To Kill a Mockingbird Characters and Themes

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Questions and Answers

What brave thing does Atticus do in Chapter 10?

Atticus shoots a mad dog in Chapter 10.

What did Jem do when Mrs. Dubose said Atticus 'lawed for ******s'?

Jem took Scout's birthday baton and cut the tops off of Mrs. Dubose's prized camellia bushes.

What was Jem's punishment?

Jem had to repair the damage and read to Mrs. Dubose each afternoon after school for a month.

What did Jem learn from his encounter with Mrs. Dubose and after her death?

Jem learned that people aren't always what they seem and that there are many different kinds of courage. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Miss Maudie's house?

Miss Maudie's house burned down. Signup and view all the answers

What 'disaster' happened at Christmas between Scout and Francis?

Scout and Francis got into a fight because Francis was teasing Scout about Atticus defending a black man. Signup and view all the answers

What did Dill dare Jem to do?

He dared him to go up and touch the Radley house. Signup and view all the answers

What was Scout's first 'crime' in school?

Her 'crime' was her ability to read and write. Signup and view all the answers

What was Calpurnia's fault?

Calpurnia taught Scout to write. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Scout rub Walter Cunningham's nose in the dirt?

Scout blamed Walter for getting off on the wrong foot with Miss Caroline. Signup and view all the answers

What did Scout mean when she said, 'He ain't company, Cal, he's just a Cunningham'?

She meant that Finches were better than Cunninghams and didn't have to treat Walter as company. Signup and view all the answers

What two mistakes did Miss Caroline make on the first day of school?

She offered Walter Cunningham money and tried to tell Burris Ewell to go home. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't the Ewells have to go to school?

The authorities bent the rules for them due to their unusual home life. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jem cry?

Jem cried because he was shocked at the injustice of the jury. Signup and view all the answers

What was 'round the back steps' when Calpurnia came in on Monday morning?

The black community had left food as a gesture of thanks for Atticus. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Maudie's two little cakes and one large one?

It symbolized that Maudie accepted Jem as a young man instead of a boy. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Bob Ewell's meeting with Atticus at the post office.

Bob Ewell wanted to fight with Atticus, who walked away instead. Signup and view all the answers

What is Atticus's reaction to Ewell's threats?

Atticus believes Bob Ewell would not actually do any physical harm. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Alexandra not want Scout playing with Walter Cunningham?

She thinks the Cunninghams are trash compared to the Finches. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jem think Boo Radley has stayed shut up in the house?

Jem believes Boo wants to stay inside due to the complexity of the world. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Merriweather's complaint about her cooks indicate?

It shows her hypocrisy regarding her concern for others while being prejudiced. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Tom Robinson?

Tom was shot when he tried to escape from prison. Signup and view all the answers

What more do we learn about Alexandra after Atticus and Calpurnia leave?

Alexandra shows concern for Atticus and takes news of Tom's death hard. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Underwood's editorial say?

He likened Tom's death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds. Signup and view all the answers

What did Scout and Jem find in the Radleys' tree?

They found gum and two Indian head pennies. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jem get even with Scout for contradicting him about 'Hot Steams'?

He gave her an extra-hard shove in the tire. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Boo Radley game?

It involved Jem, Dill, and Scout reenacting stories about Boo. Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Maudie think of the Radleys?

She believes they have the right to privacy and to do as they please. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Dill and Jem want to give Boo Radley a note?

They want to invite him to play with them. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jem lose his pants?

He got caught on the fence while trying to escape the Radley house. Signup and view all the answers

What else did Jem and Scout find in the Radleys' tree?

They found a ball of twine, soap figures resembling themselves, and a broken watch. Signup and view all the answers

Why would there be no more surprises in the tree?

Mr. Nathan Radley cemented the hole closed. Signup and view all the answers

What was Scout's fantasy regarding Arthur Boo Radley?

She daydreamed about Boo sitting in the swing and chatting with her. Signup and view all the answers

What did Scout hear Miss Gates say at the courthouse?

Miss Gates spoke about the difference between America and Germany regarding persecution. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Judge Taylor?

Someone was breaking into the judge's house but was scared off. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Helen Robinson?

She walked the long way home to avoid the Ewell house. Signup and view all the answers

What was Scout's part in the pageant?

Scout was to be a ham. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Scout and Jem not leave the school until almost everyone else had gone?

Scout was embarrassed for falling asleep and missing her cue. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Jem and Scout on the way home from the pageant?

Someone attacked them, leading to a struggle. Signup and view all the answers

Who saved Scout and Jem?

Boo Radley saved them. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell fell on his own knife?

He thought it best to avoid dragging Boo into the ordeal. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Scout arrange for Arthur Radley to escort her down the sidewalk?

To show that Arthur is a real person and normal. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for Scout to recount events from the Radleys' perspective?

It illustrates her ability to empathize and understand others. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mayella's account of the incident with Tom Robinson?

She described Tom as having attacked her after she asked him to help. Signup and view all the answers

What was Tom's side of the story?

He claimed Mayella approached him for help and kissed him. Signup and view all the answers

What was Tom's handicap, and why was it important in the case?

Tom's left arm was useless due to an accident; it impeded his ability to harm Mayella. Signup and view all the answers

What do Dill and Scout learn from Mr. Raymond?

They learn that people aren't always as they seem. Signup and view all the answers

What were Atticus's closing remarks to the jury?

Atticus highlighted the lack of medical evidence and questioned the witnesses' credibility. Signup and view all the answers

What was the jury's verdict?

The jury found Tom Robinson guilty. Signup and view all the answers

What did Heck Tate's mob want?

They wanted to warn Atticus about a mob that intended to harm Tom. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Walter Cunningham's mob?

They intended to inflict their own justice on Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mr. Cunningham's mob leave?

Scout appealed to Mr. Cunningham and reminded him of their connection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of Mayella's bruises being primarily on the right side of her face?

It suggests that a left-handed person inflicted the wounds. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jem change?

Jem matures and tries to understand complex social issues. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout learn about Calpurnia?

She leads a double life, acting differently based on her company. Signup and view all the answers

Who was waiting for the children when they came home from the church service?

Aunt Alexandra was waiting for them. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Aunt Alexandra fits into the world of Maycomb.

She knows the proper social ways and fits into the town's society but conflicts with the Finch values. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atticus handle the situation regarding Alexandra's approach to the children?

Atticus enforces Alexandra's rules but maintains his relationship with the children. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Jem and Scout's relationship as Jem matures.

They argue more but still remain close and support each other. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Dill run away from home back to Maycomb?

Dill felt unloved due to his parents' neglect after they remarried. Signup and view all the answers

What did Scout's uncle Jack learn from Scout and Atticus?

He learned the importance of hearing both sides before judging. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Their Actions

Dill challenges Jem to touch the Radley house, sparking the children's curiosity about Boo Radley.
Scout's ability to read and write leads to her first trouble at school, highlighting issues of class and education.
Calpurnia, the Finch family's housekeeper, faces backlash for teaching Scout to write, indicating societal pressures on education.
Scout fights Walter Cunningham at school, stemming from her defense of him against Miss Caroline’s misunderstanding of the Cunningham family's background.
Jem and Dill create a game that mimics Boo Radley's story, revealing their fascination and misunderstanding of his character.

Atticus Finch represents moral integrity as he defends Tom Robinson, ultimately revealing the deep-seated racism in their society.
The Ewells are shown as an exception to school attendance laws due to their dysfunctional family dynamic and social standing.
The concept of respect and courtesy is emphasized through Calpurnia’s teachings about treating guests, regardless of their social status.
The hypocrisy of social values is critiqued through characters like Mrs. Merriweather, who professes concern for others but exhibits prejudice in her own community.

Events and Their Significance

Jem's emotional response to the jury's decision shows his loss of innocence and understanding of societal injustices.
The black community’s support for Atticus during Tom Robinson's trial highlights solidarity in the face of racism.
Maudie's cake distribution symbolizes social acceptance and Jem’s transition from childhood to adulthood.
Bob Ewell's confrontation with Atticus reveals the animosity and volatile nature of prejudice when his honor is challenged.

Climax and Resolution Insights

The tragic death of Tom Robinson serves as a culmination of racial injustices, catalyzing altercations and confrontations within the community.
Boo Radley’s ultimate role as a protector defies previous misconceptions, leading to Scout’s comprehension of human complexity and empathy.
Scout’s realizations on the Radley porch encapsulate her moral growth and understanding of diverse perspectives amidst societal flaws.
Atticus’s closing arguments emphasize the need for equality and justice, though the jury's verdict underscores the entrenched racism and unfairness of their society.

Personal Development

Jem matures throughout the chapters, experiencing emotional turmoil and conflicting feelings about justice and family dynamics.
Scout learns about the complexities of adult discussions and the nuanced behaviors of various characters, particularly regarding race and class.
Dale’s feelings of neglect lead him to seek comfort in Maycomb, showcasing the emotional struggles of children from broken families.

Symbolism and Metaphors

Radley’s tree, initially a source of mystery, becomes a symbol of lost innocence as it is cemented shut, marking an end to childhood curiosity.
Atticus's shooting of the mad dog symbolizes a revelation of hidden strengths and the burdens of protecting loved ones.

Critical Reflections

Miss Gates's comments about prejudice serve as a stark irony as it reflects her own biases, showcasing the pervasive theme of hypocrisy.
The portrayal of characters like Calpurnia provides insights into the duality of existence for black individuals in a prejudiced society and invites the reader to question societal norms.

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Description

This quiz explores key characters and their actions in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. It examines the themes of morality, racism, and social class as portrayed through the experiences of characters like Scout, Jem, and Atticus. Test your understanding of the societal issues that shape their lives and the decisions they make.