To Kill A Mockingbird Chapters 15-20 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why does Scout say their peace ended after one week?

Because the Tom Robinson trial was beginning, which stirred the people of Maycomb.

Describe Dill's latest plan to get Boo to come out.

He wanted to place a lemon drop trail leading from the Radleys' backyard to the front lawn.

What is Atticus's response when Jem asks if the men who came to the house were a gang?

There were no gangs in Maycomb anymore.

What does Jem tell Scout he fears?

That someone will hurt Atticus since he is defending Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

Where do the children find Atticus after he leaves the house late at night?

In front of the jailhouse. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the men come to the jailhouse?

To kill Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout break up the lynch mob?

By asking Mr. Cunningham Sr. about his son Walter. Signup and view all the answers

What had Mr. Underwood been doing the whole time?

Protecting Atticus from above with his rifle ready. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atticus explain mobs to the children?

He says that the men have blind spots; they don't understand how to accept black people. Signup and view all the answers

Why do so many people dislike Dolphus Raymond?

He is a drunken man who spends time with black people. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jem say that mixed children are sad?

They aren't accepted in society. Signup and view all the answers

With whom do the children sit with in the courtroom?

Reverend Sykes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Judge Taylor like?

Signup and view all the answers

What question does Atticus ask the sheriff three times?

If he had called a doctor. Signup and view all the answers

What excuse does Mr. Ewell give for not running after Tom Robinson?

He says that he was more concerned about Mayella. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. Ewell's attitude while testifying?

He was very confident that he was going to win the case. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mayella think that Atticus is mocking her?

Because he's calling her Miss Mayella and being respectful to her. Signup and view all the answers

What was wrong with Tom's left arm?

It was caught in a cotton gin as a boy; therefore, it is not completely limp and useless. Signup and view all the answers

According to Tom, where had Mayella's brothers and sisters gone on the evening in question?

He said that Mayella gave them money to go in town to buy some ice cream. Signup and view all the answers

What was Tom's version of what happened to Mayella?

She invited him inside to fix a door in her home; she later asked him to get on a chair and get a box down from a chiffarobe and began to hug and kiss him while he resisted. Signup and view all the answers

When Atticus asks Tom why he ran, what is his response?

That if Atticus was a black man, he would have run too. Signup and view all the answers

What mistake does Tom make when Mr. Gilmer is questioning him?

He tells the jury that he felt bad for Mayella; which offended the white people of the jury. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dolphus Raymond pretend to be drunk?

He says that it gives the people a reason for the way he chose to live. Signup and view all the answers

Why wasn't Reverend Sykes confident that Atticus would win?

Because he'd never seen a black man win over a white man. Signup and view all the answers

When the jury returns, what does Scout observe about them?

They don't look at Tom Robinson because he is the one they convict guilty. Signup and view all the answers

What was the verdict and how did Jem react?

Tom was found guilty and Jem was shocked and thought it was unfair. Signup and view all the answers

According to Atticus, what is the one thing in the country that really makes everyone equal?

The right to a trial by jury. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Atticus's eyes to fill with tears?

The food brought over by the many blacks of Maycomb in respect of him defending Tom. Signup and view all the answers

What had Bob Ewell done to Atticus?

Spit in his face. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Tom?

Tom is killed by prison guards because he was believed to have been attempting to escape. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Chapters 15-20

Dill's stay in Maycomb ends due to the attention brought by the Tom Robinson trial.
Dill devises a plan involving lemon drops to entice Boo Radley outside.

Mob Scene at the Jail

Atticus is confronted by a mob seeking to lynch Tom Robinson outside the jail.
Jem fears for Atticus's safety due to his defense of Tom.
Scout diffuses the lynch mob by engaging Mr. Cunningham Sr. in conversation about his son, reminding the mob of their humanity.
Mr. Underwood provides protection from above with a rifle during the mob scene.

Courtroom Dynamics

Atticus explains to the children that mobs have blind spots and fail to recognize humanity in others.
Dolphus Raymond is disliked for his association with Black people and is viewed as a drunken outcast.
Children sit with Reverend Sykes during the trial, gaining perspective on the events unfolding.

Testimonies and Observations

Sheriff Tate is questioned by Atticus about whether he called a doctor following the incident involving Mayella.
Mr. Ewell’s testimony reveals his assertiveness and disregard for concerns regarding Mayella, claiming his focus was solely on her.
Mayella misinterprets Atticus's respectful manner as mockery, highlighting class and race tensions.

Tom Robinson's Defense

Tom's left arm is injured and non-functional due to an accident in a cotton gin, affecting his physical capabilities.
Tom explains to Atticus that Mayella's siblings were sent for ice cream, suggesting they were not present during the alleged incident.
Tom describes an encounter with Mayella that included unwanted advances, which he resisted.
Tom's empathic remark towards Mayella causes offense among the all-white jury.

Verdict and Reactions

Judge Taylor maintains order in the courtroom while navigating racial biases.
Reverend Sykes expresses doubt about the outcome due to historical prejudices against Black defendants.
The jury's guilty verdict for Tom Robinson shocks Jem, who views it as a profound injustice.
Atticus asserts that the right to a fair jury trial is a fundamental equalizer in society.

Aftermath and Consequences

Atticus is emotionally moved by gestures of support from the Black community following the verdict.
Bob Ewell confronts Atticus by spitting in his face, illustrating the escalating racial tensions and personal vendettas.
Tom Robinson is tragically killed while trying to escape from prison, highlighting the brutal realities faced by Black individuals in this society.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key events and characters from chapters 15 to 20 of 'To Kill A Mockingbird'. This quiz features flashcards covering important moments, themes, and character motivations during the Tom Robinson trial. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of the text.