To Kill a Mockingbird Themes and Characters

Questions and Answers

Why does Scout get in a fight with Cecil Jacobs?

He called Atticus a n*gger-lover

Why does Atticus feel he needs to defend Tom Robinson?

He's a member of Calpurnia's church and a clean living man with no criminal record. Atticus believes that he should be defended.

What do you think Atticus means when he says, 'Just because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win'?

He's talking about the Civil War and the fight for slavery which took place 100 years ago.

Where does the Finch family go every Christmas?

Aunt Alexandria's house (Finch's Landing) Signup and view all the answers

What do the children get for Christmas?

Air rifles Signup and view all the answers

What problem does Aunt Alexandria have with the way Scout is growing up?

She doesn't like how Scout is growing up not as a lady. She influences her by trying to make her dress differently and act more ladylike. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Scout get into a fight with Francis?

Francis called Atticus a n*gger-lover and that resulted in Scout fighting Francis. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Scout's relationship with Uncle Jack.

She believes he's very strict but still cares about him and loves him. Signup and view all the answers

Name 5 things we learn about Atticus.

<ol> <li>He's 50, 2. He's nearly blind in his left eye, 3. He works in an office, 4. He reads all the time at home, 5. He's a clean living man.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

According to Miss Maudie, why is it a sin to kill a mockingbird?

It's a sin to kill a mockingbird because they do nothing but sing which results in pleasure to humans. Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Maudie teach Scout about her father?

She teaches her that he is not a boring man. He doesn't like guns and used to be an 'old one shot'. Nobody can mess with a will he makes, he was the best checker player and he played the Jews harp. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Tim Johnson? What is wrong with him?

He's a dog on the street and he has rabies. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Mr. Tate give the rifle to Atticus rather than shooting the dog himself?

He can't shoot as well as Atticus and feels safer that way. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Jem and Scout have a new appreciation for Atticus?

From what he was known as 20 years ago. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mrs. Dubose.

Mrs. Dubose is an old and cranky lady who's extremely sick from withdrawal of being a morphine addict. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jem destroy Mrs. Dubose's flower garden?

It was kind of like payback for everything she's ever done. Also for when she called his father a n*gger-lover. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus mean when he says, 'This case, Tom Robinson's case, is something that goes to the essence of a man's conscience – Scout, I couldn't go to church and worship God if I didn't try to help that man.'?

Atticus means that this man still deserves to be defended and couldn't live with himself if he didn't and would be a hypocrite. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jem's punishment for ruining the flower garden?

He has to go to Mrs. Dubose's house every afternoon and read to her for 2 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus tell Jem was the one thing Mrs. Dubose wanted to do before she died?

She wanted to remove herself from problems. She didn't want to owe anyone anything. She mainly wanted to stop her addiction. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Dubose give Jem?

A candy box filled with wet cotton and a camellia in it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason Atticus wanted Jem to meet Mrs. Dubose?

He wanted Jem to see real courage and that actual courage isn't just a man with a gun. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scout's Conflicts and Relationships

Scout fights Cecil Jacobs after he insults Atticus, showing the impact of familial reputation on children's interactions.
Scout reacts violently towards Francis for calling Atticus a racial slur, illustrating her protective nature over her father.
Scout's relationship with Uncle Jack is characterized by respect and love, despite her view of him as strict.

Atticus Finch and His Values

Atticus believes in defending Tom Robinson, seeing him as a good man and a member of Calpurnia's community, emphasizing moral duty over societal prejudice.
His statement about past injustices highlights the importance of resilience and fighting for what's right regardless of historical setbacks.
Atticus's character is revealed as a man of integrity who reads often, is kind and fair-minded—traits that influence his parenting.

Christmas and Family Dynamics

The Finch family travels to Aunt Alexandra's house for Christmas, showcasing family traditions.
The children receive air rifles, symbolizing their transition into more mature experiences in a world of outdoor play and responsibility.

Aunt Alexandra's Influence

Aunt Alexandra disapproves of Scout's tomboyish ways, attempting to instill femininity and social norms reflective of their community.
The generational clash reveals differing views on gender roles within the Finch family.

Miss Maudie's Insights and Lessons

Miss Maudie explains that killing a mockingbird symbolizes harming innocence, reflecting biblical morals regarding kindness and justice.
She provides Scout with a deeper understanding of Atticus’s character, revealing his past experiences and abilities while dispelling any notions of blandness.

The Threat of Rabies and Sudden Harm

Tim Johnson, a rabid dog, serves as a catalyst for the action that reveals Atticus’s sharp shooting skills, contrasting his aversion to guns with his capability when necessary.
Atticus’s reluctance to take the rifle himself stems from his humility and belief in Mr. Tate’s safety over his own proficiency.

Mrs. Dubose and Demonstrating Courage

Mrs. Dubose is depicted as a sickly, harsh character battling morphine addiction, representing the struggle against personal demons.
Jem's destruction of her flower garden is a reaction to her prior insults and serves as a teenage rebellion, while his punishment of reading to her illustrates themes of empathy and understanding of true courage.

Life Lessons and Growth

Atticus teaches Jem about courage through Mrs. Dubose's battle against addiction, challenging the notion that strength comes solely from physical prowess.
The box of flowers Jem receives signifies Mrs. Dubose’s acknowledgment of his efforts and her victory over her struggles, representing personal triumph even in death.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the significant conflicts and relationships portrayed in 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' This quiz delves into Scout Finch's protective nature, Atticus Finch's moral convictions, and the dynamics of family during the Christmas season. Test your understanding of the themes and character interactions that illustrate the social challenges in the story.