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Questions and Answers
What happens in Chapter 15?
What happens in Chapter 15?
Chapter 15 involves events surrounding a mob that comes to confront Atticus over Tom Robinson's impending trial.
Who goes to talk to Atticus?
Who goes to talk to Atticus?
Mr. Heck Tate
What did Scout say were the only two reasons Maycomb grown men stood outside in the front yard?
What did Scout say were the only two reasons Maycomb grown men stood outside in the front yard?
Death and politics
When Atticus came back inside, what did Jem think the men were there for?
When Atticus came back inside, what did Jem think the men were there for?
Why has a group of men come to talk to Atticus?
Why has a group of men come to talk to Atticus?
From whom to whom is this quote spoken, what is happening in this scene and why is it significant: '...in favor of Southern womanhood as much as anybody, but not for preserving polite fiction at the expense of human life'?
From whom to whom is this quote spoken, what is happening in this scene and why is it significant: '...in favor of Southern womanhood as much as anybody, but not for preserving polite fiction at the expense of human life'?
Later that night, what was Atticus taking with him?
Later that night, what was Atticus taking with him?
What did Scout say was unusual about Atticus that night?
What did Scout say was unusual about Atticus that night?
What did Scout say about if one individual went for a walk?
What did Scout say about if one individual went for a walk?
How did Jem and Scout get Dill's attention when they snuck out of the house?
How did Jem and Scout get Dill's attention when they snuck out of the house?
Where did the children find Atticus?
Where did the children find Atticus?
Why didn't Jem want Scout to go to her father?
Why didn't Jem want Scout to go to her father?
What happens while the children are waiting for Atticus?
What happens while the children are waiting for Atticus?
Why does Scout run to Atticus, and why does Jem try to stop her?
Why does Scout run to Atticus, and why does Jem try to stop her?
When Atticus wants the children to go home, why does Jem refuse to take them?
When Atticus wants the children to go home, why does Jem refuse to take them?
How does Scout unintentionally help when she realizes that Mr. Cunningham is there?
How does Scout unintentionally help when she realizes that Mr. Cunningham is there?
At the end of the chapter, who do we hear from for the first time?
At the end of the chapter, who do we hear from for the first time?
What did Scout think Atticus was doing to Jem while she and Dill were walking slower behind?
What did Scout think Atticus was doing to Jem while she and Dill were walking slower behind?
What happened with Atticus and Jem after they passed the streetlight?
What happened with Atticus and Jem after they passed the streetlight?
What do we learn about Aunt Alexandra's concerns at the beginning of Chapter 16?
What do we learn about Aunt Alexandra's concerns at the beginning of Chapter 16?
How does Atticus put Aunt Alexandra in her place?
How does Atticus put Aunt Alexandra in her place?
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Study Notes
Chapter 15 Key Points
- Mr. Heck Tate visits Atticus to discuss concerns regarding the potential violence surrounding Tom Robinson's impending transfer to jail.
- In Maycomb, men gather outside for only two reasons: death and politics, highlighting the town's social dynamics.
- Jem suspects the men outside intend to attack Atticus, perceiving them as a gang.
- Atticus takes an electrical extension cord and a light bulb, signifying preparation for an uncertain situation later that night.
- Atticus typically walks everywhere for exercise, making his decision to take the car unusual and indicative of the seriousness of the situation.
Children’s Actions and Confrontation
- Jem and Scout sneak out to find Dill, demonstrating their adventurous spirit and disregard for danger.
- The children discover Atticus at the Maycomb Tribune Office, where he is guarding Tom Robinson against a mob.
- A mob arrives intent on lynching Tom Robinson, posing a threat to Atticus, illustrating the racial tensions in the South.
- Scout mistakenly assumes the mob consists of familiar men, showcasing her innocence, while Jem is aware of the danger and tries to protect her.
Scout's Impact
- During the confrontation, Scout recognizes Mr. Cunningham in the mob and innocently engages him about his son, reminding him of his role as a father.
- This interaction humanizes the situation for Mr. Cunningham, leading him to reconsider his actions and ultimately disband the mob, showcasing the power of innocence and empathy.
Key Developments
- This chapter marks the first time Tom Robinson is mentioned directly, foreshadowing his significance in the narrative.
- After the tense events, Scout misinterprets Atticus's behavior towards Jem as parental reprimand, highlighting her naivety.
Chapter 16 Overview
- Aunt Alexandra displays a preoccupation with social appearances, criticizing Atticus's discussions about race in front of Calpurnia, revealing class and racial prejudices.
- Atticus challenges Aunt Alexandra's concerns, emphasizing the importance of integrity and truth over societal expectations.
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