To Kill a Mockingbird - Chapters 28 & 29

Questions and Answers

What mood is suggested by Scout's description of the night of the pageant?

An atmosphere of suspense and foreboding.

Identify the simile that Scout uses to explain the disappearance of her fears.

Haints, Hot Steams, incantations, secret signs had vanished with our years as mist with sunrise.

What is the significance of the scene of Scout and Jem by the oak tree on the way to the pageant?

The mockingbird symbolizes innocence and foreshadows potential danger to Scout and Jem's safety.

Why does Mrs. Merriweather accuse Scout of ruining the pageant?

She believes Scout missed her cue and disrupted the performance. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout feel about Jem in Chapter 28? What does she say about him after he sympathizes with her?

Scout feels respect and appreciation for Jem, noting he is almost as good as Atticus at comforting her. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the mood Harper Lee creates of suspense and foreboding as Jem and Scout begin their walk home.

The atmosphere is tense and ominous, amplified by the darkness and unusual occurrences. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Scout and Jem arrive at the tree?

Scout feels something crushing her costume as a stranger attacks them. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout see when she looks down the road after the attack?

She sees a man carrying Jem in his arms, looking distressed. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the stranger that carries Jem home?

The stranger is Boo Radley. Signup and view all the answers

What literary term does Scout's line about waiting feel like 'ten forevers' demonstrate?

Hyperbole. Signup and view all the answers

What are Jem's injuries, according to Dr. Reynolds?

Jem has a bump on his head and a broken arm. Signup and view all the answers

As Scout looks at the man who carried Jem home, what are her thoughts?

She does not recognize him and assumes he just happened to be there. Signup and view all the answers

According to Sheriff Tate, what is lying under the big oak tree?

The body of Bob Ewell. Signup and view all the answers

An example from Chapter 28 that demonstrates the circular plot structure of the novel is?

Jem's broken arm brings the narrative back to the beginning of the story. Signup and view all the answers

What other childhood fears and/or superstitions have Jem and Scout left behind?

They have left behind fears of Boo Radley and various ghostly legends. Signup and view all the answers

How have Scout's feelings about Boo Radley changed since the beginning of the novel?

She is no longer frightened of Boo and understands he means no harm. Signup and view all the answers

As Scout and Jem pass by the edge of the Radley property, what do they hear in the tree?

A lone mockingbird singing. Signup and view all the answers

When do you suppose Boo Radley came out of his house?

When Jem yelled loud enough to wake the dead. Signup and view all the answers

How did Scout's costume probably save her life?

The chicken wire prevented the knife from going through to her body. Signup and view all the answers

According to Heck Tate, why did Bob Ewell go after Scout and Jem instead of Atticus?

Because he was too cowardly to face Atticus himself. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout describe Boo Radley?

He is extremely pale, thin, and looks like he may be blind. Signup and view all the answers

How does she react when she finally realizes that it was Boo who saved her and Jem?

She is overcome with emotion and starts crying. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 28 and 29 Overview

An atmosphere of suspense and foreboding is established through the description of a pitch-black night, heightening emotional tension for Scout and Jem.
Scout’s fears of “Haints, Hot Steams” dissipate, illustrated by a simile likening their fading to mist disappearing in sunlight.

Symbolism of the Mockingbird

The mockingbird symbolizes innocence, reflecting characters like Boo Radley, who represents harmlessness, and Scout and Jem, innocent children navigating danger.
Foreshadowing hints at potential threats to their innocence during their dark journey.

Pageant Events

Mrs. Merriweather's lengthy monologue causes Scout to miss her cue, leading to her rushed onstage appearance, which is met with laughter from the audience but disapproval from Mrs. Merriweather.
Scout feels ashamed after Mrs. Merriweather accuses her of ruining the pageant.

Scout and Jem’s Relationship

Scout's admiration for Jem grows; she appreciates his gallant act of carrying her costume and his comforting response after Mrs. Merriweather’s harsh comment.

Mood of Suspense during the Walk Home

The darkness envelops Scout and Jem, contributing to a menacing mood; their decision to decline a ride home proves to be unwise amidst the eerie silence and ominous signs.

Attack Scene

As the children walk home, they are suddenly attacked; Scout, tangled in her costume, struggles against the assailant while Jem gets knocked down.
Amidst chaos, Boo Radley emerges to protect Scout and Jem, reversing their earlier fears of him.

Aftermath of the Attack

Scout sees a man carrying Jem, later recognized as Boo, during a frantic moment after the attack; she observes his physical frailty and care.

Bob Ewell's Fate

The chapter concludes dramatically with Bob Ewell's lifeless body found under the oak tree, discovered by Sheriff Tate.

Circular Plot Structure

Jem's broken arm at the end connects to the novel’s beginning, framing the entire story as a reflection on events leading to this moment.

Growth and Courage

Scout and Jem mature, discarding many childhood fears, including their initial trepidation about Boo Radley, whom Scout now recognizes as non-threatening.

Boo Radley’s Emergence

Boo likely intervened when Jem shouted for help, demonstrating a pivotal protective action and a shift in their understanding of his character.

Costume's Role in Survival

Scout’s costume, made of chicken wire, potentially saves her from fatal harm during the attack, symbolizing innocence in peril.

Bob Ewell's Cowardice

Bob Ewell targets the children rather than confronting Atticus directly, revealing his cowardice and reliance on intimidation against vulnerable targets.

Description of Boo Radley

Scout describes Boo as pale, thin, and undernourished, emphasizing his reclusive nature and the impact of isolation on his appearance.

Emotional Reunion with Boo

Upon realizing Boo saved them, Scout is overwhelmed with emotion, signifying her transformation in understanding and compassion toward him.

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Description

Dive into the suspenseful atmosphere of Chapters 28 and 29 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' This quiz explores key descriptions and themes highlighted by Scout's observations and reflections. Test your understanding of the mood and literary techniques used in these pivotal moments.