To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 1 Quiz & Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

In the beginning of the novel, who first gives Scout and Jem the idea of making Boo Radley come out of his house?

Dill

What careers do Atticus and his brother Jack pursue?

Lawyer (correct)

Engineer

Teacher

Doctor (correct)

How old are Scout and Jem at the beginning of the story?

Scout is 6 years old and Jem is 10 years old.

When did Atticus' wife die and who helps him raise his young children?

His wife died from a sudden heart attack. Calpurnia helped to raise the children. Signup and view all the answers

According to Miss Stephanie, what did Boo Radley do one day when clipping items from the Maycomb Tribune?

Boo Radley drove scissors into his parent's leg and then pulled them out continuing with his activities. Signup and view all the answers

Who moved into the Radley house when Boo's father died?

Mr. Nathan Signup and view all the answers

Why does Miss Caroline look at Scout 'with faint distaste' on the first day of school?

Miss Caroline felt Scout was literate and also told her to tell her father to not teach reading anymore. Signup and view all the answers

What information does Scout give Miss Caroline about the Cunninghams?

Scout tells Miss Caroline that Walter Cunningham has never had lunch before and won't take money from people because he can't return the same amount. Signup and view all the answers

Who tells Scout that she must be polite to Walter Cunningham?

Jem Signup and view all the answers

Why does Scout want to quit school?

Scout wants to quit school because her teacher told her that she can't have her father read to her anymore. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Boo Radley game that the children play in Chapter 4.

Jem created the game where Jem, Dill, and Scout make and tell stories about the Radley life, each pretending to be different family members. Signup and view all the answers

What two reasons does Scout give for quitting the Boo Radley game?

Atticus arrived unexpectedly Signup and view all the answers

How do the children attempt to pass a note to Boo Radley in Chapter 5?

By putting it on the end of a fishing pole and trying to stick it through the shutters. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nathan Radley's response to the children's attempt to see into the house?

Nathan Radley fires his shotgun but hit no one in his attempt. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of Chapter 6, why does Jem return to the Radley place alone?

Jem returns because everyone knows that he was missing pants when he arrived with everyone else. Signup and view all the answers

What is known about Harper Lee's background?

Harper Lee grew up in Alabama in the 1920s, developed a strong passion for literature in high school, dropped out of college to pursue literature, published 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in July 1960, and died at age 89 in 2016. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Great Depression?

The Great Depression was the worst economic event in history, occurring in 1929, and did not really end until the beginning of World War II. Signup and view all the answers

How was the Rural South affected by the Great Depression?

It was greatly affected because they were poor, crop sales decreased, and farmers were adversely impacted. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during the Scottsboro Boys Trial?

Men and women were riding on a train in Alabama in 1931, many illegally. Two women made up a case and were believed when 9 men were accused. Signup and view all the answers

What events characterized the 1930s?

Prices were much lower, the US suffered a severe drought leading to the Dust Bowl, and technology was gradually increasing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Their Backgrounds

Dill inspires Scout and Jem to try and make Boo Radley come out of his house.
Atticus Finch is a lawyer, while his brother Jack is studying medicine.
Scout is introduced as a 6-year-old girl, with her older brother Jem being 10.

Family Dynamics

Atticus Finch's wife died from a heart attack; she was 15 years younger than him.
Calpurnia plays a significant role in raising Atticus's children.

School Experiences

Miss Stephanie Crawford provides Jem with information about Boo Radley; he allegedly harmed himself during childhood.
Scout's teacher, Miss Caroline, disapproves of Scout’s literacy, leading to misunderstandings about her home education.
Scout tries to explain the Cunningham family's situation to Miss Caroline, but her insights are dismissed.

Jem encourages Scout to show politeness to Walter Cunningham.
Scout contemplates quitting school after being told to stop reading at home due to Miss Caroline's teaching style.

Games and Adventures

The Boo Radley game, concocted by Jem, involves the children pretending to be members of the Radley family.
Scout quits playing the game after hearing laughter from the Radley house and out of concern for getting caught by Atticus.

Attempts to Reach Boo Radley

The children creatively attempt to send a note to Boo Radley using a fishing pole and a piece of paper.
Nathan Radley responds to their activities by firing a shotgun, inducing confusion and concern among the children.

Guilt and Secrets

Jem returns to the Radley house at night to retrieve his pants, fearing that if discovered, it would implicate Atticus in their mischief.

Historical Context

Harper Lee, author of "To Kill a Mockingbird," grew up in 1920s Alabama, mirroring Scout's age in 1932; she dropped out of college to pursue writing, publishing her famous work in 1960.
The Great Depression began in 1929, marking a severe economic downturn, with lingering effects up to World War II.
The Rural South faced significant hardships during the Great Depression, compounded by poor agricultural conditions.
The Scottsboro Boys Trial in 1931 highlighted racial injustices, where false accusations led to wrongful arrests of nine men.
The 1930s featured low prices, a severe drought causing the Dust Bowl, and gradual technological advancements, alongside societal issues including the persecution of Jews.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first six chapters of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' along with some background information. This quiz covers character introductions and key events that set the stage for the story. Perfect for both new readers and those refreshing their memory!

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 1-6