To Kill A Mockingbird Study Questions Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

Who is the narrator of the novel?

Scout

What type of narration is used in the novel?

First person

What does the narrator reveal about her family history in the first several pages?

There was no record of their ancestors. The first of her family to come to America was Simon Finch.

What indicates that most of the townspeople in Maycomb are poor?

Most people had no money and paid for services with products. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout describe the way she and her brother feel about their father?

She found him satisfactory and courteous. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Scout and Jem's mother?

She died from a heart attack. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Calpurnia?

Calpurnia is the cook. Signup and view all the answers

How does Scout describe Calpurnia?

Scout describes her as being nearsighted and harsh. Signup and view all the answers

Identify a simile that Scout uses in her description of Calpurnia.

Her hand was as wide as a bed slat and twice as hard. Signup and view all the answers

How do Jem and Scout meet Dill?

They meet Dill in Miss Haverford's collard patch. Signup and view all the answers

What is frightening to the children about the Radley's house?

The house was dark gray with rotted shingles, and a phantom lives in the house. Signup and view all the answers

Describe some of the rumors surrounding the Radley's house and its inhabitant.

People said Boo went out at night and peeped in windows. Signup and view all the answers

What does Scout reveal about how the Radley family interacted with the community?

The Radley's did not socialize with the people in the community and avoided all communication. Signup and view all the answers

How did the townspeople feel about the Radley family?

They felt that the Radley family was strange, especially Mr. Radley. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jem describe Boo Radley?

Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall, dined on raw squirrels, and had a long jagged scar on his face. Signup and view all the answers

On what dramatic note does Chapter 1 end?

Jem slapped the house to see if Boo Radley would come out, resulting in a tiny, almost invisible movement. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Narration and Family Background

Scout, the narrator, uses first-person narration to tell the story.
There is no recorded ancestry for Scout's family; Simon Finch was the first to arrive in America, along with his children Jack and a sister.

Setting and Economic Context

The novel is set in the 1930s in Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression.
Townspeople often lack money and barter goods for services due to poverty.

Family Dynamics

Scout views her father as satisfactory and courteous.
Their mother passed away from a heart attack, shaping Scout and Jem’s upbringing.

Calpurnia's Role

Calpurnia is introduced as the family's cook, characterized as nearsighted and strict.
Scout uses a simile to describe Calpurnia's hand: "as wide as a bed slat and twice as hard."

Introduction of Dill

Jem and Scout meet Dill while playing in Miss Haverford's collard patch.

The Radley House

The Radley house is described as menacing, with dark colors and rotted features, adding to the children's fears.
Rumors suggest a phantom resides there, instilling fear and curiosity in the children.

Rumors and the Radley Family

Locals spread unsettling rumors about Boo Radley, such as him lurking at night and causing plants to freeze.
Some rumors highlight the absurdity of the children's fears, indicating disbelief in certain tales.

History of the Radley Family

The Radleys are known for their reclusiveness and avoidance of social interactions, leading to a sad family history.

Town Perception of the Radleys

Townsfolk view the Radley family, particularly Mr. Radley, as peculiar; Calpurnia labels him the "meanest man God ever blew breath into."

Jem's Imagination of Boo Radley

Jem imagines Boo as a terrifying figure—six-and-a-half feet tall with a long scar, yellow teeth, drooling, and consuming raw animals, spurring fear.

Chapter Conclusion

The chapter concludes dramatically with Jem touching the Radley house to coax Boo out, provoking a moment of suspense before the children hastily flee, sensing something ominous.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 1 from 'To Kill A Mockingbird' with these study questions. This quiz covers key aspects such as the narrator's perspective and family history. Perfect for enhancing your understanding of the text.