To+Kill+a+Mocking+Bird

To me, I view the Jim Crow Era as an extremely hypocritical time in our history. Why? Because all along this time, the white race demands respect from everyone. They see themselves as great, intellectual, powerful people and have the best jobs, educations and homes. They require to be looked upon as royalty, as the ones of highest rank. Yet, there is discrimination. There is hatred and childish bullying, because the coloured races looked "different", and came from other countries. And what do the high and mighty whites do? They take advantage of their ranks and power. Use segregation as an excuse to harm and discriminate against people who //should// just as many rights as they. This is just showing that the white race is insecure, and maybe less powerful than they think. Why should they react so defensively, so harshly? It is because they are afraid of what change might bring? I hate that people had to be raised with this idea that coloured human beings were inferior. That knowing one, speaking to one, was sinful and wrong. They are as diverse and intelligent as any. But have they gotten the chance to express that? No, and that is why I think that this was an entirely wrong and unnecessary period for human history.

** 1. What do you learn in this chapter about Maycomb, Atticus Finch and his family? **
In this chapter, we learn that Maycomb is a small, southern town. The townfolk all know eachother and most are somehow related to at least one other person in the town. We also learn that Atticus Finch is better off with his money, since he is the town's only attorney. But his wife has died, leaving him with very independent children and a housekeeper that does most of the housework, since he is so busy during the day. He is a caring man, and truly believes in the rights of man and that everyone should have an equal chance.

** 2. What do you learn about Dill's character? **
Dill is more of an independent character. He's somewhat strange, having the characteristics of an adventurer, but also showing us that he is okay with his height and used to people teasing him about it but doesn't let other's opinion define him.

** 3. What, briefly, has happened to Arthur “Boo” Radley? **
The Radley's boy Boo is interesting. From Dill's description, he is a very eccentric character. (eating raw meat and having bloodied hands) When he was younger, Boo was seen stabbing his father's leg with a pair of scissors. He was then sent to a disciplinary school, and ever since then has been alone in his home. No one see's him, and he is viewed as a sort of mystery for the people of Maycomb.

** 4. Why does the Radley place fascinate Scout, Jem and Dill? **
The Radley's place is viewed as a haunted house. It contains mystery, and strange people who no one can really truly understand. It is unkempt, dirty and an overall scary place. This is why Scout, Jem and Dill are so intrigued by it, and find even the thought of touching it terrifying.

** 5. What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint in the novel? How does this perspective influence the context provided by the narrator? **
The story is told from the view point of Scout, a six year old girl. It makes the story appear very black and white, the events almost one sided. She only knows what she is told, and although she has a very distinct and strong character, she is still young and in the midst of learning even more.

** 1. Why is Scout so looking forward to starting school? **
Scout has never been to school. And from what her brother tells her, it is very much different from her life at home, where she is free to do and think as she pleases. She loves to read and write, it comes naturally to her. So she is happy that she'll have the opportunity to explore a new world and learn new things along the way.

** 2. Why does Jem not want anything to do with Scout at school? Is his behaviour typical of an older child? **
Jem feels as any young boy would about having his little sister join him in his school. He thinks that she would embarrass him in front of his friends by bringing up games and secrets he would rather not have told out loud. Having a little sibling in a place you've known so long as the place you could be independent and be whoever you want to be is hard, and might ruin the mood so I completely agree that this is normal behaviour for him.

** 3. What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher as a teacher? Can you find qualities which would make her good or not so good at her job? **
I think that miss Caroline was a great example of a typical young teacher. She has not yet embraced the life of these Maycomb children, and therefore does not understand their personalities and underestimates them. She felt protective of Walter, and got defensive when she thought that Scout might be insulting him. This means that she truly feels the need to take care of these children, and that is a sign that she is a genuinely good teacher.

Calpurnia is Scout and Jem's housekeeper. She makes their meals, cleans and cares for them. She is also the one who has taught Scout to read and write. Walter is very friendly and kind, and this shows when he is at Scout's place for lunch. He's comfortable with Atticus, which shows his maturity. But when Scout realizes that he pours syrup all over his food, she doesn't hesitate to say that it is wrong, that he is spoiling the it. Calpurnia chastises her, saying that some people eat differently. This indicates that he comes from a poorer lifestyle. I very much respect Atticus for treating Walter the way he did. He ignored then fact that he comes from a poor family, and offered his home and his food to him. He also treated him as an actual adult, which I think was very generous of him.
 * Chapter 3 **
 * 1. Who is Calpurnia? What is her place in the Finch household? **
 * 2. What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behaviour during lunch suggest about his home life? **
 * 3. What do you think of the way Atticus treats Walter? **
 * 4. Does Scout learn anything from Walter's visit? What do you think this is? **

Scout learns that not everyone has the same opportunities for a good life as she has. That some people have to make do with what they have and pay with whatever they can afford to give. That no matter who enter's her house is company, and she should offer as much respect to them as they would to her.

It means that you cannot truly understand someone without knowing and understanding their story until you can begin to feel empathy for what they live through. It is not enough to just know what they do, you have to understand the implications and price of doing those things.
 * 5. Atticus says that you never really understand a person “until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”. What does this mean? Is it an easy thing for Scout to learn? (In the last chapter of the novel, Scout repeats this, but she changes “skin” to “shoes” - this is probably not a mistake: Harper Lee suggests that Scout cannot clearly recall exactly what Atticus said and when, but the reader can check this!) **
 * 6. What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells? **

In this chapter, we learn about the Ewell family. The father is an alcoholic, dependent on the money given to him by the government. He has children, but they are brought up roughly and without much care. The children actually attend school, but only for a day and it is understood by all teachers and students that they shall be marked absent for the rest of the year. Obviously, the children dont care much about their education, and view it more of a chore to go to school anyways.

Scout finds it odd that Atticus and his uncle have not received a proper education, (have not gone to school) yet are succeeding with excellent careers and a good life, yet those attending it are doing less well such as Walter Cunningham. She begins to wonder if it is truly worth going to school if you can learn everything you need to know in the comfort of your own home.
 * Chapter 4 **
 * 1. What does Scout think of current fashions in education? **


 * 2. What superstitions do the children have in connection with the Radley house? **

The children make up many stories about the Radley's, but one of them is that Boo Radley had been stuffed inside a chimney and has ever since been dead. Boo Radley is the bogey man of the town, and children will not rest until they have plenty of stories to tell.


 * 3. Why do the children make Boo's story into a game? **

Jem decides to make Boo Radley's story into a game to show the others that he is not scared of any Radley, no matter who they are. But also to make fun of them, for this makes up for his cowardice towards the house and their family.


 * 4. What do they do in this game? Do you think the game is an accurate version of what happens in the Radleys' home? **

In this game, they make up many tales of what happens to the Radley family. They tell of the wife, Mrs Radley who has lost her beauty after marrying Mr Radley, along with her teeth, hair and a finger which was eaten by Boo when he could not find squirrels and other animals to kill. Of course, these are not legitimate stories, because the stories are so horrible that if they were true, the whole family would be most likely sentenced to prison or death.


 * 5. What might be the cause of the laughter from inside the house? **

I feel like the laughter would probably be linked to Boo, because he is the only person we should automatically link it to. He has been hidden away for years, so the only way for him to find amusement from others is for people to wander into his lot by mistake., which is what happened when Scout rolled in with the tire.


 * Chapter 5 **
 * 1. Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson? How typical is she of Maycomb's women? What do the children think of her? **

Miss Maudie Atkinson is a simple, religious and kind woman She believes that everyone should be treated equally, and be given equal chances. She loves her flowers and her garden, and would gladly have a much bigger one if she could, since gardening is her one true love. She is typical of most Maycomb women because she is a simple, sweet and caring woman. She doesn't seem to be troubled and goes along her life happily.
 * 2. What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about Boo? How does this compare with what Scout already believes? **

Miss Maudie tells Scout that Boo is not to be named Arthur, and that she does not believe him to be evil. She thinks that people should be free to choose how they live their lives, and not be afraid of being judged for it. This is different from all the haunting stories Scout has heard, because these stories had been made and exaggerated by children who were in fear of him.


 * 3. Scout claims that “Dill could tell the biggest ones ” (lies) she ever heard. Why might Dill have told such lies? **

Dill might have told those lies because he wanted to impress and feel important. Make an interesting facade for the world to see, because he believes that him on his own is not good enough, so he has to make up lies to make up for that.
 * 4. What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the Boo Radley game? Do you think he is right? Why? **

Atticus doesn't think it is fair that the Radleys should be so taunted by his children and their friends. They are a part of their town and society, and should be accepted into it without complaint and bullying.


 * Chapter 6 **
 * 1. Why does Scout disapprove of Jem's and Dill's plan of looking in at one of the Radleys' windows? **

Scout thinks that it is a bad idea because she is secretly afraid of the implications it brings, and the fact that they may get caught by the Radleys. But also because she has also heard Boo Radley laughing after she rolled down in the tire, and that terrifies her even more.


 * 2. What does Mr. Nathan Radley know about the intruders in his garden? Why does Miss Stephanie refer to a “negro” over whose head Mr. Nathan has fired? **

Mr Radley knows that it would have been children. Who else would have been small and curious enough to sneak under his fence. Plus, it has been mostly kids who have been taunting and whispering about his family. Miss Stephanie thinks it would have been a colored person because she truly considers them low enough to snoop on someone's property and dart away like a thief. She thinks it impossible that a "civilized white" would do such a thing, although we know it was Jem and his sister.

Children were not supposed to be aware of poker and gambling, so the mere thought that Dill and Jem were playing "strip poker" was very scandalous. Thankfully Atticus explained it was only a phase they were going through, or they could have been in huge trouble.
 * 3. Why does Dill's explanation of Jem's state of dress almost land him in trouble? **


 * Chapter 7 **

Jem tells Scout that when he went to retrieve his trousers later one night, he found them neatly draped against the fence. But they were sewn in an odd way, with ugly lines across the ripped area. "It was like someone knew you were comin' back for them"
 * 1. When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange. What is this? **

Jem can see that Boo is more than a myth and a monster, and since he's getting older, he understands a bit more about why his father would want to keep him locked and protected from the outside world.
 * 2. Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley? What do you think this is? **

After a while, we can begin to see that Jem doesn't fear the gifts any longer. The day that he and Scout find soap dolls of them in the tree, Scout throws them away, but he admires their careful details and thinks them to be treasures. After that they start to keep the gifts, the gum (which they eat, forgetting that anything from the Radley's place is "poisonous'') and the golden pocket watch.
 * 3. Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer. **

When Scout and Jem walk over with their letter, they find the hole in the tree filled with cement. They later see Mr. Radley and ask him about it. He said he filled it because the tree was dying, and that is simply what you do. But he was lying, because it is possible he didnt want the children coming in contact with his son, or the other way arround.
 * 4. When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this happen? Who does it, and why might he do so? **


 * Chapter 8 **

[]

[] BELLINGRATH GARDENS

That winter, Mrs. Radley had died, and when Atticus returned from their home, she was extremely curious. Had her father seen Boo Radley? Atticus told her that he had not, and Jem told her not to ask any more questions because Atticus might still be on the edge about their curiosity.
 * 1. Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her? **

They were both quite impressed with what Jem had done, and thought it was quite funny. But in the end, Atticus advised Jem to disguise the snowman so that Mr. Avery might not know it was actually an immitation of him.
 * 2. What is the “near libel” which Jem puts in the front yard? How do Miss Maudie and Atticus react to it? **

Atticus thought it would be more important to save things that were of importance rather than value to Mrs. Maudie.
 * 3. Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie's oak rocking chair? **

Jem realizes that the blanket must have been brought out from the Radley house, since no one else was arround at the time. He noticed Nathan Radley in Maudie's home and assumes that it must have been Arthur Radley that came outside and had given Scout the blanket.
 * 4. When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize? **

What Atticus meant by that, was to not let this event fuel his curiosity and make him pull any more pranks or go further into the Radley's propriety. Jem wouldn't want to disappoint his father, or even get in trouble since he is afraid of what that might bring.
 * 5. Explain what Atticus means by telling Jem not to let his discovery “inspire ” him to “further glory”? Is there any reason why Jem might now do as his father says? **

[] [] []
 * Chapter 9 **

Atticus feels he should do his best to defend Tom, even if he is a black man. He believes it wouldnt be right to always do the right thing, but let this innocent man go unprotected by the law. It is against his ethics and he feels that he wouldnt be able to tell his own children what to do anymore because he let that man go. It is very unusual for white lawyers to defend any black clients at that time, and we see this when the whole town shows their resentment towards the case.
 * 1. How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? Is it usual for (white) lawyers to do their best for black clients in Alabama at this time? **

Jem and Scout both have mixed opinions on Christmas. They like it for the tree, and their uncle Jack Finch. But they also didn't like it because it meant they had to visit their Aunt Alexandra and Uncle Jimmy, and their cousin Francis who although are known for making great food, are not the best hosts for Christmas holidays.
 * 2. Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas? What are these feelings and why? **

He means to tell her that by swearing so much, she's trying to grow up quicker than she needs to, but is also being a bit inappropriate. Her "pants" is her childish innocence, and she's growing and stretching them out until she is no longer a child, until they no longer fit.
 * 3. Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it? **

He reveals the fact that his grandmother disapproves of Atticus helping Tom Robinson. She thinks he will bring shame to the family, and this rubs off onto Francis, who reflects her views.
 * 4. When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this? **


 * 5. Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus's conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be? **

As she listens, she hears her father talking about the trial. How ugly things will be said about her father, probably her family. But she also learns that even though her father doesn't have a chance at protecting Tom from his fate, he will stay by his side and defend him. Sometimes things happen, and there's nothing you can do to stop them. This is what Scout learns.

"But I never figured out how Atticus knew I was listening, and it was not until many years later that I realized he wanted me to hear every word he said." Atticus had always meant for Scout to listen, to remember his words because they told her why her father supported Tom. Told her why he was sticking to protecting him and not giving up, even if the whole town was against it. He wanted his daughter to know how brave he was.
 * 6. Read the final sentence of this chapter. Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story. **


 * Chapter 10 **


 * 1. Scout says that “Atticus was feeble”. Do you think that this is her view as she tells the story or her view when she was younger? Does she still think this after the events recorded in this chapter? **

Atticus explains that there is nothing wrong with a mocking bird. They do not bother you, destroy your gardens or eat your crops. Their sole purpose is to sing, and that is why it would be a sin to kill something so harmless.
 * 2. In this chapter Atticus tells his children that “it's a sin to kill a mockingbird”. What reason does he give for saying this? **

Heck Tate is hesitant, because if he misses his shot, the bullet would land in the Radley yard, resulting in possible trouble for him. Heck Tate was trying to tell Jem that when Atticus was younger, he was the "surest shot in town." Atticus wanted to keep this a secret, because of his humbleness and also because he doesn't want his children getting the wrong ideas.
 * 3. Why does Heck Tate not want to shoot Tim Johnson? **
 * 4. Near the end of this chapter Atticus cuts off Heck Tate as he is speaking to Jem. What might Heck have been about to say, and why would Atticus want to stop him from saying it? **

Scout wants to immediately tell her friends about her father's talent. She thought him to be boring and talentless, and was eager to show that he was more than a feeble man. Jem however, wanted to keep it a secret because their father had asked them not to tell anyone. If it were me, I would rather tell my friends because I would be very proud of Atticus.
 * 5. Jem and Scout have different views about telling people at school how well Atticus can shoot. Explain this difference. Which view is closer to your own? **


 * Chapter 11 **

Atticus advises Jem to keep his head cool and to act like a gentleman, just as he does. To try to not let Mrs. Dubose's remarks get to him.
 * 1. How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs. Dubose's taunts? **

Mrs. Dubose makes the comment that if their mother was a great woman, and that if she were still alive her children would not be left to run around unattended.
 * 2. What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children's mother? How does Jem feel about this? **

Mrs. Dubose requests that everyday after school, Jem comes to her home and reads to her for two hours. This may be fair, to some extent. But it also seems overly harsh as well.
 * 3. What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this a fair punishment for his “crime”? **

In his opinion, words like Nigger Lover are words that have no meaning to him. Slang, words thrown around every which way, but dont really make sense.
 * 4. Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of insults like “nigger-lover”. How far do you agree with him? **

Atticus views her bravery and patience greater than her manners. Even if she teases and taunts his children, her courage and strength make up for it.
 * 5. Why, in Atticus's view, was Mrs. Dubose “a great lady”? **

Rather than resorting to violence and destruction to get rid of problems, Mrs. Dubose's problems were fought with courage and patience. It showed true strength in one self, instead of using weapons to appear brave.
 * 6. Atticus says that ** **Mrs**. ** Dubose is a model of real courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”. What does he mean? Do you think he is right? **

She chose to end it here, because the book was split into two parts. When the children grow up and learn about Boo, their world and the people in it. The second part was meant to be only about the trial and the events after it.
 * 7. Chapters ten and eleven are the last two chapters in the first part of the book. Explain why Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here. **

Jem and Scout's first visit to Calpurnia was a learning experience to say the least. They saw how differently the black community was treated, how they lacked the proper equipment to be a good church. (hymn books, organ, pews) and how Calpurnia acted differently arround her friends and neighbours.
 * Chapter 12 **
 * 1. Comment on Jem's and Scout's visit to First Purchase church. **

She learns how people make do with what they had. If they lacked song books, they would repeat a line until it became a song. But she also learned that they have less opportunity than the whites. How they dont know how to read, how many of them speak with slang and simple words.
 * 2. What new things does Scout learn here about how the black people live? **

Scout finds out that it was actually Calpurnia who had taught Zeebo how to read and write. How she was one of the only people able to do so, so she gave herself the responsibility of teaching her loved ones.
 * 3. What does Scout learn from Calpurnia's account of Zeebo's education? **

Calpurnia speaks differently in her neighbourhood because she thinks that if she were to speak as she does to Jem and Scout, it would look as if "she were putting on airs," and seeming more important.
 * 4. Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbours at church. **


 * Chapter 13 **


 * 1. Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and his family? What is she like? **

Aunt Alexandra comes to visit the Finch family because she and Atticus had decided that it was time Scout learned how to act like a lady. She is very high strung and sophisticated, and I would even say a perfectionist. She wants everything done perfectly and to make the right impression on everyone.

It is typical of her, because she is the type of person to have everything handed to her on a silver platter. She treats Calpurnia like a servant and chides Scout for being unladylike, and these are probably how she treats everyone in her life.
 * 2. Read the first two things Aunt Alexandra says when she comes to the Finch home: " Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia" and "Jean Louise, stop scratching your head" . Are these typical of her or not? **

Alexandra does not understand that Scout was not raised like her. She does not have the proper understanding of civility, and therefore is not used to her aunt's lifestyle. Adults only have a limited amount of knowledge in their own children. The kind of intelligence they had developed is still growing inside of a child. Children have their own intelligence though, their own knowledge and opinion of the world which gives them a fresh perspective on things.
 * 3. Alexandra thinks Scout is “dull” (not clever). Why does she think this, and is she right? Are all adults good at knowing how clever young people are? **

Typical of Aunt Alexandra, she gets quickly associated with Stephanie Crawford and all of the women in town. She arranges teas and meetings to talk and gossip, and gets along well with practically everyone.
 * 4. How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Maycomb's social life? **


 * 5. Comment on Aunt Alexandra's ideas about breeding and family. Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Who is right, do you think? **

Aunt Alexandra thinks that the Finch family comes from more than "run of the mill" folks, but very civilized and important people. She wants Scout and Jem to respect that their family comes from years of gentle breeding, and to continue to act as the gentleman and lady that they should be. Atticus however, tells them to forget it. He doesn't want his children trapped in all the implications of acting proper as they should apparently be. I think that Atticus is right about this point. Social status and class do not matter, and the children should not be forced to endure it at such a young age.

Atticus explained that rape was "carnal knowledge of a woman by force, and without her consent." This is a good explanation to be offered to a child, because it mentions unwanted excessive knowledge about a woman, without mentioning the brutal truths.
 * Chapter 14 **
 * 1. Comment on Atticus's explanation of rape . How suitable is this as an answer to Scout. **


 * 2. Why does Alexandra think Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to the suggestion? **

Aunt Alexandra thinks that since Scout and Jem are being raised by a black woman, they not be able to hold up the Finch name as she would like. She thinks it would be an insult to the family, and she will not have it. But Atticus demands that she stays, and that Calpurnia is as much a member of their family as she is.


 * 3. Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her back? Why is she less pleased when he tells Atticus about Dill? **

When they first start their fighting, Jem refused to fight back, because he wanted to be the older, more mature sibling. The one who holds back and keeps a cool head. But as soon as he joined in Scout viewed him as an equal. "Aint so high and mighty now, are you?" Scout says, because she had the idea that Jem was acting superior to her. Scout felt that her brother's telling on Dill meant that he was betraying their trust. She felt he was a tattle tail and that she wanted to keep Dill a secret from her father.


 * 4. What do we learn from Dill's account of his running away? **

When Dill ran away, it wasn't because he was abused or hated by his family. He ran away because he didnt feel important to his parents, and he saw what real family bonds were supposed to look like. He craved the love and attention of parents, so he came to Scout and Dill's home to find it.


 * Chapter 15 **
 * 1. What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children? **

After a while, we could see that the tension being built up by Atticus' case was coming to bursting. People were getting angsty and angrier, and something had to happen. When a group of men came to the Finch's door, we could see that the first step was being taken. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a secret anti immigration, white supremacy group that has existed since the mid 20th Century. Atticus' comment meant to say that he will never want them to have power over anyone again, and that he ultimately wishes that no one shall be encouraged to act that way again.
 * 2. What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of ** Atticus's comment"The Ku Klux's gone. It'll never come back."

Jem sensed that Atticus was in trouble. He could see that these men were threatening Atticus while trying to get past him, and Jem didn't want to leave his father without numbers of his own. It was his own way of trying to protect him. Scout sees a familiar face, Mr. Cunningham, and using her good sense and manners, she starts a conversation with him as if he were a friend. This relaxes him and his companions, and they remember that they are not a group, but individuals so decide to leave the scene. Since Scout is so young, she didn't realize that she was stepping into a dangerous situation. It was occupied by older men who had much more power than she, but her willingness to go into the midst of it all and try and befriend a member of their group mollified them.
 * 3. How does Jem react when Atticus tells him to go home, and why? **
 * 4. What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom's life? **
 * 5. Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time. **

As the day of the trial draws closer, Atticus grows slightly more irritable. Scout notices it when he talks to his sister, his voice is rougher and he is quicker to be annoyed. Dolphus Raymond is the husband of a black woman. He is one of the only people in Maycomb with mixed-race children. He is currently in a state of very drunken regret over his wedding though, since he was meant to marry a wealthier woman, but is still a very good father to his children.
 * Chapter 16 **
 * 1. What “subtle change” does Scout notice in her father? **
 * 2. What sort of person is Dolphus Raymond? **

Reverend Sykes sees that the children are last to enter the court house, so offers them a seat with him at the balcony. By agreeing to this, the children have an unlimited view of everything that goes on during the case, so it is a good move on his part, but may also be regarded on negatively by someone like Aunt Alexandra since this is also where the black people sit.
 * 3. How does Reverend Sykes help the children see and hear the trial? Is he right to do? **

Judge Taylor may first seem as an unmotivated man, but he is very smart and cunning. He rarely flounders at a case, and in my opinion takes his trials seriously. Especially this one, since he shows no sign of tiredness and is fully aware during all of it. == **Champerty is an illegal bargain whereby one party is to assist the other in a lawsuit and share in the proceeds.** ==
 * 4. Comment on Judge Taylor's attitude to his job. Does he take the trial seriously or not? **

Heck Tate mainly describes the scene of the crime, how the daughter looked, bruised and crumpled on the floor in pain. Atticus's questioning proves that her health was not exactly a priority, since Heck had not called a doctor to examine her.
 * Chapter 17 **
 * 1. What are the main points in Heck Tate's evidence? What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate? **


 * 2. What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the Ewell family in this chapter? **

When the author describes the house the Ewells live in, we can see that it is a shabbily built home and family. They make do with what they can find, but it is always in a state of dissaray and on the verge of crumbling apart.
 * 3. What do you learn from Bob Ewell's evidence? **

We find out that Bob Ewell believes it is completely the fault of Tom Robinson. He didn't even give two seconds to look after his daughter before running off after the man, therefore showing how little he cares about his own children, and how much he loves to give chase to the defenseless.
 * 4. Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his name? What does the jury see when he does this? **

When Bob Ewell writes out his name on the envelope, we can see that he was writing with his left hand. Meaning that the blame for abuse can easily be tied to him, since the daughter was hit on the right side of her face. (anyone seen face to face will have left and rights reversed, therefore if hit on the left, injury will occur on the right)


 * Chapter 18 **

Mayella has been brought up in a rough environment, with no real love or affections to be shown. So in a way, she has her father's hard demeanor, but is caring and gentle, as we can see from her flowers.
 * 1. Is Mayella like her father or different from him? In what ways? **


 * 2. What might be the reason for Mayella's crying in the court? **

Being in the court room at that time must have been bringing back memories of what happened. She might have been very stressed before then, and remembering those events could have been hard on her. But I felt there was also an underlying threat from her father, telling her to say only the right things and not let anything get by Atticus, because he was already a prime suspect in his mind.

Mayella has never been treated with much respect, so when Atticus calls her "Miss Mayella," she thinks that he's making fun of her. She gets aggravated and complains, but the thing is he was only being polite.
 * 3. How does Mayella react to Atticus's politeness? Is she used to people being polite? **

Tom Gilmer uses the jury's prejudice against Tom Radley to prove his guilt, even if the evidence is clearly pointing towards his innocence.
 * 4. How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom's guilt in the eyes of the reader (you) and in the eyes of the jury? Can you suggest why these might be different? **


 * Chapter 19 **

Tom is used to passing the Ewell's home regularly because it is on his way to work, but one day as he was walking home, he was called by Mayella to help her chop up a chiffarobe for firewood. After that, he would come by often to help her do small chores, since she her younger siblings wouldn't do much of anything and she was left with most of the work.
 * 1. What made Tom visit the Ewell's house in the first place? **

Scout noticed that Mayella when Atticus had mentioned her friends, she did not seem to know what he meant. She also linked her to mixed children's exclusion from everyone, since the white folk were to disgusted to talk to her, and the black folk didnt want to be with her since she was white. She is alone.
 * 2. Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was “the loneliest person in the world”? **


 * 3. In your own words explain Mayella's relationship with her father. **

Mayella has a strange relationship with her father. He is never at home, and spends all his money on drinking. Meanwhile, she is left at home to take care of her siblings, the home and their lives. But we can see that when Mayella is raped, her father didn't care as a father should. He did not look after her, take her to a doctor or show her any type of affection at all. Instead, he was busy with chasing down the "criminal".

Dill reacted quite strongly to the end of the trial, when Gilmer was prosecuting Robinson. He had started to cry, and Scout was forced to take him outside of the courtroom to sit with Mr. Deas. In my opinion, I believe that Dill really believed in Tom Robinson. He wanted him to be innocent, to walk away with a clean slate, but with Gilmer beating down on him so, it was literally impossible for him to defend himself.
 * 4. How does Dill react to this part of the trial? Why is this, in your opinion? **

Scout is prejudiced about her views of Dolphus Raymond, because she has only knows what other people say about him. Add that with the fact that she always sees him with a hidden bottle, and that will make anyone suspicious of such a person. So no, she was not right to call him evil, as he is an actual kind man who takes care of his children and is kind to her and Dill when they come to him.
 * Chapter 20 **
 * 1. Scout says that “Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil man”. Is she right? **

Dolphus thinks that if he were to reveal his bottle, people would regard him strangely. They had built an image of this strange alcoholic, and the mere thought of him being an actually normal person would be to hard for them to understand.
 * 2. In most states of the USA people who drink alcohol in public places are required to hide their bottle in a paper bag. Why does Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a bag? **


 * 3. What, according to Atticus, is the thing that Mayella has done wrong? **
 * Explain, in your own words, Atticus's views on people's being equal. **

In Atticus's opinion, she had broken a code deeply written in society. She had had feelings for a man who she knew she could never be with, because the prejudice and criticism against the man she loved was enough to have him killed at a rumour of intimacy. She knew she would condemn him, and yet she loved him and brought him into a situation he could not escape.


 * Chapter 21 **
 * 1. What does Jem expect the verdict to be? Does Atticus think the same? **

In this court, Jem is the logical thinker. He knows that everything is in Tom Robinson's favor, and any reasonable person would see that he was innocent. He knows that if men were equal, Tom would win this case and be free forever. But sadly, Atticus reads the minds of the jury, and he knows that they will never agree to have Tom go free and unpunished.
 * 2. What is unusual about how long it takes the jury to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or not? **

It actually takes the jury to agree on a verdict because they can see how the evidence points towards Bob Ewell abusing his daughter, but the jury is too biased to actually admit it. So they have to decide between listening to their heart, or being unjust as they are expected to be.
 * 3. As Scout waits for the verdict, she thinks of earlier events. What are these and how do they remind us of the novel's central themes? **

==** 4. Describe 5 examples of instances where the children in the novel demonstrate a higher level of insight than some adults simply because they are still children and their judgment has not been clouded by society and the prejudice of adulthood. **==

Since Jem is a member of the family, Atticus thinks he should have a right to know what happens to the others. The things that Atticus are involved in are too important to be ignored by his loved ones, and they have to be aware of what may come from these actions. As Miss Maudie knows about the trial, she knows that Tom Robinson's life hangs in the balance. So she reassures Jem that things will be better and that he will move on from this time. Dill is tired of everyone acting so rediculous all the time. He feels that if he had the chance, he would stand up at laugh at them, how flawed their views are. Because really, if a child thinks something is laughable, it really should be dealt with. In certain parts of the world, it is clear that racism has not been extinguished. It is still frowned upon, but personally I think that people will always favor themselves (their own race) above others. It has of course been toned down considerably, especially considering the KKK and other factors of the segregation. But overall, people have become much more inclusive of others, and thats a clear sign of change! Bob Ewell feels offended by Atticus, because at the court case, Atticus was clearly onto Bob's crime. He knew the truth, he knew that he was a criminal hiding behind descrimination, and so Bob is horrified that the truth will come out and that his name will be tarnished even more than it already is.
 * Chapter 22 **
 * 1. Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he defends Jem's right to know what has happened. Explain, in your own words, Atticus's reasons for this. (Look at the speech beginning, “This is their home, sister”. **
 * 2. Miss Maudie tells Jem that “things are never as bad as they seem”. What reasons does she give for this view? **
 * 3. Why does Dill say that he will be a clown when he grows up? Do you think he would keep this ambition for long? **
 * 4. This story is set in the 1930s but was published in 1960. Have attitudes to racism remained the same (in the USA and the UK) or have there been any changes (for the better or worse) since then, in your view? **
 * 5. Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus? Do you think his threat is a real one, and how might he try to “get” Atticus? **


 * Chapter 23 **
 * 1. What do you think of Atticus's reaction to Bob Ewell's challenge? Should he have ignored Bob, retaliated or done something else? **

I respect Atticus for the way he reacted to Ewell's challenge. He wiped his face, walked away and did not look back. Too many people these days are obsessed with revenge, and I think what he did was very brave and respectful. He tells Scout that not all of the Jury men were convinced Tom was guilty. One was even convinced to let him go free, and this is why it took them so long to decide, because if he managed to convince one more person, they would have a split jury.
 * 2. What is “circumstantial evidence”? What has it got to do with Tom's conviction? **
 * 3. What does Atticus tell Scout about why the jury took so long to convict Tom? **

Aunt Alexandra has never been raised with other members of society. She's been taught to avoid them at all cost, for it would stain her name and her family's reputation. In my opinion, people of all social classes should be included, since this is how we learn about others and ourselves. Class divisions make people of all classes feel strongly about the others, weither in a positive or negative way, and this makes them believe the wrong things.
 * 4. Why does Aunt Alexandra accept that the Cunninghams may be good but are not “our kind of folks”? Do you think that people should mix only with others of the same social class? Are class-divisions good or bad for societies? **

Jem thinks that maybe the reason Boo stays inside is because he wants to. That the world is just a hateful place and that people will never be inclusive enough to accept him.
 * 5. At the end of this chapter, Jem forms a new theory about why Boo Radley has never left his house in years. What is this? How likely is it to be true, in your opinion? **

I dont think they should have any reason to worry about the tribe, for the rumors spun around it are exaggerated lies, and they probably do just as well on their own as any other tribe.
 * Chapter 24 **
 * 1. Do you think the missionary ladies are sincere in worrying about the “Mrunas” (a tribe in Africa)? Give reasons for your answer. **

When Scout mentions that she is wearing her breeches under her dress, Mrs. Maudie remains serious, yet all the other ladies laugh. You could say that Mrs. Maudie prefers to laugh only when she is truly happy, not at some childish mistake and this is why we could see she is a true friend to Scout, since she will not laugh at her misunderstandings.
 * 2. Compare the reactions of Miss Maudie and the other ladies when Scout says she is wearing her “britches” under her dress. **

To me, these Maycomb women seem very hypocritical. They carry themselves with grace and poise, deeming their actions ladylike, when on the inside they are quick to judge and mock others. They find the sadness of others inconvenient, and prefer to live their lives in a happy secluded bubble.
 * 3. What is your opinion of the Maycomb ladies, as depicted in this chapter? **

In this chapter, we can see that although Aunt Alexandra values her morals and social status very highly, she also does not approve of everything her friends do. She does not share the same belittling views as them, and this earns her respect from Maudie and Scout.
 * How, in this chapter, do we see Aunt Alexandra in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support her? **


 * Chapter 25 **
 * 1. How does Maycomb react to the news of Tom's death? **

There is not much inpact on Maycomb after Tom's death. People gossip, and it is soon old news. To them, Tom's death was nothing new, and they all saw him as nothing more than a typical black man. A man with an excellent defense attorney, but a black man none the less.
 * 2. Comment on the idea that Tom's death was “typical”? **

There is something very wrong about how they think this is typical. Have they sent so many black people to jail that their suicides were to be expected? That the death of a person, no matter how important or innocent, is old news within days? There is something seriously wrong with the way these people think, because no person, no matter their race should die unnoticed and un-cared for. To these men, there were two court cases. The one which actually happened in Maycomb, and the one happening inside of themselves. To them, Atticus had no chance. The second Mayella accused Tom of rape, Tom was sentenced, and there was nothing he could do about it.
 * 3. Explain the contrast Scout draws between the court where Tom was tried and “the secret courts of men's hearts”. In what way are hearts like courts? **

Jem was worried that if Atticus knew about this, he would blame himself for having his children in the court room and become angry. He thought Bob Ewell's threat was nothing worth worrying about, so he didnt want it getting out of control.
 * 4. Why did Jem not want Scout to tell Atticus about Bob Ewell's " One down and about two more to go" comment Was this a wise thing to ask her to do? **


 * Chapter 26 **
 * 1. In her lesson on Hitler, Miss Gates says that “we (American people) don't believe in persecuting anyone”. What seems odd to the reader about this claim? **

To a reader, this may seem extremely hypocritical, since the views and thoughts of these people against blacks are entirely evil and meant to make them feel the least bit welcome anywhere. They mean to scare and drive them away, and this so called belief in living without persecuting is a total lie.
 * 2. Why is Scout puzzled by Miss Gates' disapproval of Hitler? **

Scout doesn't understand why Miss Gate would hates someone who mistreats a group of people so much, when she and so many others do the same. "Jem, how can you hate Hitler so bad an' then turn around and be ugly about folks right at home?" This shows that people arent always who they appear, and can harbor a lot more hate inside of them than we think.

Jem doesn't want to accept that his world had come to this. Before this, he had been studying cultures, learning about how they worked together. The idea that one culture would be clashing in such a horrible way with another is hard for someone to understand and accept. There is no real answer to that question, but from what we know, people are always going to want to hate on something or someone. It makes us feel accomplished and better about ourselves, even if it is an ugly way to do so.
 * 3. Why does Scout's question upset Jem? Is there a simple answer, or any answer, to the question (“How can you hate Hitler an’ then turn around an be ugly about folks right at home?” **

The first thing Bob Ewell does is acquire and lose a job in a matter of days. Apparently he was hired on the WPA, but got fired soon after for his laziness. The second is that he is rumored to have entered Judge Taylor's home, causing the man to lay awake late into the night with a shotgun across his lap. The third, and this was noticed by Link Deas, was harassing Helen Robinson as she made her way to his home. He did not strike her or act violently, but instead followed her to Mr. Deas' residence, whispering insults loud enough for her to hear. This terrified her, and was quickly dealt with by Mr. Deas. Aunt Alexandra seems to think that Ewell has a grudge with every person associated with that case, and she is right. He will not let this go over smoothly.
 * Chapter 27 **
 * 1. What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarm Aunt Alexandra? **

In Atticus's opinion, Bob Ewell feels embarassed and insulted. He thought he would come out a hero for putting a black man in jail, yet it was clear that both Atticus and Judge Taylor did not believe his side of things.
 * 2. Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear a grudge? Which people does Ewell see as his enemies, and why? **

The purpose for the halloween pageant is partly to bring the town together, but more importantly to make sure that the children didn't get up to any mischief, for the year before that Mrs. Tutti and Frutti, (Sarah and Frances) had lost all of their furniture and had to get Heck Tate to find it in their cellar.
 * 3. What was the purpose of the Halloween pageant? What practical joke had persuaded the grown ups to have an organized event? **


 * Chapter 28 **
 * 1. Comment on the way this chapter reminds the reader of earlier events in the novel. **

As Jem and Scout are walking by the Radley house, they hear mocking birds singing, and Jem jokes that they must not be home, for why should birds sing when he was near? This is ironic because later in the night, it is actually Boo who rescues them from Bob Ewell, so it was important for him to be out of the home at that time.
 * 2. Why does Jem say that Boo Radley must not be at home? What is ironic about this? (Is it true? Does he really mean it? Why might it be important for him and Scout that Boo should not be at home?) **

Scout did not want to take off her costume, since it takes help to take off, especially in the dark, and she would not have any clothes on underneath. She doesn't feel like she could put her dress on in the dark, so she keeps it on. The problem with Scout's costume is that although there are peep holes, it is hard to see through it, and awkward to move in. So when she and her brother get assaulted, it is very hard for her to react and move away, since her costume is restricting in many ways.
 * 3. Scout decides to keep her costume on while walking home. How does this affect her understanding of what happens on the way? **

There may be the possibility that Atticus was scared of this man, but more likely he had offered it, and was denied. This stranger, from the awkward posture and ragged appearance, we can tell is Arthur (Boo) Radley.
 * 4. Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner? Who might this stranger be? **

When Bob Ewell had tried to attack Scout with his knife, it was blocked by the chicken wires inside of her costume, therefore showing us this clean silver line.
 * hapter 29 **
 * 1. What causes the “shiny clean line” on the otherwise “dull wire” of Scout's costume? **

Atticus believes that Bob Ewell was still upset about the trial, but didn't assume that he would go after his children after he threatened him. Heck Tate thought that Bob Ewell would never be brave enough to actually confront Atticus in person, and that is why he went after his children instead. Bob Ewell would much rather get revenge in a sneaky, non direct way then to get his hands dirty going after his enemy.
 * 2. What explanation does Atticus give for Bob Ewell's attack? **
 * 3. What does Heck Tate give as the reason for the attack? **

I think Heck Tate's explanation is much more likely, since we can tell from the story that Ewell was in some ways, a coward. He snuck into Judge Taylor's home when he thought no one would be there, and he whispered insults behind Ellen Robinson's back without actually going up to her.
 * 4. Do you think the sheriff's explanation or Atticus's is the more likely to be true? **

Atticus thinks it was his own son who murdered Bob Ewell.
 * Chapter 30 **
 * 1. Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell's death? **

Heck Tate knows that it was probably Boo Radley who killed Ewell, and wants to avoid arresting him. He was only protecting Scout and Jem, and the sheriff thinks that no one should be sent to jail for that. Also, Bob Ewell's death was partly self inflicited, since it was his own fault and decision to attack the children, so Boo had no choice but to protect them.
 * 2. Why does Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell's death was self-inflicted? In what way is this partly true? **


 * 3. Is Heck Tate right to spare Boo then publicity of an inquest? Give reasons for your answer. **


 * 4. How does the writer handle the appearance, at the end of the story, of Boo Radley? **

The story begins with Scout telling us about Jem's arm injury. We now understand that it was from Bob Ewell's attack.
 * Chapter 31 **
 * 1. How do the events of the final chapters explain the first sentence in the whole novel? **

We can tell that this is from the point of view of Boo Radley. Everything that had happened in the years, he had witnessed them. Maybe not understanding why they happened, but it shows us that he was a human being, a person in this town just like anyone else. He had watched everything unfold, and these memories were the most meaningful to him. She now understands that "you dont truly know someone until you've walked arround in their shoes", because she sees things from the perspective of someone who was shunned from the world their entire lives. She now understands Boo Radley, and what he had to go through. From the stories and legends the children had come up with, we would have assumed that Boo would have been much younger, than the thirty some years he was. Not to mention how average, if not a bit distraught, he looked. They would have expected a cannibalistic monster, but what they get instead is a man. So no, the story does not prepare you to see him for what he really is, but this also lets us know that we should not judge someone from what we hear about them. "The Gray Ghost" was a story about a boy who was accused of all the wrongs things. When the children who made fun of him realized he was innocent, they saw the good in him, and that he wasn't bad at all. This reflects on Jem and Scout's treatment of Boo Radley, since they hadn't realized until the end that he was a good person who cared for the people in his town.
 * 2. Comment on the way the writer summarizes earlier events to show their significance. **
 * 3. How does Scout make sense of an earlier remark of Atticus's as she stands on the Radley porch? **
 * 4. How much of a surprise is it fo find what Boo Radley is really like? Has the story before this point prepared the reader for this discovery? **
 * 5. At the end of the novel, Atticus reads to Scout. Comment on his choice of story. Does it have any connection with themes earlier in the novel and in its ending? **

Completion 23/25

Content 22/25

Total 45/50