To Kill a Mockingbird Discussion Questions

Questions and Answers

What conclusion can you draw from Heck Tate insisting that 'Bob Ewell fell on his knife'?

He wants to protect Boo and Jem from being accused of murder.

What does Scout mean when she says, 'Mr. Tate was right...it'd be sort of like shorting a mockingbird, wouldn't it?'

It means telling the truth would harm Boo, who has done no wrong.

How does Scout apply Atticus' 'simple trick' in chapter 31, and how does it change her perspective?

She applies it while standing in Boo Radley's house and realizes he can see everything from there.

How are Atticus and Alexandra different?

Atticus wants Jem and Scout to grow up to be kind and respectable people, while Alexandra is more concerned with upholding social customs. Signup and view all the answers

What has Alexandra so concerned about Scout and Jem that she moves in with them?

Alexandra moves in to help take care of the kids because Atticus won't have as much time during the trial, and she believes Scout needs a 'feminine influence'. Signup and view all the answers

What are the circumstances surrounding Dill's return to Maycomb?

Dill ran away from his foster parents because he didn't feel needed there. Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'nightmare' upon the Finch family?

The nightmare began when Mr. Heck Tate warned Atticus that Tom Robinson was going to be harmed, continuing with the mob confrontation at the courthouse. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atticus demonstrate his heroism in chapter 15?

Atticus goes to the courthouse to keep watch over Tom Robinson and ensure he is safe from the mob. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus teach his children about a 'Mob'?

'Every mob in every little Southern town is always made of people you know.' Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dolphus Raymond, according to the rumor?

He is rumored to be a drunk who prefers to socialise with black people and was said to have almost married a white woman who killed herself after finding out his preference. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Harper Lee say that a 'Mixed Child' is 'real sad'?

Because they don't fit in with any race; white people reject them for being part black, and black people reject them for being part white. Signup and view all the answers

What was the news that put a 'different light on things' for Scout?

Atticus had to defend Tom Robinson even if he didn't want to. Signup and view all the answers

What does the lynch mob in To Kill a Mockingbird have in common with the mob that killed Farkhunda Malikzada?

Both mobs acted out of community unrest; in TKAMB, the mob opposed the defense of a black man, while the Malikzada mob reacted to a woman's success. Signup and view all the answers

What social/cultural values do the kids learn from the story of Dolphus Raymond?

They learn that white people who prefer to be around black people are looked down upon within the caste system of Maycomb. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the conversation Scout overhears as she enters the courthouse?

Atticus did not choose to defend Tom; he was appointed by the court. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of where the kids sit in the courtroom?

The kids are accepted into the black balcony because Atticus is defending a black man. Signup and view all the answers

What does Harper Lee mean when she writes about families like the Ewells?

Families like the Ewells maintain their status regardless of economic changes; they are poor in character. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of language does Bob Ewell use to describe what had been done to his daughter, Mayella?

He uses vulgar language instead of formal language. Signup and view all the answers

What is the irony in Bob Ewell's description of the house that his black neighbors live in?

Bob believes his black neighbors are 'devaluin'' his property despite the mess of his own house. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell if he can read?

Atticus aims to discredit Bob and reveal that a left-handed person would have inflicted the injuries on Mayella. Signup and view all the answers

What can you infer about Bob Ewell when he proclaims to the judge that he is a Christ-fearing man?

It reveals his defensiveness stemming from guilt. Signup and view all the answers

Where do you see evidence in chapter 18 that Harper Lee wants us to feel sorry for Mayella Ewell?

Scout describes Mayella as the loneliest girl in the world and highlights her situation with Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

What can you infer about Mayella based on what she does and does not say in the courtroom?

She struggles to comprehend formal situations and lacks coherence in her story. Signup and view all the answers

What can you infer about Mayella after reading that she took offense to routine courtesy?

Mayella is unfamiliar with kindness and interprets it as mockery. Signup and view all the answers

What really happened between Tom and Mayella?

Tom did not physically harm Mayella; she initiated advances that Bob witnessed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mayella really reveal to the court when she proclaims, 'I got somethin' to say!'?

She insists that Tom must be found guilty to protect herself from her father's wrath. Signup and view all the answers

What is a chiffarobe?

A type of dresser that has drawers and space for hanging clothes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom reveal about Mayella's intentions?

Mayella frequently asked Tom for help with odd jobs and made advances toward him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Link Deas reveal to us about Tom?

He defends Tom, showing that he is a good man who never caused trouble. Signup and view all the answers

What word does Mr. Gilmer use to remind Tom of his place in the courtroom?

'Boy' Signup and view all the answers

What critical mistake does Tom make in his testimony?

He says he felt sorry for Mayella, which implies racial superiority. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom respond to being asked if he was scared of arrest?

He says he was scared he'd have to face up to what he didn't do. Signup and view all the answers

What can you infer about Dill at the conclusion of chapter 19?

He is empathetic and disturbed by the treatment of Tom. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mr. Raymond pretend to be a drunk?

To give people a reason to explain his preference for black company. Signup and view all the answers

How is Mayella a victim according to Atticus?

She is a victim of 'cruel poverty and ignorance'. Signup and view all the answers

What 'unspeakable' thing did Mayella do?

She kissed a black man. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 'evil assumptions' Atticus points out in the courtroom?

'All Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the passage about the Negroes standing in the balcony?

It shows the respect they held for Atticus despite the trial's outcome. Signup and view all the answers

Where do you witness the evaporation of the cultural color line in chapter 22?

When the black community sends goods to the Finch house to show gratitude. Signup and view all the answers

How do we know that Judge Taylor was a good man during the trial?

He made sure Atticus, a good lawyer, defended Tom. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'danger a-comin'?

Bob Ewell threatening Atticus. Signup and view all the answers

How does Atticus explain the verdict to his son?

He says Tom has a good chance of an appeal. Signup and view all the answers

What can you infer about Aunt Alexandra's statement regarding good folks?

Aunt Alexandra is concerned with class and societal standing. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does Jem draw about Boo Radley?

Boo Radley chooses to stay inside. Signup and view all the answers

What does Boo Radley come to represent?

A progressive figure against the town's racism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the story of J. Grimes Everett?

He reveals the hypocrisy of townspeople who support the black community abroad but ignore their own community. Signup and view all the answers

What was Tom's fate?

He was shot 17 times after trying to escape from prison. Signup and view all the answers

How do Scout and Alexandra evolve in this chapter?

Alexandra shows care for Atticus, while Scout develops appreciation for her. Signup and view all the answers

How does the town of Maycomb respond to Tom's death?

The first response is blame directed at Tom. Signup and view all the answers

Where do you see evidence of growth, progress, change?

In Mr. Underwood's editorial comparing Tom's killing to the slaughter of songbirds. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the town re-elect Atticus to the state legislature?

The town respects him and believes he is a good lawyer. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout learn about democracy in her class?

They claim that America is a democracy without persecution, while irony exists in their community's racism. Signup and view all the answers

What question does Scout ask Jem at the end of the chapter?

She asks why Miss Gates can hate Hitler yet be unfair to people in their own town. Signup and view all the answers

What can you infer about Jem based on his response?

Jem is still emotionally burdened by the trial. Signup and view all the answers

What does Link Deas hiring Helen Robinson suggest about Maycomb post-trial?

It suggests the town is becoming more tolerant and sympathetic towards the black community. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Bob Ewell so angry about the trial?

He is angry because he lost respect and credibility. Signup and view all the answers

What is eccentricity and who is the eccentric character?

Eccentricity is being unconventional; Atticus is the eccentric character. Signup and view all the answers

What can you infer about Bob Ewell in chapter 28?

Bob is a coward who targets Atticus's kids instead of confronting Atticus directly. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Heck Tate define Bob Ewell in chapter 29?

He describes Bob as a low-down skunk, showing disdain for him. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Bob Ewell fell on his knife' signify?

It means Bob's demise was a result of his own actions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atticus and Alexandra

Atticus emphasizes kindness and respect in raising Jem and Scout, while Alexandra prioritizes social customs.
Their differing values create confusion and tension for Jem and Scout, affecting their behavior.

Alexandra's Concern

Alexandra moves in to assist Atticus due to his increased responsibilities during Tom Robinson's trial.
She believes Scout needs a female role model to influence her upbringing.

Dill's Return

Dill returns to Maycomb after running away from his neglectful foster home, seeking a sense of belonging.
His comment about "kissing and hugging" reveals his innocence and longing for familial affection amidst adult challenges.

Finch Family Nightmare

The Finch family's turmoil begins with Heck Tate warning Atticus about threats to Tom Robinson.
Scout, Jem, and Dill's involvement in the mob scene highlights their bravery and innocence.

Atticus's Heroism

Atticus monitors the courthouse to protect Tom Robinson from a mob.
Scout diffuses a tense situation, showcasing her own heroism by appealing to Mr. Cunningham's humanity.

Mob Mentality

Atticus teaches that mobs consist of familiar faces, suggesting that evil can reside in ordinary people.
The quote implies a critical view of societal behavior, revealing the fragility of moral values in group settings.

Dolphus Raymond

Rumored to be a drunkard, Dolphus is actually a man who prefers the company of Black people, challenging societal norms.
His backstory lends insight into racial tensions and the stigma faced by mixed-race families.

Mixed-Race Experiences

Characters highlight the struggles of mixed children who cannot find acceptance from either racial community.
This reflects the complexities of identity and belonging in a racially divided society.

Atticus's Duty

Scout learns Atticus is compelled to defend Tom Robinson, emphasizing his integrity and commitment to justice.

Comparison of Mob Mentalities

Similarities are drawn between the lynch mob in Maycomb and the one that killed Farkhunda Malikzada, showcasing communal prejudice against perceived injustices.

Dolphus Raymond's story exposes the harsh realities of race relations and the stigma faced by those who associate with Black people in Maycomb.

Courtroom Dynamics

Scout overhears that Atticus was assigned to defend Tom, revealing the systemic nature of racial injustice within the legal framework.

Seating in Courtroom

The children's acceptance in the Black balcony signifies both racial solidarity and the townspeople's gratitude for Atticus's defense of Tom.

Ewell's Status

Lee suggests that the Ewells' social status remains unchanged by economic conditions, indicating moral poverty.

Bob Ewell's Language

Bob Ewell's use of vulgarity in court signifies his lack of refinement and respect, highlighting his character flaws.

Irony of Bob Ewell's Statements

Ewell's concern about his neighbors devaluing his property is ironic, given the condition of his own home.

Strategic Questioning of Bob Ewell

Atticus questions Ewell’s literacy to expose inconsistencies in his testimony and undermine his credibility.

Bob's Defensive Attitude

Ewell’s defensiveness indicates his guilt and reluctance to confront the truth.

Sympathy for Mayella Ewell

Scout’s observations about Mayella’s loneliness portray her as a tragic figure trapped in a dysfunctional family dynamic.

Mayella's Testimony Insights

Mayella’s inability to articulate her story reveals her unpreparedness and suggests she is not fully truthful about the events involving Tom.

Mayella's Reaction to Courtesy

Mayella's surprise at Atticus's politeness indicates her unfamiliarity with kindness, reflecting her isolated existence.

Mayella and the Incident

The truth reveals that Mayella’s advances towards Tom led to Bob's violent reaction, complicating the narrative of victimhood.

Tom's Candid Testimony

Tom describes a complex relationship with Mayella, hinting at his vulnerability and her desperation for connection.

Mr. Link Deas’s Support

Deas's defense of Tom illustrates social progress, as he recognizes Tom's character despite prevailing prejudices.

Racial Slurs in Court

Mr. Gilmer's use of the term "boy" underscores the racial hierarchy and entrenched discrimination in Maycomb.

Tom’s Mistake in Court

Tom’s statement about feeling sorry for Mayella underscores the racial dynamics, as empathy from a Black man towards a White woman is perceived as a threat to social order.

Tom's Fear

Tom articulates awareness of the prejudiced nature of the town, indicating the pervasive racism that shapes identities and fates.

Dill's Emotional Response

Dill reacts emotionally to Mr. Gilmer's treatment of Tom, revealing his innate sense of justice and compassion.

Mr. Raymond's Facade

Raymond pretends to be a drunk to justify his relationships, highlighting the community's inability to accept racial equality.

Atticus identifies Mayella as a victim of poverty and ignorance, complicating her role in the trial.

Mayella's Unspeakable Actions

Her kiss with a Black man symbolizes a dire transgression of societal norms, revealing the intersection of race and gender.

Atticus's Closing Argument

He challenges the jury to confront their biases and recognize the humanity of Black individuals, urging them to fulfill their legal responsibilities.

Community Respect for Atticus

The scene in the courtroom balcony demonstrates profound respect for Atticus despite the trial's outcome, revealing incremental shifts in racial perceptions.

Black Community's Gratitude

The gifts sent to the Finch home symbolize unity and appreciation for Atticus’s efforts, fostering a connection across racial divides.

Judge Taylor’s Integrity

His choice of Atticus to defend Tom showcases a commitment to justice that challenges systemic inequalities.

Threats to Atticus

Bob Ewell’s threats indicate his deep-seated anger and willingness to retaliate against Atticus for standing against him.

Atticus's Explanation of the Verdict

Atticus expresses hope for justice through an appeal, reflecting resilience amidst loss.

Her dismissive comments about the Cunninghams illuminate her preoccupation with social status and family reputation.

Jem’s Realization about Boo

Jem’s conclusion about Boo indicates his evolving understanding of societal prejudice and Boo’s desire for solitude.

Boo Radley's Representation

Boo symbolizes the progressive values that confront a prejudiced society, embodying the theme of misunderstood kindness.

J. Grimes Everett's Mission

Everett's mission reveals the town's selective compassion, offering a critique of societal hypocrisy in racial relations.

Tom Robinson's Fate

Tom’s tragic death signifies the harsh realities faced by innocent Black men in a prejudiced society.

Evolving Relationships in the Finch Family

Alexandra’s emotional growth and Scout’s maturity highlight familial bonds amidst societal strife.

Maycomb's Response to Tragedy

The town's blame of Tom after his death reveals entrenched racism and collective denial of responsibility.

Progress in Mr. Underwood's Editorial

Mr. Underwood's writing symbolizes social change, indicating a growing awareness of racial injustice.

Atticus's Re-election

His continued support from the community reflects a hesitant evolution in Maycomb's racial attitudes.

Democracy vs. Prejudice in Education

Miss Gates’ lessons on democracy expose the contradictions in Maycomb's treatment of Black individuals.

Scout's Questioning of Hypocrisy

Scout’s inquiry into Miss Gates conveys her growing awareness of racial contradictions and moral inconsistencies.

Jem's Emotional Turmoil

Jem’s anger about the courtroom experience signifies unresolved trauma from the trial and social injustices.

Link Deas's Job Offer

Deas hiring Helen Robinson suggests increasing societal acceptance and gradual changes in attitudes toward race post-trial.

Bob Ewell's Resentment

Ewell's bitterness stems from his loss of social standing, revealing the fragility of his identity tied to racial superiority.

Eccentricities of Atticus

Atticus's unconventionality highlights broader themes of individuality versus societal expectations.

Bob Ewell's Cowardice

Ewell's choice to attack children instead of directly confronting Atticus exemplifies his cowardly nature.

Heck Tate on Bob Ewell

His description of Ewell emphasizes the moral decay and cowardice underlying Ewell's character.

Significance of Bob Ewell's Death

The insistence that Ewell fell on his knife signifies a protective instinct towards Boo and a desire to shield the children from blame.

Scout's Reflection on Boo

Scout's realization about Boo's perspective illustrates her maturation and understanding of his recluse as a choice, not a punishment.

Conclusion on Racial Injustice

The narrative encapsulates the pervasive inequities and moral dilemmas faced by individuals navigating a prejudiced society, urging reflection on justice and humanity.

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Explore the complexities of character relationships in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' with these flashcards. Understand how the differences between Atticus and Alexandra influence the upbringing of Jem and Scout. Engage with thought-provoking questions to deepen your analysis of this classic novel.