To Kill a Mockingbird Themes & Characters

Questions and Answers

What does Scout do to make Calpurnia furious?

Scout made rude comments to Walter Cunningham when he pours molasses over his food.

What lesson does Calpurnia teach Scout?

Calpurnia says that all guests should be treated kindly no matter who they are.

Who are the Ewells, and why are they treated differently than others?

They are dishonest people who do not work and are allowed certain privileges.

What are the certain privileges that the Ewells get?

They don't have to go to school and can hunt out of season. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the education levels of Scout, Walter Cunningham, and Buris Ewell.

Scout was encouraged to read and write, Walter has to help on the farm and misses lessons, Buris does not receive any education. Signup and view all the answers

What important lesson does Atticus teach Scout about understanding people?

He tells her to consider things from their point of view. Signup and view all the answers

What compromise does Atticus make with Scout at the end of the chapter?

If Scout will concede the necessity of going to school, they will continue reading. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Dynamics and Lessons

Scout offends Walter Cunningham by making rude comments about his eating habits, prompting Calpurnia to emphasize the importance of treating guests kindly regardless of their background.
Calpurnia teaches Scout the value of respect and hospitality, reinforcing the idea that all guests deserve to be treated with dignity.

The Ewell Family's Status

The Ewells are characterized as dishonest and idle, having a distinct status in the community due to their actions and lifestyle.
They enjoy privileges such as exemption from school attendance and the freedom to hunt out of season, highlighting their disregard for societal rules.

Class and Education

Scout receives encouragement from her family to pursue education, while Walter Cunningham struggles due to farm obligations that limit his schooling.
Burris Ewell represents the lowest educational standard, as he completely avoids formal schooling, illustrating the disparities in education based on class and family values.

Empathy and Understanding

Atticus imparts a crucial lesson to Scout regarding empathy: understanding others requires seeing life from their perspective, encapsulated in his advice to "climb into their skin and walk around in it."
This lesson aims to prepare Scout for future interactions, fostering a sense of empathy that can enhance her relationships with diverse individuals.

Compromise and Agreements

A compromise is reached between Atticus and Scout: if she acknowledges the importance of attending school, they will continue their reading sessions at home.
This agreement emphasizes the significance of education in their family and the supportive relationship between Atticus and Scout.

Description

Explore the dynamics of social class and respect in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. This quiz delves into Scout's interactions with Walter Cunningham and the lessons learned about hospitality and dignity. It also touches on the educational disparities embodied by the Ewell family.