To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 27-28 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What three threatening things happen in Maycomb by the middle of October?

Bob Ewell broke into Judge Taylor's house, Bob Ewell lost his job and blamed it on Atticus, and Bob followed Helen Robinson to work.

What part of the Mruna family structure do the Maycomb ladies find particularly offensive?

The tribe's alleged treatment of family.

Why do Atticus and Aunt Alexandra not intend to go to the Halloween pageant?

Aunt Alexandra is tired from putting up decorations all day and Atticus just got into town and was tired.

What is another line of text or plot element that contributes to the foreshadowing of something bad to come, according to Aunt Alexandra?

'Oh nothing, nothing,' she said, 'somebody just walked over my grave.' Signup and view all the answers

Name four elements that leave Jem and Scout especially vulnerable to Mr. Ewell's attack.

It is dark, they have to walk home alone, they are wearing bulky costumes, and they are walking through a wooded area. Signup and view all the answers

Retell the events of the attack from Scout's perspective, considering her ham costume.

It was dark and a little cold. They heard noises, but Scout couldn't see through the metal mesh of her ham costume. Bob Ewell attacked Scout, but her costume saved her from the knife. Signup and view all the answers

What's significant about the clothing that Aunt Alexandra hands to Scout when she arrives home?

They are basically dresses, which she hopes will feminize Scout to be a 'proper' Southern girl. Signup and view all the answers

Who do you think the stranger is that carried Jem home?

I'm thinking it's Boo. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 27 Highlights

Bob Ewell exhibits threatening behavior, including breaking into Judge Taylor's house, losing his job (blaming Atticus for it), and stalking Helen Robinson.
These actions reflect Bob Ewell's malicious and vengeful nature, indicating he poses a serious threat to those associated with Atticus Finch.

Mruna Tribe and Maycomb's Response

The Mruna people, a non-Christian group in Africa, live in poverty and are being converted by missionary J. Grimes Everett.
Maycomb ladies find the tribe's treatment of family, particularly the lack of respect and care, to be offensive.

Halloween Pageant Plans

Aunt Alexandra is too exhausted from decorating to attend the Halloween pageant.
Atticus has just returned home and is also too tired to participate, indicating a sense of familial duty coupled with weariness.

Foreshadowing Dark Events

Aunt Alexandra expresses a sense of unease with her remark about someone walking over her grave, setting an ominous tone for the night.

Vulnerabilities During the Attack

Factors making Jem and Scout particularly vulnerable include:
- Darkness making visibility poor.
- Walking home alone without adult supervision.
- Wearing cumbersome costumes that hinder movement.
- Navigating a wooded area, increasing the risk of an ambush.

Attack Details Through Scout's Perspective

Scout describes the atmosphere as dark and cold; her ham costume limits her visibility.
They hear unsettling noises indicating something is amiss.
During the attack, Bob Ewell attempts to stab Scout, but her costume provides unexpected protection.

Clothing Symbolism

Aunt Alexandra’s choice of clothing for Scout consists of dresses meant to instill traditional femininity and shape Scout into a "proper" Southern girl, reflecting societal expectations of gender roles.

Speculations on Jem's Rescuer

Scout hypothesizes that the stranger who carries Jem home may be Boo Radley, hinting at Boo's potential role as a protector and ally in the narrative.

Description

Dive into the pivotal events of chapters 27 and 28 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' with these flashcards. Explore the themes and character developments surrounding Bob Ewell's threats and the reactions of the Maycomb community. Perfect for studying key components and discussions in this classic novel.