to kill a mockingbird chapters 24-31

To Kill a MockingbirdChapters 24-31

Chapter 24 Questions1. Do you think the missionary ladies are sincere in worrying about

the Mrunas?

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

3. What is your opinion of the Maycom ladies as depicted in this chapter?

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

5. How do we see Alexandra in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support her?

Chapter 25 Questions1. How does Maycomb react to the news of Tom’s death?

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

3. Explain the contrast Scout draws between the court where Tom was tried and the secret courts of men’s hearts.

4. Why did Jem not want Scout to tell about Bob Ewall’s comment? Was this a wise thing to ask her to do?

Chapter 26 Questions

1. What seems odd when Mrs. Gates says “we (American people) don’t believe in torturing anyone?

2. Why is Scout puzzled by Mrs. Gates’s disapproval of Hitler?

3. Why does Scout’s question upset Jem? (How can you hate Hitler an then turn around an be ugly about folks right at home?)

Chapter 27 Questions1. What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarm

Alexandra?

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

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

Chapter 28 Questions1. Comment on the way this chapter reminds the reader of

earlier events in the novel.

2. Why does Jem say that Boo Radley must not be at home? What is ironic about his? Is it true?

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

4. Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner?

Chapter 29 Questions

1. What causes the shiny clean line on the otherwise dull wire of Scout’s costume?

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

3. What does Heck Tate give as the reason for the attack?

4. Do you think the sheriff’s explanation or Atticus’s is the

more likely to be true?

Chapter 30 Questions1. Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell’s death?

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

3. Is Heck right to spare Boo the publicity of an inquest?

4. How does Lee handle the appearance at the end of Boo Radley?

Chapter 31 Questions1. How do the events of the final chapters explain the first

sentence in the book?

2. How does Scout make sense of an earlier remark of Atticus’s as she stands on Boo’s porch?

3. How surprised are you to find what Boo is really like?

4. Does the story that Atticus reads to Scout have anything to do with the themes of the novel?

Quotations1. So many things had happened to us, Boo Radley was the least of our fears. Atticus said he didn't see how anything else could happen, that things had a way of settling down, and after enough time had passed people would forget that Tom Robinson's existence was ever brought to their attention."

2. "When I pointed to him his palms slipped slightly, leaving greasy sweat steaks on the wall, and he hooked his thumbs in his belt. A strange small spasm shook him, as if he heard fingernails scrape slate, but as I gazed at him in wonder the tension slowly drained from his face. His lips parted into a timid smile, and our neighbor's image blurred with my sudden tears.”

3.“'Well, it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?'"

4. "Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough."

Symbolism and Parable

Symbolism: One thing or person represents another.

Parable: A story that teaches a lesson.

Symbols

• Explain the following symbols:– Mockingbirds– The Mad Dog– Camellias– The Gun– The cemented hole in the tree– Atticus’s pocket watch– Columns on buildings

ParableWhat Lessons/Morals does To Kill a Mockingbird teach?

Don’t attack something that hasn’t harmed you. Racism is wrong. Learning is important Don’t judge others Respect and understanding are the key to personal existence.

to kill a mockingbird chapters 24-31

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