miss Maudie's house caught on fire. Signup and view all the answers

Who put the blanket around Scout's shoulders?

Boo Radley must have put the blanket on Scout to keep her warm. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1

Scout serves as the first-person narrator of the novel, providing a personal perspective.
The Finch family history is described as gloomy and impoverished, lacking resources and financial stability.
Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s is depicted as poor, illustrated by Simon Finch's cotton farming and land ownership.
Scout views her father, Atticus, as respectful but distantly polite, attributing to their relationship a tone of "courteous detachment."
Scout and Jem's mother passed away from a heart attack.
Calpurnia, the Finch family's maid, is described with a simile comparing her hand to a bed slat: "her hand was as wide as a bed slat and twice as hard."
Dill is introduced as a small boy with bright blond hair and blue shorts, met through noises from Miss Rachel's porch.
The Radley house is frightening to the children, who associate it with Boo Radley, described as a "malevolent phantom."
Rumors about Boo include that he harms animals and peeks into windows, with neighborhood gossip implying many are unfounded.
The Radley family's reclusive behavior began long before Jem and Scout were born, culminating in Boo being shunned after past trouble with the law.
Mr. Radley is known to be feared in the community, seen by Calpurnia as "the meanest man God ever blew breath into."
Jem imagines Boo as a monster characterized by his remote lifestyle, with frightening physical traits.

Chapter 2

Scout's teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher, is depicted as young and naive, failing to appreciate Scout’s existing reading skills, which she attributes to Atticus.
Scout learns reading and writing through her father and Calpurnia's guidance, not from formal education.
The Cunningham clan is portrayed as impoverished farmers who maintain their integrity by not taking what they cannot repay.
Atticus explains to Scout that they are not as poor as the Cunninghams, highlighting the effects of the Great Depression on farmers.
Scout faces punishment for speaking back to Miss Caroline regarding the Cunninghams’ situation.

Chapter 3

Calpurnia reprimands Scout for being unkind to Walter Cunningham, teaching her to treat guests with kindness regardless of their background.
The Ewells, described as a lazy and dishonest family, are allowed privileges such as hunting out of season and skipping school.
Scout, Walter, and Ewell illustrate the intersection of class and education, showcasing their diverse backgrounds.
Atticus emphasizes the importance of empathy through his advice to Scout about understanding others' perspectives.
A compromise is reached where Scout can keep learning from Atticus if she continues attending school.

Chapter 4

Scout finds gum in the Radley's yard, and later, Jem and Scout discover two Indian-head pennies.
The metaphor used to describe summer reflects Scout's deep sensory connection to the season.
The children also avoid Mrs. Dubose’s house due her unkind reputation.
The "Hot Steam" superstition suggests lingering souls haunt those who walk through a steam path.
A game mimicking Boo Radley emerges, reflecting the children’s ongoing fascination with him.
A tire incident leads to Scout rolling into the Radley yard, where they hear someone laughing, which they suspect is Boo.

Chapter 5

Miss Maudie Atkinson is depicted as a kind neighbor who enjoys gardening, establishing her rapport with Scout.
Scout compares Miss Maudie's adaptable personality to a "chameleon."
Foot-washing Baptists are portrayed as strict and judgmental religious figures, limiting enjoyment of life.
The secluded nature of the Radleys is attributed to Mr. Radley’s beliefs about sin and public perception.
Scout’s realization about Miss Maudie contradicts strict religious teachings and encourages a personal view of morality.
Atticus's description of God emphasizes love and compassion, contrasting with rigid religious interpretations.
Miss Maudie critiques Mr. Radley's interpretation of faith, showcasing the destructive potential of misguided beliefs.
Boo Radley is depicted positively by Atticus and Miss Maudie, differing from the children's fearful view.
Jem and Dill devise a plan to send a note to Boo with a fishing pole, showing their ongoing curiosity.

Chapter 6

The children's trespass into the Radley yard initiates a fright when they see a shadow, prompting their retreat.
Jem loses his pants on a wire fence during their escape, with Dill concocting a humorous excuse about poker.
Scout experiences insomnia, personifying her fearful environment as "malignant" and "alive."
Jem feels compelled to retrieve his pants to avoid disappointing Atticus, showcasing his moral integrity.
Jem’s regret about their actions indicates maturity and the seriousness of their encounter with Nathan Radley.

Chapter 7

Odd behavior from Jem arises after finding his pants sewn up and folded, heightening his fears about Boo’s awareness of their activities.
The children discover several items in the knot-hole: twine, a watch, a medal, soap figures, and gum, with the watch being the highlight.
The soap carvings symbolize an apparent friendship from Boo, personalized for Scout and Jem.
Boo is surmised to be leaving gifts, illustrating his attempts to connect with the children.
Mr. Nathan Radley fills the knot-hole with cement, which appears to be a restricting action against Boo’s gestures of friendship.
Atticus’ assertion about the healthy state of the tree contradicts Nathan's explanation, suggesting ulterior motives.
Jem’s tears reflect his understanding of Boo's true character, dispelling prior fears.

Chapter 8

Mrs. Radley's death goes unnoticed due to her seclusion, reflecting the town’s indifference.
The dramatic fire incident at Miss Maudie's house prompts Atticus to wake the children.
Atticus orders them to stand before the Radley's house for safety during the fire response.
A blanket placed around Scout signifies Boo’s care, igniting curiosity and shock in Scout.
Atticus deduces Boo’s involvement based on the blanket, linking him to acts of kindness.
Jem decides to protect Boo by keeping the nature of the blanket a secret from Nathan.
Evidence from recent chapters indicates Boo's kindness through his actions, contradicting his sinister reputation.

Chapter 9

Scout fights with Cecil Jacobs due to derogatory remarks about Atticus defending a black man.
The altercation ends when Scout walks away in obedience to Atticus, feeling proud of her restraint.
Atticus defends Tom Robinson amidst community backlash, emphasizing moral integrity despite societal pressures.
Atticus predicts a loss in the trial, revealing observed racial injustices and the historical context of inequality.### Finch's Landing and Simon Finch
Scout uses verbal irony to comment on Simon Finch's character regarding his "international arrangements."
Simon Finch built his house with a staircase from his daughters' room to his own to monitor their activities, showing his mistrust.

Francis and Racism

Francis refers to Atticus as a "****** lover," illustrating racism within the Finch family, similar to the broader Maycomb community's mentality.
The comment reflects inherited and ingrained prejudice, demonstrating that racism permeates even those who are thought to be more enlightened.

Scout's Reaction to Taunts

Scout reacts to Francis's taunts with anger, leading her to physically punch him.
This action results in reprimands from her Aunt Alexandra and Uncle Jack.

Scout's Conversation with Uncle Jack

Scout explains the unfairness of her punishment, highlighting the abuse of her rights in the context of her fight.
She insists that Uncle Jack keep the incident from Atticus due to the sensitive nature surrounding her father's reputation.

Atticus's Concerns for Scout

Atticus warns that Scout must learn to maintain composure, foreshadowing the tumultuous environment due to the upcoming Tom Robinson trial.
His concern arises from the potential escalation of community hostility and its impact on his children.

Tom Robinson Case Context

As Chapter 9 ends, it is revealed that Atticus lacks strong evidence, with only Tom Robinson's word against the Ewells.
Atticus expresses intentions to appeal rather than abandon the case.

Racism Described by Atticus

Atticus characterizes racism as a pervasive disease that causes individuals to act irrationally when confronted with its implications.

Scout's Understanding of Atticus

Scout reflects on Atticus's purpose in having her overhear his conversation with Uncle Jack, recognizing it was meant to impart wisdom about the trial and community dynamics.

Atticus's Paternal Traits

Atticus distinguishes himself from other fathers by being significantly older and less active in typical fatherly pursuits, presenting a different style of parenting.

The Significance of the Mockingbird

The title "To Kill a Mockingbird" underscores the idea that harming innocence is sinful, symbolized by mockingbirds who exist solely to bring joy.

Mockingbirds as Innocents

Mockingbirds in the narrative symbolize innocence, paralleling characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley who embody goodness yet face societal punishment and disdain.

Impact of the Mad Dog Incident

A mad dog causes panic, prompting residents to lock their doors as a protective measure.

Atticus’s Surprise to the Children

Atticus’s skillful shot to eliminate the mad dog instills pride in Scout and Jem, teaching them about hidden talents and humility.

The Symbolism of the Mad Dog

The mad dog represents the lurking evil and racism in Maycomb, reflecting community fears and prejudiced attitudes.

Mrs. Dubose's Characterization

Scout and Jem view Mrs. Dubose as an unpleasant, racist figure who seems to relish getting them into trouble.

Jem's Act of Defiance

In response to Mrs. Dubose's insults about Atticus, Jem destroys her camellias, showcasing his emotional reaction to her bigotry.

Atticus on Conscience

Atticus explains that personal conscience remains independent of majority opinion, emphasizing moral integrity over societal norms.

Jem's Punishment

Jem is ordered to read to Mrs. Dubose as punishment for his actions, which evokes feelings of fear and anxiety about the encounters.

Mrs. Dubose's State

Each visit reveals Mrs. Dubose’s progressively deteriorating state, as she openly struggles with her addiction, symbolized by the alarm clock dictating her medication schedule.

Atticus on Racism

Atticus responds calmly to Scout's inquiries about Mrs. Dubose's derogatory language, advising her to understand the context of people's pain and ignorance.

Alarm Clock Significance

The alarm clock's gradual delay signifies Mrs. Dubose's decreasing reliance on morphine, highlighting her struggle for recovery.

Atticus's Revelation to the Children

Upon Mrs. Dubose's passing, Atticus informs Jem and Scout of her death, stressing her resilience and determination to overcome addiction before her demise.

Mrs. Dubose's Final Goal

Mrs. Dubose aspired to become free from morphine addiction, aided unknowingly by Jem through their reading sessions, paralleling her fight against her dependence with a quest for redemption.

Atticus on Courage

Atticus reveals that true courage involves confronting personal battles, illustrated by Mrs. Dubose’s fight against her addiction.

Lesson on Empathy

Atticus aims to teach Jem about recognizing the hidden struggles within people like Mrs. Dubose, revealing deeper truths beneath outward appearances.

The Box for Jem

Atticus presents Jem with a box from Mrs. Dubose containing a flower, which angers Jem as it symbolizes the ongoing cycle of racism.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 1 of 'To Kill A Mockingbird' with these flashcards. This quiz focuses on key questions and answers that reveal important themes and character backgrounds. Perfect for students preparing for discussions or exams on this classic novel.