Questions and Answers
Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson.
Miss Maudie is a widow who loves to garden, has a crisp way of speaking, and smiles a lot.
Why does Scout like her so much?
Scout likes Miss Maudie because she is kind, generous, honest, and treats them with respect.
What does Scout mean when she says that Miss Maudie was a 'chameleon lady'?
[She] worked in her flower beds in an old straw hat and men's coveralls, but after her five o'clock bath she would appear on the porch and reign over the street in magisterial beauty.
Miss Maudie says that Mr. Radley had been a 'foot-washing Baptist.' What does she mean by this statement? What do foot-washing Baptists believe, according to her?
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How might Mr. Radley's religious views explain Mrs. Radley's rarity outside of the house?
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What causes Scout to question 'pulpit Gospel'? How does her questioning relate to Miss Maudie?
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What is God, according to Atticus?
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When Miss Maudie says, 'but sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whiskey bottle in the hand of—oh, of your father,' what person is she criticizing, and what is the point of her criticism?
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How do Miss Maudie and Atticus view Boo Radley? What do they say about him?
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How do Jem and Dill plan to send a note to Boo Radley? What does the note say? According to Dill, what is their reason for sending the note?
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Study Notes
Miss Maudie Atkinson
- Miss Maudie is a widow known for her gardening skills and cheerful disposition, often seen outdoors.
- She treats Scout and her friends with kindness, honesty, and respect, avoiding interference in their personal lives.
Scout's Affection for Miss Maudie
- Scout admires Miss Maudie for her generosity and straightforwardness, contributing to a strong bond of trust and friendship.
"Chameleon Lady" Description
- Scout describes Miss Maudie's transformative appearance after her daily routines, emphasizing her beauty when she dresses up for the evening.
Foot-Washing Baptists
- Miss Maudie explains that foot-washing Baptists interpret the Bible literally, opposing any forms of pleasure and claiming women are inherently sinful.
Mrs. Radley's Seclusion
- Mr. Radley's strict religious beliefs potentially confine Mrs. Radley to her home against her will, illustrating the oppressive nature of his faith.
Scout's Crisis of Faith
- A foot-washing Baptist's harsh judgment of Miss Maudie shakes Scout's faith in religious authority, as she finds it unjust for good people to be condemned.
Atticus’s Definition of God
- Atticus defines God in terms of love and empathy, equating divine love with self-love and kindness toward others.
Criticism of Mr. Radley's Beliefs
- Miss Maudie criticizes Mr. Radley for his extreme interpretation of religion, suggesting that such rigid beliefs are more harmful than alcohol misuse.
Perspectives on Boo Radley
- Miss Maudie and Atticus view Boo Radley as a victim of circumstance, not a monster; they advocate for respecting his privacy and humanity despite societal gossip.
Plan to Communicate with Boo
- Jem and Dill devise a plan to send a note to Boo Radley via a fishing pole, inviting him to engage with them and assuring him that they mean no harm.
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Description
This quiz explores the character of Miss Maudie Atkinson from 'To Kill a Mockingbird', highlighting her interactions with Scout and the impact of her worldview. Test your understanding of Miss Maudie's beliefs and her relationships within the story's context.
