Questions and Answers
What are the main events of chapters 15-16?
Heck Tate and some guys arrive at Atticus's house at night to talk about Tom Robinson's case. Atticus leaves, and Jem, Scout, and Dill find him being questioned by a group of men. During chapter 16, Atticus goes to the courthouse for Tom's trial, and Scout, Jem, and Dill attend as well.
What happens in Chapter 15?
Heck Tate and some men visit Atticus's house concerning Tom Robinson's case. The children follow and witness Atticus confronting a mob.
What occurs in Chapter 16?
Atticus goes to the courthouse for Tom Robinson's trial while Scout, Jem, and Dill also attend.
Describe the events of these chapters in one word.
Signup and view all the answers
List three words that describe Atticus.
Signup and view all the answers
Do you think that Atticus will win the trial? Why or why not?
Signup and view all the answers
What questions do you have about the characters or plot at this stage?
Signup and view all the answers
Draw a symbol which represents these chapters.
Signup and view all the answers
What is your favorite line in these chapters?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'privy' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'acquiescence' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'aggregation' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'elucidate' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'fey' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'champertous' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'sundry' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'venerable' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
Who says 'It's morbid, watching a poor devil on trial for his life. Look at all those folks, it's like watching a Roman carnival... Just because it's public, I don't have to go, do I?'
Signup and view all the answers
What does this quote illustrate about Miss Maudie's character?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the 'nightmare' that has descended upon the children?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does the mob turn up at the jail? What is their intention?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Scout defuse the situation outside the jail without realizing it?
Signup and view all the answers
Why do so many people want to attend the trial?
Signup and view all the answers
We see that the jury is made up of farmers - is this significant?
Signup and view all the answers
Does Judge Taylor take his job seriously? Explain your answer.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Key Events in Chapters 15-16
- Atticus faces a mob at night concerned about Tom Robinson’s trial.
- Jem, Scout, and Dill secretly follow Atticus to check on him.
- Scout diffuses the mob's aggression by speaking to Mr. Cunningham, leading them to disperse.
Chapter 15 Summary
- Heck Tate and a group arrive at Atticus's house to discuss the impending trial of Tom Robinson.
- During the confrontation, Atticus stands firm in his beliefs despite the mob's threats.
Chapter 16 Summary
- The trial of Tom Robinson begins, and Atticus goes to the courthouse.
- Scout, Jem, and Dill sit in the colored section of the courthouse with Reverend Sykes.
- Sheriff Heck Tate is the first to take the stand and testify.
Themes
- Racism is a central theme, highlighted by the trial’s racial dynamics and the community's reactions.
- Innocence and the impact of society on the children are evident as they witness the trial's harsh realities.
Character Analysis of Atticus
- Atticus is portrayed as courageous, wise, and patient.
- His commitment to justice is evident through his decision to defend Tom Robinson despite societal pressures.
Public Perception of the Trial
- Many townspeople attend the trial due to the racial implications involved, underscoring societal prejudices.
- The significance of the trial is elevated by the fact that it involves a white accuser versus a black defendant.
Miss Maudie's Perspective
- Miss Maudie refrains from attending the trial, wishing to avoid the morbid spectacle of Tom Robinson's fight for life.
- Her character illustrates a deep commitment to justice and an awareness of the trial's implications.
The Children’s Experience
- The children face bullying and pressure due to their father's defense of Tom Robinson, illustrating their loss of innocence.
The Mob’s Intent
- The mob gathers at the jail, intending to lynch Tom Robinson, reflecting the violent racial tensions present in Maycomb.
Scout's Innocent Intervention
- Scout unintentionally calms the mob by addressing Mr. Cunningham personally, reminding him of his humanity and responsibilities as a father.
Jury Composition and Community Impact
- The jury, composed mostly of farmers, highlights the community's values and biases, affecting their judgment in the trial.
- Atticus believes in the potential for fairness among the jurors, particularly Mr. Cunningham's influence.
Judge Taylor's Attitude
- Responses may vary; Judge Taylor's demeanor could indicate either a serious or casual approach to his responsibilities, which may influence the trial's atmosphere.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Privy: An outhouse.
- Acquiescence: Reluctant acceptance without protest.
- Aggregation: Formation of a cluster of items.
- Elucidate: To clarify or explain.
- Fey: Suggesting an otherworldly quality.
- Venerable: Commanding respect through age or character.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of key events in Chapters 15 and 16 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Explore themes of racism, innocence, and the courage of Atticus Finch as he navigates the complexities of Tom Robinson's trial. Delve into character analysis and significant moments that shape the narrative.
