Transcript English Language Arts 2010-2013

English Language Arts
2014-2015
Ms. Mathis
August 20, 2012
Welcome back! It’s going to be a great year!
1. Welcome and classroom
expectations/procedures
“The things I want to know are in
books; my best friend is the man
who'll get me a book I ain't read.”
- Abraham Lincoln
“All the best stories in the world are
but one story in reality -- the story of
escape. It is the only thing which
interests us all and at all times, how to
escape.” - Arthur Christopher Benson
“No matter how busy you may think
you are, you must find time for
reading, or surrender yourself to selfchosen ignorance.” - Confucius
“The more you read, the more things
you will know. The more that you
learn, the more places you'll go.”
- Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes
Shut!"
POWER-UP #1
Journal
8.21.12
In 8 sentences, describe the type
of student you’d like to be this year.
Be descriptive!
6 minutes
PLOT
1. Exposition- basic situation: setting, time period,
main characters
2. Rising actions- events that lead to the climax;
complications or events
3. Climax- the most suspenseful or surprising part in a
story
4. Falling action- events leading to resolution
5. Resolution- the way the conflicts are resolved
Text-to-text: How does this book relate to other
books you have read? Give an example.
Text-to-world- How does this book relate to the
world?
Text-to-self: How does this book relate to you?
Time period?
Where does it take place?
Notes 8/27
• Conflicts are problems that characters, like
real people, face.
• Internal conflicts are problems that a
character faces on the inside (emotions like
sadness, anger, confusion).
• External conflicts are problems that a
character cannot control (their appearance,
the weather, someone who is mean to them)
Determine whether the following items are internal
or external conflicts. Determine how they could
cause the opposite conflict, too.
1. Car wreck
2. Heartbreak over the death of a loved one
3. Breaking your leg before a state track meet
4. Cancer
5. Being cut from the baseball team
6. Failing the 8th grade because you can’t read well
7. Your best friend moves to another state
8. Parents divorcing
9. Your bf/gf broke up with you
10.Worrying about your grades
11.Making a decision whether or not to tell the truth
Power-up 7th grade
9/13
• Journal: Have you ever wanted to
do something that you thought
would be too hard or that
someone said you couldn’t do?
What motivated you to overcome
your difficulties? 4-5 sentences
1. Characterization- the art of creating
characters
2. Direct characterization- when the narrator
tells you what to think. Ex: “Harry Potter was
brave.”
3. Indirect characterization- when we observe
the character for ourselves. Ex: “Harry potter
fastly approached Voldemort with his wand.”
Fix me sentences!!
1. This is there choice weather they like it or not.
2. She said your responsabul for you’re on work.
3. King Henry was a amazing persun who lead his
country to a victorie.
4. Their to blame for what they done to there bed
room.
5. She act like her ankle is broke but it aint.
6. He don’t apreshiate what his mother has sacrifite
for him.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD CHAPTER
QUESTIONS
Chapter 1 of TKAM
1. Who was Simon Finch? Pg. 4
2. What is Finch’s Landing and who lives there? Pg. 5
3. What does the narrator’s father do for a living? Pg. 5
4. What is the Haverford’s reputation? Pg. 5
5. Describe how Dill looks. Pg. 8-9
6. Describe Dill’s personality. 9
7. What do the kids (Jem, Scout and Dill) do for fun? Pg. 9
8. What is the Radley house like? Pg 10
9. How are the Radley’s odd? Pg 11
10. What is the setting of the story? (time period and place)
11. How did the narrator’s mother die? How old was the
narrator when she died? Pg. 7
12. Describe Arthur “Boo” Radley’s history. Pg 12
TKAM Chapter 2
1. Where does Dill go at the end of the summer?
2. A. Who is Miss Caroline and where is she from? B. Why do they judge her
based on where she’s from?
3. Describe how Miss Caroline looks. Pg 21
4. Describe the way the children at school are dressed. Pg 22
B. Why don’t they like imaginative stories?
5. Infer why Miss C is mad that Scout can read on the first day of first grade? pg 22-23
6. How has Scout learned to read if her dad didn’t teach her? Pg 23
7. Is it wise that Miss C holds Scout back and punishes her for being an
advanced student? B) How does education today differentiate
between students’ learning styles?
8. “Wriggling like a bucket of Catawba worms” is an example of what figurative
device, and what does it mean? Pg 22
9. Who is Walter Cunningham? What is he dressed like and why? Why doesn’t
he have his lunch? What does it mean to be a Cunningham? Pg 25
10. Why does Miss C fuss at Scout for telling her Walter’s financial situation.
11. Try to see things from Miss C’s point of view. What might she be dealing with
underneath the surface?
12. What are the family names we’ve seen from Maycomb so far in this story?
13. What do you think entailment means based on Walter C’s deal with Atticus?
Chapter 3
1. Why is Scout attacking Walter? Who stops her and why?
2. Describe what Walter looks like. Pg. 30
3. What does Jem’s invitation to Walter for dinner say about him as
a person? 31
4. Why has Walter not finished first grade? Why does he know so
much about farming? 32
5. Infer: Why does Walter put molasses all over his dinner?
6. What important lesson about manners does Cal teach Scout? 33
7. Why does Scout want to drown herself after Cal fusses at her?
What is their relationship like? Is this typical?
8. Scout wants Cal fired. What does Atticus say about Cal? What
does this reveal about their relationship? Pg 33
9. Contrast Little Chuck Little and Burris Ewell’s treatment of Miss C.
35
10. Describe Miss C’s altercation with Burris. Why do the Ewells only
come on the first day? Describe how they live. 40
11. What advice does Atticus give Scout?
12. What deal do Scout and Atticus make? What type of father is he?
3rd period: Oct 16th
Look back at your past stems and this week’s
stems and write one sentence each using your
example words. Make sure that the sentences
make sense!!!
15 minutes. You will turn in today!
Chapter 4
1. Why does Scout feel that she has been cheated out of something
at school? 44
2. What is the first item Scout finds in the knothole of the tree?
Why does Jem make her get rid of it?
3. How has Scout and Cal’s relationship changed? Is this change
because of Scout or Cal? 45
4. What is the children's’ best season and why?
5. What else do the children find in the knothole? Who do you
think is putting them there?
6. Describe Dill’s story of travel from Meridian. Do you believe it?
Why or why not? Pg 47
7. What are “Hot Steams” according to the children? What are
some superstitions you’ve heard of? 49
8. What happens when Scout is pushed into the yard in the tire?
How are the kids’ activities starting to get dangerous and
disrespectful? 50
9. Describe the play that Scout, Jem and Dill make up. 52
10. Does Atticus know the truth about their game? How do you
know? Why else had Scout wanted to stop playing? 54
Chapter 5
1. Describe Miss Maudie.
2. What is a “foot-washing” Baptist, according to Miss
Maudie?
3. What does Miss Maudie mean by “sometimes the
Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a
whiskey bottle in the hand of—oh, your father”?
4. Why do you think Scout doesn’t understand Miss
Maudie’s analogy?
5. What do you think Scout means when she tells Dill,
“You act like you grew ten inches in the night”?
6. What is the plan to get Boo Radley to come out? How
well does the plan work? Why?
7. What is the oldest lawyer trick in the book? Who
else used that trick in this chapter?
Chapter 6
1. Who is Mr. Avery? What do the kids wait for him to do every
night?
2. Why do they decide to wait until nightfall to peek into the
Radley house?
3. What happens to the children on the porch of the Radley’s?
4. How does Dill claim Jem lost his pants? Does Scout understand
what this mean?
5. Scout says that “Matches were dangerous, but cards were
fatal”. What does this mean? What does this reveal
about their society? 73
6. What nickname does Jem call Scout? Why does he call her this and
bully her for acting like a girl? What’s your opinion? Pg 68
7. What does Jem do after he knows Atticus is asleep? What is his
reasoning for doing so?
8. How does Scout show maturity when she pleads with Jem at the
end of the chapter?
9.This chapter is a good example of suspense. List 4 examples of how
the author builds suspense throughout the chapter?
• Chapter 7
1. What secret does Jem reveal to Scout? Who do you think fixed his pants?
Why did he keep this information from Scout?
2. What new treasures do the children find in the knothole?
(There are 6)
3. What strategy do the kids use to determine whether or not someone
intends for them to take the treasures from the knothole?
4. Do you still think the person from Chapter 6 is leaving these items?
Why or why not?
5. What does Jem learn about in the sixth grade? What else do you know or
have you learned in school about these people?
6. Who does Scout think has been leaving the treasures?
7. Describe the seasons of Maycomb, Alabama. How is it like South
Carolina? 79
8. How do the kids express their appreciation to the person who’s leaving
the treasures?
9. What do they see the next day? Why do you think Mr. Nathan Radley told
the kids that the tree was dying?
10. How does this incident affect Jem? What does this continue to reveal
about his character traits?
• Chapter 8
1. Who died this winter?
2. Why does Scout think that the world is ending?
On what does Mr. Avery blame this weather?
3. Why do the kids get in trouble for their
snowman? How do they disguise it?
4. What does Scout worry about if the Finch house
should catch fire?
5. Why were the firemen having such trouble
putting out the fire?
6. What happens to Scout the night of the fire?
Who witnesses this? What is your reaction?
7. How does Miss Maudie react to the fire? What is
she looking forward to? What does this say
about her character traits?
Chapter 9
1. Why does Scout almost get in a fight with Cecil Jacobs?
2. Why does Atticus feel he needs to defend Tom Robinson? What is your opinion?
3. A: What do you think Atticus means when he says, “Just because we were
licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us to not try to win”?
B: What does his defending Tom reveal about his character?
4. Where does the Finch family go every Christmas?
5. What do the children get for Christmas?
6. A: What problem does Aunt Alexandra have with the way Scout is
growing up? B: How does she attempt to provide female influence?
C: What is your opinion?
7. What are the gender roles discussed in this chapter? 109
8. A: Why does Scout get in a fight with Francis? B: What is the result?
C: Would you have done things the same as Scout or differently, and why?
9. Describe Scout’s relationship with Uncle Jack. Why does he keep his
promise?
10. What is Maycomb’s disease? What is “let this cup pass from you” an
allusion to?
Chapter 9
1. Why does Scout get in a fight with Cecil Jacobs?
2. Why does Atticus feel he needs to defend Tom Robinson? What is your opinion?
3. A: What do you think Atticus means when he says, “Just because we were
licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us to not try to win”?
B: What does his defending Tom reveal about his character?
4. Where does the Finch family go every Christmas?
5. What do the children get for Christmas?
6. A: What problem does Aunt Alexandra have with the way Scout is
growing up? B: How does she attempt to provide female influence?
C: What is your opinion?
7. What are the gender roles discussed in this chapter? 109
8. A: Why does Scout get in a fight with Francis? B: What is the result?
C: Would you have done things the same as Scout or differently, and why?
9. Describe Scout’s relationship with Uncle Jack. Why does he keep his
promise?
10. What is Maycomb’s disease? What is “let this cup pass from you” an
allusion to?
Chapter 10
1. A: Name five things we learn about Atticus in this chapter. B: How
does Scout feel about her father at the beginning of this
chapter? C: Is her opinion of her father typical of a
child/parent relationship? Why/Why not?
2. According to Miss Maudie, why is it a sin to kill a mockingbird? B:
What is your opinion of this?
3. What does Miss Maudie teach Scout about her father? This
continues the theme of the book that most people are
misunderstood. B: Think of a person you know that you had a
negative impression of, but who turned out to be different
than you expected.
4. Who is Tim Johnson? What is wrong with him?
5. Why does Mr. Tate give the rifle to Atticus, rather than shooting
the dog himself?
6. Why do Jem and Scout now have a new appreciation for Atticus?
7. Why do you think Atticus kept this skill from his children?
8. On page 130, we read indirect characterization when we read
Miss. Maudie’s description of Atticus. List 3 of his character
traits according to her.
Chapter 10
1. A: Name five things we learn about Atticus in this chapter. B: How
does Scout feel about her father at the beginning of this
chapter? C: Is her opinion of her father typical of a
child/parent relationship? Why/Why not?
2. According to Miss Maudie, why is it a sin to kill a mockingbird? B:
What is your opinion of this?
3. What does Miss Maudie teach Scout about her father? This
continues the theme of the book that most people are
misunderstood. B: Think of a person you know that you had a
negative impression of, but who turned out to be different
than you expected.
4. Who is Tim Johnson? What is wrong with him?
5. Why does Mr. Tate give the rifle to Atticus, rather than shooting
the dog himself?
6. Why do Jem and Scout now have a new appreciation for Atticus?
7. Why do you think Atticus kept this skill from his children?
8. On page 130, we read indirect characterization when we read
Miss. Maudie’s description of Atticus. List 3 of his character
traits according to her.
CHAPTER 11
1. Describe Mrs. Dubose.
2. Why does Jem destroy Mrs. Dubose’s flower garden?
3. What does Atticus mean when he says, “This case,
Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the
essence of a man’s conscience—Scout, I couldn’t go to
church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man”?
4. What is Jem’s punishment for ruining the flower
garden?
5. Why is Mrs. Dubose so sick?
6. What does Atticus tell Jem was the one thing Mrs.
Dubose wanted to do before she died?
7. What does Mrs. Dubose give Jem?
8. What is the reason Atticus wanted Jem to meet Mrs.
Dubose?
CHAPTER 11
1. Describe Mrs. Dubose.
2. Why does Jem destroy Mrs. Dubose’s flower garden?
3. What does Atticus mean when he says, “This case,
Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the
essence of a man’s conscience—Scout, I couldn’t go to
church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man”?
4. What is Jem’s punishment for ruining the flower
garden?
5. Why is Mrs. Dubose so sick?
6. What does Atticus tell Jem was the one thing Mrs.
Dubose wanted to do before she died?
7. What does Mrs. Dubose give Jem?
8. What is the reason Atticus wanted Jem to meet Mrs.
Dubose?
Extended response:
26. Discuss the theme of the story thus far
and how it continues to resurface. 5
sentences
27. Identify the plot elements based on
PART I:
Exposition
Rising actions
Climax
Resolution
Chapter 12
1. Why is Jem so “inconsistent and moody”? Is this typical of
teenage boys?
2. Why wasn’t Dill able to come to Maycomb this summer?
What does it mean that he got a new father?
3. Describe Calpurnia’s church. How did the church get its
name?
4. How do the people at Cal’s church treat the children? What
does this reveal about them?
5. Why doesn’t the church have hymn books? How is Cal
different and why?
6. Why is the church collecting ten dollars? What does this
reveal about them?
7. Of what is Tom Robinson accused? Why won’t anyone hire his
wife? What is your opinion of these things?
8. Who is Zeebo? What does he do at the church?
9. How does Scout feel Calpurnia is different once she gets to
church?
Chapter 12
1. Why is Jem so “inconsistent and moody”? Is this typical of
teenage boys?
2. Why wasn’t Dill able to come to Maycomb this summer?
What does it mean that he got a new father?
3. Describe Calpurnia’s church. How did the church get its
name?
4. How do the people at Cal’s church treat the children? What
does this reveal about them?
5. Why doesn’t the church have hymn books? How is Cal
different and why?
6. Why is the church collecting ten dollars? What does this
reveal about them?
7. Of what is Tom Robinson accused? Why won’t anyone hire his
wife? What is your opinion of these things?
8. Who is Zeebo? What does he do at the church?
9. How does Scout feel Calpurnia is different once she gets to
church?
Chapter 13
1. Why has Aunt Alexandra come to Maycomb? What do you
think of this?
2. Describe Aunt Alexandra. Besides the fact that she once lived
in Maycomb and she knows everyone, why does she fit
in so well in Maycomb?
3. Give a brief description of how Maycomb was
established. Why are so many people related to each
other in some way?
4. Describe the premise of the “talk” Aunt Alexandra
makes Atticus have with the children. According to Scout,
why does the talk fail?
5. What does this conversation between Atticus and the
children reveal about their relationship as a family?
6. What else do we learn about the Ewells in this chapter?
7. What does it mean in the last sentence of the chapter when
the narrator says “Atticus was only a man. It takes a
woman to do that kind of work”?
Chapter 13
1. Why has Aunt Alexandra come to Maycomb? What do you
think of this?
2. Describe Aunt Alexandra. Besides the fact that she once lived
in Maycomb and she knows everyone, why does she fit
in so well in Maycomb?
3. Give a brief description of how Maycomb was
established. Why are so many people related to each
other in some way?
4. Describe the premise of the “talk” Aunt Alexandra
makes Atticus have with the children. According to Scout,
why does the talk fail?
5. What does this conversation between Atticus and the
children reveal about their relationship as a family?
6. What else do we learn about the Ewells in this chapter?
7. What does it mean in the last sentence of the chapter when
the narrator says “Atticus was only a man. It takes a
woman to do that kind of work”?
CHAPTER 14
1. theme of this story is that people are never what they seem. Describe how this
chapter gives us better insight into Dill's character and why he acts the way that he
does.
Focus Questions
2. In what ways are you different on the surface than you are on the
inside?
Guiding Questions for Students
Chapter 14
1. How do the people of Maycomb begin to treat Atticus and the
children? What is your opinion of this?
2. What is the basis of the argument between Atticus and Aunt Alexandra?
What does Aunt Alexandra suggest? What is Atticus’s response? What
does his response reveal about his character?
3. Where does Scout find Dill? What do you think the reprecussions of
this will be?
CHAPTER 14
1. theme of this story is that people are never what they seem. Describe how this
chapter gives us better insight into Dill's character and why he acts the way that he
does.
Focus Questions
2. In what ways are you different on the surface than you are on the
inside?
Guiding Questions for Students
Chapter 14
1. How do the people of Maycomb begin to treat Atticus and the
children? What is your opinion of this?
2. What is the basis of the argument between Atticus and Aunt Alexandra?
What does Aunt Alexandra suggest? What is Atticus’s response? What
does his response reveal about his character?
3. Where does Scout find Dill? What do you think the reprecussions of
this will be?
4. What does Dill claim is the reason he ran away from home? What is the
Analyze mood, tone and the effects of foreshadowing
Identify moments of foreshadowing. How does this impact the mood?
Chapter 15
1. Why do the men come to talk to Atticus at his house? What might this
foreshadow?
2. Jem says he’s “just got this feeling.” What do you think he is worried
about? How does this impact the mood?
3. Why do you think all the lights were off at the jailhouse except the
one lamp Atticus brought from home? How does this impact the
mood of the story?
4. Why is Atticus sitting in the jailhouse? What does this reveal about
his character?
5. How do the men know that Mr. Tate won’t be coming to help Atticus?
6. Why do the men tell Atticus to leave? What do they want to do to
Tom? What does this reveal about their society?
7. Who does Scout recognize? Why do the men finally leave?
8. Who was “covering” Atticus the whole time?
9. How does Atticus show his affection towards Jem?
10. Describe the overall mood of this chapter. What might this chapter
foreshadow?
• Chapter 16
1. Describe the atmosphere before the trial. Why
are the blacks and whites separated?
2. Who is Dolphus Raymond? What do we learn
about him and the way he lives his life?
4. Why don’t the Raymond children fit in? What is
your opinion of this?
5. Although Atticus has been appointed (assigned)
to defend Tom, the people of Maycomb are
against it. Why?
6. Who helps the kids find a seat in the courtroom?
Where do they sit?
Chapter 17
1. Why does Atticus ask whether anyone called for a
doctor? Why is this important?
2. Describe Mayella’s injuries.
3. Where do the Ewells live? Describe their home and
living conditions. What does this reveal about
them?
4. Why do you think the Ewells eat squirrel, possum,
and rabbit?
5. Summarize Bob Ewell’s interpretation of the incident.
6. Why does Atticus ask Ewell to write his name?
7. What do you think Jem realizes when he pounds the
rail and says, “We’ve got him”?
8. Describe Judge Taylor and Mr. Gilmer.
Chapter 18
1. Why does Mayella think Atticus is mocking her?
2. What more do we learn about the Ewell family
from Atticus’s cross examination?
3. Describe the “incident,” according to Mayella’s
testimony.
4. What is wrong with Tom Robinson’s left arm?
How did it get this way?
5. Who does Atticus suggest actually beat up
Mayella?
• Chapter 19
1. Why does Atticus bring up the fact that Tom Robinson had
been in trouble before?
2. Who does Tom work for? What does he do for him?
3. How does Tom’s story immediately contradict Mayella’s
testimony?
4. How did Mayella get Tom to come inside the house?
5. How did Mayella get rid of the children that particular day?
6. What did Mayella do to Tom, according to his testimony?
7. Why did Tom run away from the Ewell place? What was his
predicament?
8. Who came to Tom’s defense in the courtroom? What did he
say?
9. Why do you think Tom was so scared of being accused of
hurting Mayella?
10. Why does Dill get so upset at Mr. Gilmer that it makes him
sick?
Chapter 21
1. Why does Calpurnia come to the courthouse?
2. Why do you think Atticus avoids answering Jem’s question, “Do
you think they’ll acquit (free from charges) him that fast?”
What is your prediction?
3. Other than the fact that they didn’t know where the children were,
why do you think Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra were so upset
that the children were watching the trial?
4. About how long does it take for the jury to come up with their
verdict? Why does this reveal some sense of hope?
5. How does Scout know the verdict before it is announced? “Each
guilty was a separate stab” is an example of which figurative device?
6. Describe the atmosphere of the courtroom according to Scout. 281
7. What is the scene that the courtroom is compared to? (a previous
chapter) Explain how the trial is similar to this past scene.
8. What is your reaction to the verdict? Why do you believe the jury
found Tom guilty?
9. Why does Rev. Sykes say “Stand up. Your father’s passin’”? What
does this reveal about the way the blacks feel about Atticus?
Chapter 21
1. Why does Calpurnia come to the courthouse?
2. Why do you think Atticus avoids answering Jem’s question, “Do
you think
they’ll acquit (free from charges) him that fast?”
What is your prediction?
3. Other than the fact that they didn’t know where the children were, why do you
think Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra were so upset that the children were watching
the trial?
4. About how long does it take for the jury to come up with their
verdict? Why
does this reveal some sense of hope?
5. How does Scout know the verdict before it is announced? “Each guilty was a
separate stab” is an example of which figurative device?
6. Describe the atmosphere of the courtroom according to
Scout. 281
7. What is the scene that the courtroom is compared to? (a
previous chapter) Explain how the trial is similar to this past
scene.
8. What is your reaction to the verdict? Why do you believe
the jury found Tom guilty?
9. Why does Rev. Sykes say “Stand up. Your father’s
passin’”? What does this reveal about the way the blacks
feel about Atticus?
Chapter 21
1. Why does Calpurnia come to the courthouse?
2. Why do you think Atticus avoids answering Jem’s question, “Do
you think
they’ll acquit (free from charges) him that fast?”
What is your prediction?
3. Other than the fact that they didn’t know where the children were, why do you
think Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra were so upset that the children were watching
the trial?
4. About how long does it take for the jury to come up with their
verdict? Why
does this reveal some sense of hope?
5. How does Scout know the verdict before it is announced? “Each guilty was a
separate stab” is an example of which figurative device?
6. Describe the atmosphere of the courtroom according to
Scout. 281
7. What is the scene that the courtroom is compared to? (a
previous chapter) Explain how the trial is similar to this past
scene.
8. What is your reaction to the verdict? Why do you believe
the jury found Tom guilty?
9. Why does Rev. Sykes say “Stand up. Your father’s
passin’”? What does this reveal about the way the blacks
feel about Atticus?
Chapter 22
1. How do Scout, Jem and Dill EACH react to the verdict? What
does this reveal about each of them? Describe each; not
collectively
2. How do the colored folks react to the verdict? What does
this reveal about them?
3. What is Miss Maudie’s view of the verdict and Atticus?
4. What does Jem say that he will do when he gets older? Why
has he lost faith in their town that he once thought was so
safe? What does he compare the town to?
5. What does Dill say that he wants to be when he grows and
what is he trying to say? What is your opinion of the adult’s
behavior compared to the children? Aren’t adults supposed
to do what’s right and children make mistakes?
6. What is your prediction of what will happen based on Bob
Ewell’s latest actions?
Chapter 22
1. How do Scout, Jem and Dill EACH react to the verdict? What
does this reveal about each of them? Describe each; not
collectively
2. How do the colored folks react to the verdict? What does
this reveal about them?
3. What is Miss Maudie’s view of the verdict and Atticus?
4. What does Jem say that he will do when he gets older? Why
has he lost faith in their town that he once thought was so
safe? What does he compare the town to?
5. What does Dill say that he wants to be when he grows and
what is he trying to say? What is your opinion of the adult’s
behavior compared to the children? Aren’t adults supposed
to do what’s right and children make mistakes?
6. What is your prediction of what will happen based on Bob
Ewell’s latest actions?
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Chapter 23
1. How does Miss Stephanie embellish what happened to Atticus?
2. Why does Atticus defend Bob’s actions to Jem? What is Atticus’s hope?
3. What does Aunt Alexandra mean when she says that Ewell could do
“something
furtive” to Atticus?
4. Why was Tom given a death sentence?
5. What are Jem’s suggestions for change in the court system and laws?
6. Why did Atticus put a Cunningham on the jury?
7. Why does Aunt Alexandra object to Scout inviting Walter Cunningham to
the house?
8. How does Jem try to make Scout feel better after her conversation with
Aunt
Alexandra?
9. According to Jem, who are the “four kinds of folks” in Maycomb? Explain
how this
theory works. Why are the Finches at the top of this “chain”?
10. What is the reason Boo Radley doesn’t come out of his house, according
to Jem?
What does he mean by this?
• Chapter 24
• 1. Briefly describe the women of Maycomb. How is this different to
today?
• 2. How does the author reveal the fact that these women are hypocrites?
• 3. To whom might Miss Merriweather be referring when she says that
there are some “good but misguided people in this town”?
• 4. What does Miss Maudie mean when she says, “His food doesn’t stick
going down, does it?”
• 5. Why does Scout like men better than women? What is your opinion of
this?
• 6. What news does Atticus bring to Alexandra and Calpurnia? Explain
what happened.
• 7. What does Miss Maudie mean when she says that the town is “paying
the highest tribute” to Atticus?
• 8. Why do Aunt Alexandra and Scout pretend that nothing is wrong when
they return to the ladies? How does this show that Scout is maturing?
• 9. What is your opinion of what happened to Tom?
• Chapter 25
• 1. Why won’t Jem let Scout kill the roly-poly?
• 2. How did Tom’s wife react to the news of Tom’s
death, according to Dill?
• 3. What is Maycomb’s reaction to Tom’s death?
• 4. What is Mr. Underwood’s editorial about? Why
does he claim it was a “senseless
• killing”?
Chapters 26-27
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Scout says, “I sometimes felt a twinge of remorse, when passing by the old place… what recluse
wants children peeping through his shutters, delivering greetings at the end of a fishing-pole,
wandering in his collards at night”. How has Scout changed since the beginning of the book?
Why had they forgotten about Boo Radley?
Scout wants to get a good look at Boo before she dies. Although she has changed, what has still
stayed the same?
Atticus says, “You might get shot. You know Mr. Nathan shoots at every shadow he sees, even
shadows that leave size-four bare footprints. You were lucky not to be killed.” What does this tell us
that Atticus knows?
Why do you think that Harper Lee, the author of the book, puts in the part about the children
learning about Hitler?
Democracy means, “Equal rights for all. Special privileges for none.” The students are told that
they are a democracy. Has Maycomb county been any different from Germany, where Hitler
persecuted the Jews?
How is Miss Gates, Scout’s teacher, a hypocrite?
Why do you think Jem never wants to hear about the courtroom again and gets so upset?
Several people are forgotten about in this book. Boo, Tom and Mr. Ewell. What does this tell us
about human nature?
Mr. Ewell sounds almost like “you all”. Why do you think Harper Lee would choose a name so close
to “You all”. What do you think she’s trying to say?
Why is Mr. Ewell trying to frighten Mr. Deas’ black cook, Helen?
The chapter ends with Scout and Jem heading to the pageant and the statement, “Thus began our
longest journey together.” What do you think this means?
Chapters 28-31
1.
How does Cecil Jacobs’ scaring Scout and Jem foreshadow what’s
to come?
2. How does the setting of Halloween and people in costumes build
suspension?
3. How does Scout get embarrassed?
4. Scout saws, “Jem was becoming almost just as good as Atticus at
making you feel right when things went wrong.” How has he
changed?
5. Who attacked the children?
6. What kept Scout from being killed?
7. Who was the man in the room?
8. Who killed Mr. Ewell?
9. Why does Scout began to cry when she says, “Hey, Boo”?
10. Who saved the children?