To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 1-11 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What significant event occurred on July 11, 1960?

Best of the Century recognition

Pulitzer Prize awarded

Harper Lee's return to writing

To Kill a Mockingbird published (correct)

What is the significance of the year 1926?

Nelle Harper Lee born

What happened on December 25, 1956?

Lee returns to writing

What does the year 1958 signify?

Writer's block Signup and view all the answers

What prestigious award did Harper Lee receive in 1961?

Pulitzer Prize Signup and view all the answers

What event is associated with December 25, 1962?

To the big screen Signup and view all the answers

What recognition did Harper Lee receive in 1999?

Best of the Century Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about July 2006?

O Magazine essay Signup and view all the answers

What honor did Harper Lee receive on November 5, 2007?

Presidential Medal of Freedom Signup and view all the answers

What happened on November 17, 2014?

Alice Lee dies at the age of 103 Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Harper Lee's novel released on July 14, 2015?

Go Set a Watchman Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred on February 19, 2016?

Harper Lee's death in Monroeville Signup and view all the answers

What does the first paragraph reveal about Jem's personality?

He's stubborn, likes football, and not self-conscious. Signup and view all the answers

Describe your first impressions of Dill.

He's bold. Signup and view all the answers

Find a quote about Dill that you find particularly interesting and important and explain how that quote helps develop his character.

'I'm Charles Baker Harris,' he said. 'I can read.' Signup and view all the answers

Why is Boo fascinating to the children?

He is a mystery. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Scout's relationships with Atticus, Jem, Calpurnia, and Dill.

Atticus- her father 'We were far too old to settle an argument with a fist-fight, so we consulted Atticus. Our father said we were both right.'; Jem- her brother 'When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.'; Calpurnia- family cook 'We lived on the main residential street in town-Atticus, Jem, and I, plus Calpurnia our cook.'; Dill- her new friend 'Folks call me Dill.' Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the attitudes or ideas introduced about the town of Maycomb in Chapter 1?

Pride in ancestry and 'tradition'; pride in conformity and distrust of those who are different; awareness of difference in social classes. Signup and view all the answers

What mistakes does Scout make during her first day at school?

She explains why Walter Cunningham could not take the quarter, was caught writing a letter, and denied the fact that her father taught her to read. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the professional people in Maycomb poor at this time?

Because the Great Depression impacted the farmers making them poor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the WPA, and why won't Mr. Cunningham work for it?

Workers Progress Administration because if he does, his land will be ruined, and he practically lives for his land. Signup and view all the answers

How was North Alabama different from Maycomb County according to Scout?

North Alabama seceded from Alabama on January 11, 1861. 'North Alabama was full of Liquor Interests, Big Mules, steel companies, Republicans, professors, and other persons of no background.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout tell her teacher about Walter Cunningham?

Scout told Miss Caroline that the Cunninghams would not take anything they could not repay. Signup and view all the answers

What assumptions does Miss Caroline make about the students in her class?

Miss Caroline assumes that all of her students have enough money to buy lunch. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Scout beat up Walter Cunningham?

Walter makes Scout start on the wrong foot with Miss Caroline. Signup and view all the answers

What does Calpurnia scold Scout for?

'There's some folks who don't eat like us,... but you ain't called on to contradict 'em at the table when they don't.' Signup and view all the answers

What are the differences between the Cunningham and Ewell families?

The Cunninghams only take things that they can pay back. The EWells are just nasty and disrespectful human beings. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Scout's comment about her first day of school is an example of irony.

It is ironic because most kids wouldn't want to read and write, while Scout wants to do it. Signup and view all the answers

What insight does Scout gain from Atticus's advice about understanding others?

Scout realizes that everybody has a different view about things. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Atticus say the law is rigid for 'common folk' but bent for the Ewells?

Because he knows Bob Ewell neglects his children, and if they don't bend the law for the Ewells, they would just be punishing the children. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atticus respond to Scout's complaints about Miss Caroline?

He responds by saying that Miss Caroline is from the city, and she believes different things than they do. Signup and view all the answers

What objects do the children find in the tree?

Pennies, gum, tinfoil, twine, a pocket watch and knife, soap figures of Jem and Scout, and cement. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout's changing relationship with Calpurnia suggest about Scout's coming of age?

Scout recognizes how much Calpurnia does for her and starts respecting her more. Signup and view all the answers

What game do the children invent?

Boo Radley Game. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the children struggle with what to do with the pennies they find?

They don't want to take from other people. Signup and view all the answers

What might Jem be considering at the end of chapter 4 that younger Scout hasn't thought of?

That Boo Radley is not actually a monster or bad guy. Signup and view all the answers

How does language help characterize the children?

They repeat what they hear. Signup and view all the answers

How does Miss Maudie Atkinson display Southern charm and manners?

She doesn't speak in traditional Southern dialect. Signup and view all the answers

What makes someone a 'foot-washing Baptist' according to Miss Maudie?

They don't like any pleasure, and anything that makes you happy is a sin. Signup and view all the answers

What is Harper Lee's tone toward religion?

'The Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whiskey bottle in the hand of-oh, of your father.' Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the arrival and departure of Dill helps signify the passage of time.

Beginning and end of summer. Signup and view all the answers

What reasons does Jem give for waiting until the last night of summer vacation to approach the Radley house?

He wants to see inside the house better in the dark, Atticus would be deep into a book, and if he died, then he wouldn't have to go to school. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Nathan Radley blame for trespassing on his property?

A black person. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout mean when she says, 'matches were dangerous, but cards were fatal'?

They weren't allowed to gamble, and playing cards would result as the beginning of a life of sin. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jem want to go back to get his pants?

He can't let Atticus find out that he was trespassing. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout mean when she says she 'tried to climb in Jem's skin and walk around in it'?

Go through what he is going through or try thinking like he does. Signup and view all the answers

Who do you think mended Jem's pants?

Boo Radley. Signup and view all the answers

What do Jem and Scout plan to leave in the tree?

A thank you note. Signup and view all the answers

What details suggest that Nathan Radley is lying about the tree being sick?

Atticus looked at the tree and said that it looked healthy. Signup and view all the answers

Scout uses racist language in chapter 8. Does she seem to be racist?

No because she has been taught by her father to not use that language. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how chapter 8 helps develop Scout and Jem's relationship with their father.

Atticus wants Jem and Scout to have respect for their neighbors. Signup and view all the answers

What is Miss Maudie's response to the loss of her home?

She is not upset about losing her house because now she can build a smaller house, which would give her more room for her flowers. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Scout fight with Cecil Jacobs?

Because he said Atticus was defending a negro. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atticus respond when Scout repeats the racist language that she heard at school?

He threatens her not to use those terms. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus ask Scout to do when people talk bad about him or her family?

He asks her to fight with her head not her fists. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Scout curse?

So she can get out of going to school. Signup and view all the answers

How does her father respond to her use of bad language?

He threatens her. Signup and view all the answers

How does her uncle respond to Scout's cursing?

Her uncle gives her a licking. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Aunt Alexandra critical of the way that Atticus is raising Scout?

Because Scout was not becoming a properly dressed lady. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atticus respond to Aunt Alexandra's criticism?

Atticus said there was enough sunshine in this family. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the conversation between Uncle Jack and Atticus.

Uncle Jack doesn't want to get married because he might have kids and feels that he doesn't understand children. Signup and view all the answers

Based on your understanding of Atticus's character, why do you think he isn't interested in guns?

Because he had an unfair advantage over animals. Signup and view all the answers

How does Miss Maudie's information about mockingbirds add to Atticus's comment that 'it's a sin to kill a mockingbird'?

All mockingbirds do is sing their little hearts out. Signup and view all the answers

Based on this passage, what might a mockingbird symbolize?

Innocence. Signup and view all the answers

If the mad dog symbolizes the madness of racism, what is a possible theme introduced in chapter 10?

Atticus is going to destroy the madness of racism. Signup and view all the answers

The character Mrs. Dubose represents...

The racism of the old South. Signup and view all the answers

The conflict between Mrs. Dubose is similar to...

The conflict between Atticus and the rest of the town. Signup and view all the answers

The setting of Mrs. Dubose's house, halfway between the Finch home and town, is significant because...

The children are leaving the safety of home and facing society's disapproval. Signup and view all the answers

Rewrite Atticus's advice as a statement or 'life lesson.'

Be respectful to others even though they are not respectful to you. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Analysis

Jem displays stubbornness and self-assurance, particularly through his love for football.
Dill is depicted as bold and clever, demonstrating intelligence early on by claiming he can read.
Boo Radley intrigues the children due to being surrounded by mystery and local folklore.

Relationships in Maycomb

Scout's relationship with Atticus is based on respect, illustrated when they consult him to settle arguments, showing his fairness.
Jem's character is pivotal as he undergoes growth and changes, indicated by his injury foreshadowing key events.
Calpurnia is a maternal figure who instills values of respect and etiquette in Scout.
Dill brings out Scout's adventurous side and acts as a catalyst for childhood exploits.

Maycomb is characterized as an old, slow town steeped in misplaced pride and tradition, fostering a narrow worldview.
A social hierarchy exists among the families, highlighted by the Cunninghams striving for dignity despite poverty, contrasted with the Ewells’ lack of respect.

School Experiences

Scout's mistakes at school, including misunderstanding class dynamics, highlight her naivety and the generational gap in understanding.
The difficulties of professional people relate directly to the economic impact of the Great Depression, which impoverished many families, including those relying on agriculture.

Themes of Education and Morality

Atticus emphasizes empathy and understanding others, guiding Scout to appreciate diverse perspectives.
Reconciling moral integrity with societal expectations, Atticus teaches Scout to respond to negativity with dignity and intellect.

Symbolism and Foreshadowing

Objects found by the children signify links and communication with Boo Radley, highlighting themes of innocence and the human desire for connection.
The mockingbird symbolizes innocence, foreshadowing the moral lessons around protecting the vulnerable in the community.

Personal Growth and Change

Scout's evolving relationship with Calpurnia signifies growing respect and comprehension of roles within her home.
Jem’s reflections about Boo Radley indicate his maturing understanding of human complexity beyond childhood myths.

Literary Context

The introduction of various southern characters, such as Miss Maudie, illustrates regional charm while also critiquing cultural norms.
Harper Lee presents a critical viewpoint on religion and morality through character dialogues and social interactions.

Major Plot Points

The children’s game surrounding Boo Radley serves as a lens for their developing curiosity about the unknown.
Incidents like Nathan Radley's actions reinforce themes of isolation and community judgment.
The interplay between personal values and societal pressures, as demonstrated in various character interactions, is a central theme of the narrative.

Historical Context

Harper Lee's life milestones, including her birth in 1926 and the publication of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in 1960, align with significant historical events affecting narratives around race, morality, and education in America.

Conclusion

The text is a rich exploration of childhood, moral dilemmas, and the intricacies of human behavior within a culturally distinctive southern town, providing a nuanced foundation for deeper thematic discussions.

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Description

Test your understanding of key characters and their traits in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' from chapters 1 to 11. This quiz explores insights into Jem's personality and Dill's character development through significant quotes and interpretations.