To Kill a Mockingbird - Chapters 21-25 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who explains, 'People like Mr. Heck Tate did not trap you with innocent questions to make fun of you; even Jem was not highly critical unless you said something stupid...'

Scout

According to ___________, 'the last thing he said to Atticus before they took him down to the prison camp was, "Goodbye, Mr. Finch, there ain't nothin' you can do now, so there ain't no use tryin'.'

Calpurnia

Who said, 'They shot him...He was running'? What happened according to this person?

Atticus

Who tries to make Alexandra view the situation in a different light by saying, 'Have you ever thought of it this way, Alexandra?'?

Miss Maudie Signup and view all the answers

What stops Scout from killing a roly-poly bug?

Jem stops her Signup and view all the answers

According to __________, when Helen saw Atticus in her yard, she suddenly collapsed.

Dill Signup and view all the answers

Which character said, 'To Maycomb, Tom's death was typical. Typical of a ****** to cut and run.'?

Bob Ewell Signup and view all the answers

Who compared Tom's death to 'the senseless slaughter of songbirds'?

Mr. Underwood Signup and view all the answers

At first, who wondered how Tom's death could be characterized as a senseless killing?

Scout Signup and view all the answers

According to Stephanie Crawford, who said that Tom's death 'made one down and about two more to go'?

Mr. Ewell Signup and view all the answers

What does the note say that Calpurnia gives to Atticus?

Jem and Scout are missing; they have not been seen since noon. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Jem certain that Tom Robinson will be acquitted?

He thinks the jury will decide the case based on the evidence, not on its prejudices. Signup and view all the answers

What does Reverend Sykes say about his experiences in court?

He has never seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man. Signup and view all the answers

What is Scout remembering as everyone waits for the verdict?

She is recalling the day the rabid dog stalked down the street. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout notice about the jurors' behavior when they come in?

Not one of them looked at Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jem react to the verdict?

He is shocked and bewildered. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think Atticus whispers to Tom Robinson just before he leaves the courtroom?

He likely tells Tom that they will appeal the case. Signup and view all the answers

What do the black spectators do as Atticus leaves the courtroom?

They stand up in respect for him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus mean when he says, it 'seems that only children weep'?

He means that the jury acted unjustly and that adults are ignorant or unwilling to express outrage. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the food sent by Maycomb's black community hold for Atticus?

It shows their appreciation for his defense of Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jem relate to the metaphor of a caterpillar in a cocoon?

He feels safe among the people of Maycomb but realizes their moral complexities after the trial. Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Maudie mean when she says, 'we're making a step—it's just a baby step, but it's a step'?

She means that Maycomb may be gradually overcoming its racist ideology. Signup and view all the answers

What declaration does Dill make about his future while watching adults gossip?

He says he will be a clown when he grows up. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Ewell do to Atticus earlier that morning?

He stopped Atticus in town and spat in his face. Signup and view all the answers

What are Aunt Alexandra's reasons regarding the Ewells?

She implies that they would do anything to pay off a grudge. Signup and view all the answers

What is optimistic about Tom's case, according to Atticus?

Once the higher court reviews his case, Tom has a good chance of going free or getting a new trial. Signup and view all the answers

What will Tom's punishment be if he is found guilty on appeal, and why?

He will be sentenced to death because rape is a capital offense in Alabama. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus mean when he says, '...it's all adding up and one of these days we're going to pay the bill for it'?

He means that the white population will eventually face consequences for their injustices against the black community. Signup and view all the answers

What are three reasons many Maycomb citizens do not want to serve on a jury?

They fear retribution, are uninterested, and dislike having to declare themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus say about one of the jurors that indicates 'the shadow of a beginning'?

One juror held out for a long time for an outright acquittal. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout respond when she learns about the Cunningham juror?

She plans to invite Walter Cunningham home for dinner. Signup and view all the answers

What physical signs indicate that Jem is growing up?

He shows Scout the beginnings of hair growth on his chest and under his arms. Signup and view all the answers

What upset Scout more than anything else according to her explanation to Jem?

Aunt Alexandra called Walter Cunningham 'trash'. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jem describe the social hierarchy in Maycomb?

He says there are ordinary folks, the Cunninghams, the Ewells, and the Negroes. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jem define 'background'? What is Scout's response to his theory?

He says it relates to the ability to read and write, but Scout argues it's learned and not innate. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does Jem draw about Boo Radley?

He thinks Boo stays inside because he wants to. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the Mrunas and why is the missionary circle interested in them?

The Mrunas are a tribe that the missionary circle is trying to civilize and Christianize. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Mrs. Merriweather's statement on forgiveness regarding Maycomb's black community?

She believes the black community needs forgiveness from whites for the trial and its aftermath. Signup and view all the answers

Whom is Mrs. Merriweather referring to when she says, 'there are some good but misguided people in this town'?

She is referring to Atticus and his defense of Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Courtroom Tension

A note reveals Jem and Scout are missing; Calpurnia conveys the news to Atticus during the trial.
Jem expresses confidence in Tom Robinson's acquittal, believing the jury will focus on the evidence over racial biases.

Racism in the Courtroom

Reverend Sykes shares his disbelief, noting he's never seen a jury favor a Black man over a white man.
Scout recalls a previous encounter with fear during a mad dog's appearance, paralleling the anxiety in the courtroom.
The behavior of the jurors when entering suggests a guilty verdict, as they avoid looking at Tom Robinson.

Reactions to the Verdict

Jem is devastated when the jury declares Tom guilty, feeling betrayed and emotionally affected.
Atticus maintains his composure despite the disappointment, likely having anticipated the verdict.

Community Response

After the trial, the Black community shows gratitude to Atticus by sending food, highlighting their respect for him.
Atticus is moved by the gesture, emphasizing that times are tough and gratitude shouldn’t be expected.

Themes of Innocence and Maturity

Jem feels trapped in a loss of innocence, likening it to a caterpillar in a cocoon, realizing the harsh realities of Maycomb.
Miss Maudie expresses hope that change is possible, citing efforts from people like Judge Taylor to aid Tom Robinson.

Dill reveals his cynicism about human nature, opting for a life of humor amidst adult hypocrisy.
Atticus discusses the apathy of citizens regarding jury duty, highlighting personal fears and community dynamics.

Class and Prejudice

Aunt Alexandra expresses disdain for the Cunninghams, showcasing her class biases, which upset Scout.
Jem identifies a social hierarchy in Maycomb, underscoring the prevailing prejudices among different groups.

Changing Perspectives

Scout and Jem discuss educational disparities, with Jem’s view challenged by Scout’s perspective on equality.
Jem grapples with his understanding of Boo Radley's seclusion, relating it to human behavior towards one another.

Miss Maudie's Commentary

Miss Maudie criticizes Mrs. Merriweather's patronizing views on the Black community's need for forgiveness.
Scout learns about the insensitivity in Maycomb’s white community towards the injustices faced by the Black population.

The Aftermath

The tragic fate of Tom Robinson is revealed, highlighting the depths of racism within the justice system.
Mrs. Merriweather's comments reflect widespread ignorance regarding the impacts of racial injustice.

Conclusions on Humanity

Miss Maudie attempts to shift Alexandra's perspective, noting how the Finch family honors Atticus' moral compass.
The incident with the roly-poly bug emphasizes the theme of innocence and the importance of compassion towards the vulnerable.### Characters and Their Perspectives
Dill: Observed Helen's reaction upon seeing Atticus, indicating she had an intuitive sense of distress prior to hearing the news of Tom's death.
Bob Ewell: Expressed a racist view on Tom's death, suggesting that it aligned with a stereotypical mentality and behavior attributed to black individuals in Maycomb.

Metaphors and Themes

Mr. Underwood: Used the metaphor comparing Tom's death to "the senseless slaughter of songbirds," highlighting innocence lost and tying directly to the novel’s title, To Kill a Mockingbird. This reflects a central theme of the narrative regarding the destruction of innocents.

Legal Perspective

Scout: Initially struggled to comprehend how Tom's legal execution could be considered senseless, emphasizing the legal process he underwent and the efforts of her father, Atticus, to defend him.

Mr. Ewell: Made a callous remark post-Tom's death, implying that his passing was insignificant and that he represented just another life lost in an ongoing cycle of violence and oppression.

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Test your knowledge of Chapters 21-25 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' with these flashcards. Each card provides key terms and definitions relevant to the plot and character actions in these crucial chapters. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of the material.