an introduction to harper lee’s to kill a mockingbird english i honors

An Introduction to Harper Lee’sTo Kill a Mockingbird

English I Honors

Harper LeeBorn on April 28, 1926 in Monroeville, Alabama

Youngest of four children

1957 – submitted manuscript for her novel; was urged to rewrite it

Spent over two years reworking it

1960 – To Kill a Mockingbird (her only novel) published

1966 - was one of two persons named by President Johnson to the National Council of Arts

Setting

Maycomb,

ALABAMA

Harper Lee's hometown, Monroeville, AL, is considered the inspiration for the setting of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Main CharactersScout (Jean Louise Finch) – six-year-old narrator of story

Jem (Jeremy Finch) – her older brother

Atticus Finch – Jem and Scout’s father, a prominent lawyer who defends a black man accused of raping a white woman

Arthur (Boo) Radley – a thirty-three-year-old recluse who lives next door

Charles Baker (Dill) Harris – Jem and Scout’s friend who comes to visit his aunt in Maycomb each summer

Tom Robinson – a respectable black man accused of raping a white woman

Calpurnia – the Finches’ black cook

Social Class in the Novel

Wealthy

Country Folk

"White Trash"

BlackCommunity

This is probably similar to how class structure existed during the 1930’s in the South. The wealthy, although fewest in number, were most powerful. The blacks, although great in number, were lowest on the class ladder, and thus, had the least privileges.

Examples of each social class:

Wealthy - Finches

Country Folk - Cunninghams

“White Trash” – Ewells

Black Community – Tom Robinson

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Social and Economic Climate of the 1930s Wall Street Crash (October 1929)

People invested in shares Prices increased Companies bogus

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Social and Economic Climate of the 1930s The Effect of the Wall

Street Crash People saved money

Withdrew money from banks

Banks collapsed Companies went

bankrupt Result

Loss of jobs, homes, businesses, and land

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4

6

8

10

12

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1920 1930 1931 1932 1933

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Scottsboro Case Two Huntsville Mill Girls

Hobo to Chattanooga Victoria Price

21 years old Known prostitute Employed at Margaret

spinning mill

Ruby Bates 17 years old Quiet and well behaved Employed at Margaret

spinning mill

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Scottsboro Case

The Alleged Rape According to Price’s

testimony: African-American men

forced white men off train

Six men raped Price and Bates

The Defendants

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Scottsboro Case

A Lynching Spirit Officials maintain a

peaceful crowd Armed soldiers on guard

inside and outside the courtroom

An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people gather outside the courthouse

Outside the Courtroom

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Scottsboro Case

The Trial April 6, 1931 – April 9, 1931

Witnesses Price and Bates One white man (collaborated) Nine African-American men Acquaintance of women (did not collaborate) Physician

Eight of nine men sentenced to death

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Scottsboro Case Trial Continues

November 7, 1932 United States Supreme Court orders new trial

March 27, 1933 the new trial begins Famous New York defense attorney Samuel S.

Leibowitz Two physicians refute that multiple rapes occurred Ruby Bates openly denies rapes occurred

April 9, 1933 first defendant found guilty Judge James Horton overturns conviction

April 1, 1935 United States Supreme Court reversed all convictions

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Parallels Between Scottsboro and Tom Robinson Trials

1930s 1930s

Northern Alabama Southern Alabama

Rape charge by white women against African-American men

Rape charge by a white woman against an African-American man

Poor white status of accusers a critical issue

Poor white status of Mayella a critical issue

Central figure is a heroic judge Central figure is Atticus, who defends an African-American man

Judge goes against public sentiment

Atticus arouses anger in community defending Robinson

Jury ignores evidence Jury ignores evidence

Scottsboro Trial Tom Robinson’s Trial

Other Interesting Facts Though not, biographical there are some

connections with Lees own life Her father as an attorney who defended two black

men accused of murder. Her brother was the same age as Jem, and she

had a friend who bares similarities with Dill The novel has stirred up great controversy due its

use of racial slurs and subject matter. Was ranked above the Bible, by British librarians as

a book that every adult should read before they die

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"Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

Chapter 1

PART ONE: Part one is used to set the stage for Part two. It

introduces the main characters and goes into great detail concerning Southern setting and Southern attitude. The background historically is the 1930s, the time of the Great Depression.

The plot concentrates on the children’s experiences of Scout, the narrator, and her brother, Jem. It also touches on the Boo Radley mystery. It is not until the end of the novel that all these things, including the significance of the title are all tied together.

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Chapter 1

1. Who is the narrator of this story and what is the advantage of having her?

2. What is the function of relating the family history at the outset of the novel?

3. Cite details to establish the setting of the novel.

4. Briefly explain why Boo is kept locked up.

5. Describe the “legend” of Boo.

6. Write a one paragraph summary of the chapter.

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Harper Lee’sTo Kill a Mockingbird

English I Honors

Setting The setting is a very strong element in TKAM.

It is linked with theme, character, and plot. Time: 1930s, Great Depression era Economic difficulties of this time caused

problems for all classes of people There was a sharp division between blacks

and whites in society Place: Maycomb, Alabama – Alabama is

renown as a site of racial tension, historically

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Theme Themes in the novel are based on the

concept of racial prejudice which was so much a part of society at that time:

Harper Lee stresses the need for human

understanding to destroy the evils of racial prejudice.

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Point of View TKAM is told in the first person, from the point of

view of Scout Finch, a young girl. The story is a flashback told by an older Scout

Finch looking back on her experiences growing up.

However, the point of view is mostly a first-person limited one; that is, limited to the knowledge of the younger Scout.

In this way, the narration presents a sort of “doubled” perspective on the events.

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Perception Survey

For the following statements write: 1 beside the statement if you strongly agree, 2 if you agree, 3 for disagree, and 4 for strongly disagree.

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Statements1. All people are created equal.

2. It's okay to be different.

3. Nobody is al bad or all good.

4. Some words are so offensive that they should never be stated or written.

5. Under our justice system, all citizens are treated fairly in our courts of law.

6. Speaking standard grammar proves that a person is smart.

7. A hero is born, not made.

8. No one is above the law.

9. Education is the great equalizer.

10. When the law doesn’t succeed in punishing criminals,, citizens should do so.

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Now that you have read Chapter 1… What were your initial

reactions? This novel deals with

many social issues. Some may be very sensitive for people. Therefore, we must be respectful.

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Chapter 1: Answers

1. Who is the narrator of this story and what is the advantage of having her?

2. What is the function of relating the family history at the outset of the novel?

3. Cite details to establish the setting of the novel.

4. Briefly explain why Boo is kept locked up.

5. Describe the “legend” of Boo.


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Chapter 2

1. What great event was Scout looking forward to?

2. Why does the teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher, become annoyed with Scout?

3. How had Scout learned to read and who taught her?

4. What is hookworm and who has it?

5. What happened at lunch? Does the teacher understand the children of this town and their problems?

6. At the end of the chapter how is Scout humiliated?


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English I Honors

Chapter 2 Answers

1. What great event was Scout looking forward to?

2. Why does the teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher, become annoyed with Scout?

3. How had Scout learned to read and who taught her?

4. What is hookworm and who has it?

5. What happened at lunch? Does the teacher understand the children of this town and their problems?

6. At the end of the chapter how is Scout humiliated?


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Hookworm Hookworm is a parasitic

worm that lives in the intestines and infects mainly mammals living in poor countries.

Larval invasion of the skin might give rise to intense, local itching, usually on the foot or lower leg, which can be followed by lesions that look like insect bites.

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Chapter 31. 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?

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?


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English I Honors

Chapter 3 Answers1. 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?

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?


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Chapter 4

1. How does Scout feel about the Maycomb County school system?

2. What new information does Dill offer about his father?

3. What was in the knot-hole of one of the oak trees?

4. How does the children’s play involve the Radley’s?

5. What was Scout’s first reason for wanting to quit the game?

6. Write a paragraph summary of the chapter.

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English I Honors

Chapter 4 Answers

1. How does Scout feel about the Maycomb County school system?

2. What new information does Dill offer about his father?

3. What was in the knot-hole of one of the oak trees?

4. How does the children’s play involve the Radley’s?

5. What was Scout’s first reason for wanting to quit the game?

6. Write a paragraph summary of the chapter.

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Chapter 5

1. Who is Miss Maudie Atkinson and what do the “Foot washing” Baptists say to her?

2. What did the children want to send Boo and why?

3. What was Atticus’ response to this?

4. Is Jem resentful of his father’s orders?


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English I Honors

Chapter 5 Answers

1. Who is Miss Maudie Atkinson and what do the “Foot washing” Baptists say to her?

2. What did the children want to send Boo and why?

3. What was Atticus’ response to this?

4. Is Jem resentful of his father’s orders?


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Initial Character SketchChapters 1-5 As we read further into the novel, we gain a better

understanding of its principal characters. Today, you will chose a character from the list below and create an Initial Character Sketch of that character.

Atticus Jem Scout Dill Calpurina Miss Maudie Boo Radley

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English I Honors

Chapter 6 What is the children’s plan for Dill’s last night in

Maycomb? How do you keep a squeaky gate from making a

noise? How does Jem lose his pants? And how does Dill

explain this? Does Nathan Radley know who was in his back yard? What does Jem feel he needs to do but Scout doesn’t

want him to do? Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.

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English I Honors

Chapter 6 Answers What is the children’s plan for Dill’s last night in

Maycomb? How do you keep a squeaky gate from making a

noise? How does Jem lose his pants? And how does Dill

explain this? Does Nathan Radley know who was in his back yard? What does Jem feel he needs to do but Scout doesn’t

want him to do? Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.

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Chapter 7

When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange. What is this?

Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley? What do you think this is?

Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer.

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?

Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.


English I Honors

Chapter 7 Answers

When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange. What is this?

Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley? What do you think this is?

Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer.

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 Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the

Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her? What is the “near libel” which Jem puts in the front

yard? How do Miss Maudie and Atticus react to it? Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie's oak rocking

chair? When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her

shoulders, what does Jem realize? 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?



English I Honors

Chapter 8 Answers Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the

Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her? What is the “near libel” which Jem puts in the front

yard? How do Miss Maudie and Atticus react to it? Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie's oak rocking

chair? When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her

shoulders, what does Jem realize? 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 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?

Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas? What are these feelings and why?

Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it?

When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this?

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

Read the final sentence of this chapter. Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story.



English I Honors

Chapter 9 Answers 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?

Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas? What are these feelings and why?

Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it?

When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this?

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

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 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?

In this chapter Atticus tells his children that “it's a sin to kill a mockingbird”. What reason does he give for saying this?

Why does Heck Tate not want to shoot Tim Johnson? 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?

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?



English I Honors

Chapter 11 How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs.

Dubose's taunts? What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children's

mother? How does Jem feel about this? What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this

a fair punishment for his “crime”? Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of

insults like “nigger-lover”. Do you agree with him? 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?

Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.


English I Honors

Chapter 11 Answers How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs.

Dubose's taunts? What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children's

mother? How does Jem feel about this? What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this

a fair punishment for his “crime”? Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of

insults like “nigger-lover”. Do you agree with him? 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?


Part 1Year Time of year Chapter What happens

1933 Early summer 1 Introduction. Arrival of Dill. Children try to get Boo to come out.

September 2 Scout starts school: Miss Caroline Fisher. Description of Cunninghamfamily.

September 3 Burris Ewell upsets Miss Caroline. Ewells described.

1934 Late spring/early summer

4 Boo leaves gifts in tree. Dill comes back to Mayvcomb.

Late spring/early summer

5 Children attempt to send Boo a letter.

Late summer 6 Children try to spy on Boo.

October/November 7 Boo leaves more gifts. Hole is filled with cement. Tom arrested foralleged rape

Winter 8 Cold winter. Snow in Maycomb. Miss Maudie's house burnt.

Christmas 9 Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson. Scout fights Cousin Francis.

1935 February 10 Atticus shoots Tim Johnson (a rabid dog).

Spring 11 Jem beheads Mrs. Dubose's camellias and has to read to her. Sheovercomes her morphine addiction and dies.

Part 1 Chapters 10 & 11 are the two final chapters in the

first part of the novel. Explain why Lee chooses to end the first part at this point.

The switch from Part 1 to Part 2 in the book marks a change in Jem and Scout. For starters, they are not at all worried about Boo Radley and the Radley Place, following events such as the gifts he gave to the children through a knothole in a tree to Miss Maudie’s house fire, where he placed a blanket around Scout’s shoulders. By the last chapter of part 1, ‘tormenting Boo Radley became passé’, and Jem and Dill had stopped the reenactment of Boo Radley’s life and their efforts to get Boo Radley to come out. In addition, Scout and Jem were about to witness yet more racial discrimination, both against the blacks and the Finches for defending Tom Robinson, as the court hearing drew closer.

Chapter 12

Comment on Jem's and Scout's visit to First Purchase church.

What new things does Scout learn here about how the black people live?

What does Scout learn from Calpurnia's account of Zeebo's education?

Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbours at church.



English I Honors

Chapter 12 Answers

Comment on Jem's and Scout's visit to First Purchase church.

What new things does Scout learn here about how the black people live?

What does Scout learn from Calpurnia's account of Zeebo's education?

Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbours at church.


Chapter 13 Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and

his family? What is she like? Read the first two things Alexandra says when she

comes to the Finch house. Are these typical of her or not?

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?

How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Maycomb's social life?

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



English I Honors

Chapter 13 Answers Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and

his family? What is she like? Read the first two things Alexandra says when she

comes to the Finch house. Are these typical of her or not?

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?

How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Maycomb's social life?

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


Chapter 14 Comment on Atticus's explanation of rape. How

suitable is this as an answer to Scout. Why does Alexandra think Atticus should

dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to the suggestion?

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

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



English I Honors

Chapter 14 Answers Comment on Atticus's explanation of rape. How

suitable is this as an answer to Scout. Why does Alexandra think Atticus should

dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to the suggestion?

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

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


Chapter 15

What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children?

What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus's comment about it?

How does Jem react when Atticus tells him to go home, and why?

What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom's life?

Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time.



English I Honors

Chapter 15 Answers

What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children?

What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus's comment about it?

How does Jem react when Atticus tells him to go home, and why?

What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom's life?

Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time.


Chapter 16

What “subtle change” does Scout notice in her father?

What sort of person is Dolphus Raymond? How does Reverend Skyes help the children see

and hear the trial? Why does Miss Maudie refuse to go to the trial? Write a paragraph summarizing the events in

this chapter.


English I Honors

Chapter 16 Answers

What “subtle change” does Scout notice in her father?

What sort of person is Dolphus Raymond? How does Reverend Skyes help the children see

and hear the trial? Why does Miss Maudie refuse to go to the trial? Write a paragraph summarizing the events in

this chapter.

Chapter 16Important Quotations “I was beginning to notice a subtle change in my

father. . .when he said, ‘anything fit to say at the table’s fit to say in front of Calpurnia. She knows what she means to this family.’” (Lee 157)

This quote is one of the more significant passages in chapter 16. It shows how truly important Calpurnia is in the Finch family. She has been a mother figure to Jem and Scout throughout their lives and she has raised them even more so than Atticus. It also shows that black and white can coexist, even in that time period, without the African American being treated like they are inferior.

Chapter 16Important Quotations “‘They don’t belong anywhere. Colored folks won’t

have them because they’re half white; white folks won’t have them because they’re colored, so they’re just in-betweens, don’t belong anywhere.’” (Lee 161)

This passage is about the mixed children in the South. They are very much alone, because they do not fit in with either the white or black communities. They may even face more prejudice because they are receiving it from both ends.

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Chapter 17 What are the main points in Heck Tate’s evidence?

What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate?

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

Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his own name? What does the jury see when he does this?

Do you believe that this case would have come to trial today? Tell why or why not.

What new technologies would the defense use today to prove Tom’s innocence?



English I Honors

Chapter 17 Answers What are the main points in Heck Tate’s evidence?

What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate?

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

Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his own name? What does the jury see when he does this?

Do you believe that this case would have come to trial today? Tell why or why not.

What new technologies would the defense use today to prove Tom’s innocence?


Chapter 18 What might be the reason for Mayella’s crying in the court? Name four specific things that we learn about Mayella in

this chapter (besides the fact that she is a liar). How does Mayella react to Atticus’ politeness? Is she

used to people being polite? What do Scout and Jem notice about Tom when he stands

up? Why is this important? 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 may be different?


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English I Honors

Chapter 18 Answers What might be the reason for Mayella’s crying in the court? Name four specific things that we learn about Mayella in

this chapter (besides the fact that she is a liar). How does Mayella react to Atticus’ politeness? Is she

used to people being polite? What do Scout and Jem notice about Tom when he stands

up? Why is this important? 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 may be different?


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Chapter 19 What made Tom visit the Ewell’s house in the first

place? Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was “the

loneliest person in the world?” How does Dill react to this part of the trial? Why is

this, in your opinion? Write a detailed description of Tom’s version of the

faithful day. What are the differences between his version and Mayella’s version of the day’s events (this will serve as your paragraph summary).

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English I Honors

Chapter 19 Answers What made Tom visit the Ewell’s house in the first

place? Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was “the

loneliest person in the world?” How does Dill react to this part of the trial? Why is

this, in your opinion? Write a detailed description of Tom’s version of the

faithful day. What are the differences between his version and Mayella’s version of the day’s events (this will serve as your paragraph summary).

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Chapter 20 Scout says that “Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil

man.” Is she right? Why or why not? 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?

What, according to Atticus, is the thing that Mayella has done wrong?

Explain, in your own words, Atticus’ views on people being equal.


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Chapter 20Important Quotations “‘Atticus says cheating a colored man is

ten times worse than cheating a white man,” . . . “‘Says it’s the worst thing you can do.” (Lee 201)

This is important because it shows how much respect Atticus has for both colored people and whites.

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English I Honors

Forces of ChangeChapters 6-20 As we read further into the novel, we gain a better

understanding of its principal characters. A few chapters ago, you chose a character and created an Initial Character Sketch of that character. Today, you will continue with this assignment by describing the Forces of Change that have occurred to this character.

You are going to begin by reviewing the first 20 chapters of To Kill A Mockingbird. Then, once you have brainstormed a few ideas that might have lead to the change in your character, you may begin to write your Forces of Change paragraph.

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English I Honors

Chapter 20 Answers Scout says that “Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil

man.” Is she right? Why or why not? 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?

What, according to Atticus, is the thing that Mayella has done wrong?

Explain, in your own words, Atticus’ views on people being equal.


92

Chapter 11-20QUIZ

Atticus taught his children not to kill a mockingbird because it -

A. is one of God's special creatures B. sings beautifully and harms no one C. brings good luck to those who truly listen to it

"The bravest person I ever knew" was Atticus' description of -

A. Aunt Alexandra B. Mrs. Dubose C. Reverend Sykes

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Chapter 11-20QUIZ

The presence of Jem and Scout at the jail -

A. convinces Heck Tate of the need for a fair trial B. diverts the lynch mob from its purpose C. inadvertently endangers Atticus' life

In the eyes of some blacks, Tom's fault was that he -

A. tried to cross the color barrier B. showed pity for a white woman C. upset the black-white balance in Maycomb

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Chapter 11-20QUIZ

Part of the successful defense of Tom Robinson hinges on -

I. his abnormal left hand II. the perjury of the eyewitness III. Atticus' skillful questioning of Bob Ewell

A. I and II only B. I and III only C. II and III only

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Chapter 21 What does Jem expect the verdict to be? Does

Atticus think the same? What is unusual about how long it takes the jury

to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or not?


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English I Honors

Chapter 21 Answers What does Jem expect the verdict to be? Does

Atticus think the same? What is unusual about how long it takes the jury

to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or not?


98

Chapter 22 Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he

defends Jem’s right to know what happened. Explain, in your own words, Atticus’s reasons for this.

Why does Miss Maudie only bake two small cakes? Did she forget someone?

Why did Judge Taylor “give” Atticus the Tom Robinson case?

Why does Dill say that he will be a clown when he grows up? Do you think he will keep his ambition for long?

Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus? Do you think his threat is a real one?


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English I Honors

Chapter 22 Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he

defends Jem’s right to know what happened. Explain, in your own words, Atticus’s reasons for this.

Why does Miss Maudie only bake two small cakes? Did she forget someone?

Why did Judge Taylor “give” Atticus the Tom Robinson case?

Why does Dill say that he will be a clown when he grows up? Do you think he will keep his ambition for long?

Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus? Do you think his threat is a real one?


101

Chapter 23

What do you think of Atticus’s reaction to Bob Ewell’s challenge? Should he have ignored Bob, retaliated, or done something else?

What does Atticus tell Scout about why the jury took so long to convict Tom?

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?


102


English I Honors

Chapter 23 Answers

What do you think of Atticus’s reaction to Bob Ewell’s challenge? Should he have ignored Bob, retaliated, or done something else?

What does Atticus tell Scout about why the jury took so long to convict Tom?

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?


104

Chapter 24

Compare the reactions of Miss Maudie and the other ladies when Scout says she is wearing her “britches” under her dress.

Explain briefly how Tom was killed. What is Atticus’s explanation for Tom’s attempted escape?

How, in this chapter do we see Aunt Alexandria in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support her?


105


English I Honors

Chapter 24 Answers

Compare the reactions of Miss Maudie and the other ladies when Scout says she is wearing her “britches” under her dress.

Explain briefly how Tom was killed. What is Atticus’s explanation for Tom’s attempted escape?

How, in this chapter do we see Aunt Alexandria in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support her?


107

Chapter 25

How does Maycomb react to news of Tom’s death?

Comment on the idea that Tom’s death was “typical”.


108


English I Honors

Chapter 25 Answers

How does Maycomb react to news of Tom’s death?

Comment on the idea that Tom’s death was “typical”.


110

Chapter 26

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?

Why is Scout puzzled by Miss Gates’ disapproval of Hitler?

Why does Scout’s question upset Jem? Is there a simple answer, or any answer to that question?


111


English I Honors

Chapter 26 Answers

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?

Why is Scout puzzled by Miss Gates’ disapproval of Hitler?

Why does Scout’s question upset Jem? Is there a simple answer, or any answer to that question?


113

Chapter 27

What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarms Aunt Alexandra?

Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear a grudge? Which people does Ewell see as his enemies, and why?

What was the purpose of the Halloween pageant? What practical joke had persuaded the grown ups to have an organized event?


114


English I Honors

Chapter 27 Answers

What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarms Aunt Alexandra?

Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear a grudge? Which people does Ewell see as his enemies, and why?

What was the purpose of the Halloween pageant? What practical joke had persuaded the grown ups to have an organized event?


116

Chapter 28

In Comment on the way this chapter reminds the reader of earlier events in the novel.

Scout decided to keep her costume while walking home. How does this affect her understanding of what happens on the way?

Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner? Who might this stranger be?


117


English I Honors

Chapter 28 Answers

In Comment on the way this chapter reminds the reader of earlier events in the novel.

Scout decided to keep her costume while walking home. How does this affect her understanding of what happens on the way?

Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner? Who might this stranger be?


119

Chapter 29

What explanation does Atticus give for Bob Ewell’s attack?

What does Heck Tate give us as the reason for Bob Ewell’s attack?

Do you think the sheriff’s explanation or Atticus’s is the more likely to be true?


120


English I Honors

Chapter 29 Answers

What explanation does Atticus give for Bob Ewell’s attack?

What does Heck Tate give us as the reason for Bob Ewell’s attack?

Do you think the sheriff’s explanation or Atticus’s is the more likely to be true?


122

Chapter 30

Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell’s death?

Why does Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell’s death was self-inflicted? In what way was this partly true?

How does the writer describe, at the end of the story, Boo Radley?


123


English I Honors

Chapter 30 Answers

Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell’s death?

Why does Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell’s death was self-inflicted? In what way was this partly true?

How does the writer describe, at the end of the story, Boo Radley?


125

Chapter 31

How do the events of the final chapters explain the first sentence in the whole novel?

How does Scout make sense of an earlier remark of Atticus’s as she stands on the Radley porch?

At the end of the novel, Atticus reads to Scout. Comment on his choice of story. Does it have any connection with themes in the novel and in its ending?


126


English I Honors

Chapter 31 Answers

How do the events of the final chapters explain the first sentence in the whole novel?

How does Scout make sense of an earlier remark of Atticus’s as she stands on the Radley porch?

At the end of the novel, Atticus reads to Scout. Comment on his choice of story. Does it have any connection with themes in the novel and in its ending?


128


English I Honors

an introduction to harper lee’s to kill a mockingbird english i honors

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