To Kill a Mockingbird Themes Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does Mr. Raymond tell the children about himself?

He mostly drinks Coca Cola out of his paper sack, but lets people think that it is whiskey.

Why does Mr. Raymond encourage people to think that he is an alcoholic?

He only pretends to be drunk so the people of Maycomb will 'forgive' him for preferring the company of a Black woman as his common-law wife.

Why does Scout refer to Mr. Raymond as a 'sinful man'?

He is a fraud because he pretends to be drunk, he has mixed children, and has a Black common law wife.

What does Scout's remark suggest about the values of her community?

Maycomb disapproves of interracial relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Atticus say cheating a colored man is ten times worse than cheating a white man?

An African American is already at a disadvantage, so to cheat a person who is already being 'cheated' makes matters much worse. Signup and view all the answers

How does what Atticus says about cheating a Black person connect to his decision to stop shooting a gun?

In both cases, one person has an unfair advantage over someone or something else. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Atticus unbutton his vest, loosen his tie, and take off his coat before he addresses the jury directly during his Closing Argument?

This is seen as a symbolic gesture to help the jury see him as a common man and not an authority figure. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Atticus's statement to the jury that 'this case is as simple as black and white'?

The facts in the case are very clear, with stark racial implications in the trial's outcome. Signup and view all the answers

What code did Mayella break according to Atticus?

She is White and was attracted to a person of a different race, specifically a Black man. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Atticus's belief about equality.

Not all people are created equal; only in the U.S. court system should people be seen as equals. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Calpurnia come to the courthouse?

Jem, Scout, and Dill have been missing since noon. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Cal reprimand Jem for taking Scout to the trial? How does Scout react?

Calpurnia feels Jem should be ashamed for taking Scout, and Scout enjoys Jem being scolded. Signup and view all the answers

What is Atticus' reasoning for allowing the children to hear the verdict?

'Well, you've heard it all, so you might as well hear the rest.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Jem think the verdict will be?

Innocent: 'We've won, haven't we?' Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jem think Tom will be found innocent?

'Don't see how any jury could convict on what we heard.' Signup and view all the answers

Why does Reverend Sykes disagree with Jem?

'I ain't ever seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man...' Signup and view all the answers

What did Scout notice about the jury as they returned to the courtroom? Why is this significant?

A jury would 'never look at a defendant it has convicted.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the verdict?

Guilty Signup and view all the answers

Why did the jury vote this way?

The all-White prejudiced jury chose to believe a White person's story over the actual evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Reverend Sykes tell Scout to stand up when her father exits the courtroom?

To show respect for her father. Signup and view all the answers

What does this gesture suggest about the feelings of the African-American community towards Atticus Finch?

The African American community respects and appreciates that Atticus defended Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mr. Raymond

Mr. Raymond drinks Coca Cola from a paper sack, allowing others to believe it's whiskey.
He pretends to be an alcoholic to gain societal forgiveness for his interracial relationship.

Scout's Perspective

Scout labels Mr. Raymond a "sinful man" due to his lifestyle choices and mixed-race children.
Her comment reflects Maycomb's disapproval of interracial relationships.

Atticus's Morality

Atticus believes it’s far worse to cheat a Black man due to the existing social disadvantage he faces.
His decision to stop shooting demonstrates a principle against exploiting unfair advantages.

Atticus's Closing Argument

He unbuttons his vest and loosens his tie to appear more relatable and humane to the jury.
His statement about the case being "as simple as black and white" emphasizes clarity in evidence and the racial implications of the trial.

Mayella’s Situation

Mayella is judged for breaking societal norms by expressing attraction to a Black man, highlighting racial tensions.
Atticus argues not all individuals are equal but asserts that court should treat everyone as equals.

Calpurnia's Role

Calpurnia arrives at the courthouse to find Jem, Scout, and Dill who have been missing.
She reprimands Jem for bringing Scout, demonstrating her protective nature.

Verdict Expectations

Jem is hopeful for Tom's exoneration based on the trial evidence.
Reverend Sykes cautions Jem, emphasizing the racial biases of the jury.

Jury Dynamics

Scout notes the jury avoids eye contact with the convicted defendant, indicating guilt.
Despite clear evidence, the all-White jury remains biased, leading to a guilty verdict.

Community Response

The verdict is guilty, reflecting the jury’s preference for a White person’s testimony over factual evidence.
Reverend Sykes advises Scout to stand for Atticus, symbolizing the respect the African American community holds for him despite the trial's outcome.

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Description

Test your understanding of key themes from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' including societal views on race, moral integrity, and character perceptions. This quiz focuses on the complexities of Mr. Raymond's persona, Atticus Finch's values, and the societal norms affecting characters like Mayella. Explore how these elements reflect the broader racial dynamics of the era.