To Kill a Mockingbird
Chapter 8-18 Comprehension Questions
Chapter 8
1.) Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her? Mrs. Radley died so Atticus goes over there. Doesn't say anything.
2.) Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie’s oak rocking chair? It's her favorite possessions. Miss Maudie loves the rocking chair. It's special to her.
3.) When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize? Jem realizes that Boo put the blanket over Scout, maybe he might be a nice guy, he doesn't want to get in trouble.
4.) 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? He found out that Boo is real and that he did a random act of kindness. They don't really trust Boo because of the rumors.
Chapter 9
1.) How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? What are his reasons? Tom Robinson is a good man and belongs to Calpurnia's church and knows the family well. He wants to be a good example to his kids. Everyone gets a lawyer, it's Atticus's job to defend someone.
2.) Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas. Explain. What are these feelings and why do they feel this way? They both like Uncle Jack, he is a cool person and plays with them. Francis causes a lot of trouble, he makes fun of their dad because he defending a black man. Aunt Alexandra is always telling Scout that everything she does is wrong. She doesn't understand children, she is very bossy.
3.) Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it? Scout thinks she is older than she is, she cusses, and doesn't act like a normal 2nd grader.
4.) When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this? Aunt Alexandra is a gossip, she thinks she's always right and everyone is wrong.
5.) Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus’s conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be? Scout hears that it's ok to cuss because Atticus says that she is sort of like "maturing" and if he isn't there for Scout, Jem will be there for Scout. Atticus knows that she is changing and Atticus doesn't really care.
6.) Read the final sentence of Chapter 9. Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story. Atticus wants Scout to hear the conversation so she can learn from her mistakes.
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? Why? Does she still think this after the events recorded in this chapter? She was a little second grader and Atticus was 50. He didn't do what the other dads did because he was "feeble". He shoots the "mad dog" on the first shot and the kids found out that he had the best shot in Maycomb County.
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? Mockingbirds just sing and don't really bother anyone, it's a sin to kill something this calm.
3.) 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? Heck was going to say that Atticus had the deadliest shot in Maycomb. He cuts him off because Atticus doesn't want to be sinful and he wants to be a good person. He doesn't want to be known for being able to shoot stuff.
4.) 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? Explain. Jem wants to keep it a secret but Scout wants to tell everyone. I would choose to tell everyone because I would want to brag about my dad. Jem understands why Atticus doesn't want to tell anyone because he is modest.
Chapter 11
1.) How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs. Dubose’s taunts? He makes excuses because Mrs. Dubose is old and doesn't know what is going on.
2.) What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children’s mother? How does Jem feel about this? She didn't like how Atticus didn't marry after their mother died. Jem has a tantrum and ruins Mrs. Dubose's flowers and breaks Scout's baton.
3.) What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this a fair punishment for his “crime”? She asks Jem to read to her, Jem doesn't want to be nice to her because she hasn't been nice to her. It isn't fair because there are other ways to resolve the problems.
4.) Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of insults like “nigger-lover”. How far do you agree with him? Explain. Atticus doesn't care what other people think of him, and he knows he's doing the right thing. He also thinks it's true because he defends them, he just see another person not just a black man.
5.) Why, in Atticus’ view, was Mrs. Dubose “a great lady”? Atticus always sees the good in people, he doesn't look at the negatives. Mrs. Dubose corrects Jem on his reading skills and teaches the kids a lessons: to just move on and forget about what other people say to them.
6.) Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”. What was her courageous act? What does he mean? Do you think he is right? Mrs. Dubose dies without taking her prescribed painkillers. She is who she is and speaks the truth. She suffers to stay alive to taunt people. Atticus wants them to be prepared for the negative comments that are coming after the court hearing.
7.) Chapters ten and eleven are the last two chapters in the first part of the book. Explain why you think Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here. The author ends it here because of a time change, the Tom Robinson case will change their lives.
Chapter 12
1.) What new things does Scout learn from Jem and Scout’s visit to First Purchase Church about how the black people live? They protect each other and are loyal to their race. Solidarity. Most of them don't know how to read. Calpurnia is older than Atticus, they sing the hymns. The first purchase that free slaves bought. It's lovely to them.
2.) What does Scout learn from Calpurnia’s account of Zeebo’s education? Calpurnia uses the bible to teach Zeebo. Calpurnia thinks school is important and teaches her son to read. He is one of the four who knows how to read.
3.) Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbors at church. Code switching: talking to someone with a different tone. Calpurnia talks normally because she is working. She talks differently in her neighborhood because it's the way they talk.
4.) How are Jem and Scout accepted at First Purchase? Their dad is defending Tom Robinson so they accept them. Lula says that white people have their own church and black people have their own church.
Chapter 13
1.) Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and his family? What is she like? Aunt Alexandra stays with them so she can teach the kids to have manners. Also to give feminine influence to Atticus. Aunt Alexandra is disrespectful to Calpurnia because she just goes up to her and bosses her around.
2.) Read the first two things Alexandra says when she comes to the finch house. Provide a quote. Are these typical of her or not? Explain. “Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia,” and “Jean Louise, stop scratching your head,” these are typical to Aunt Alexandra because she is bossy and everything has to be perfect to her.
3.) What are Aunt Alexandra’s ideas about breeding and family? Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Who do you think is right? Aunt Alexandra calls it "Gentle Breeding." She is saying that Maycomb is a cast system. The Finches are equal to African-Americans. They have the land, public figure, and reputation. Aunt Alexandra disapproves of Atticus defending a black man in court.
Chapter 14
1.) Why does Alexandra think Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to the suggestion? Calpurnia invites Scout over to her house and Aunt Alexandra is mad about this and when Cal took the kids to church. Atticus thinks that everything is fine and he doesn't hate Cal because of her skin color.
2.) Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her back? Why is she less pleased when he tells Atticus about Dill? Jem is happy that Scout is growing up. They're fighting because Jem thinks he's the boss of her. If he had the real power, he would not have the fight. Jem doesn't really have the power and they are equal. Dill is betraying the trust that they have made.
3.) What do we learn from Dill’s account of his running away? Dill is spoiled with everything but love, his parents don't love him so he runs away. Boo can relate to Dill because Boo doesn't have anyone that cares about him and he can't run away to anyone.
Chapter 15
1.) What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children? They hear a knock on the door and something bad will happen to Atticus.
2.) Why did Heck Tate and the other men come to see Atticus? They don't think Tom should move prisons. They're warning Atticus about the KKK gang killing Tom Robinson. They might kill him before he goes to trial. The men know that it's gonna happen.
3.) What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus/’ comment about it? They think that everyone should die, whites, blacks, women, gays, bisexuals, and other people should die. Atticus is trying to tell the kids that Maycomb is safe and that there were no gangs. He is giving them peace of mind.
4.) How does Jem react when Atticus tell him to go home, and why? Jem is worried about Atticus' safety and the KKK. They might be after Atticus for defending Tom Robinson. They could hurt Atticus, Jem is protecting his father.
5.) What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom’s life? Scout changes their minds, she was able to kind of talked her way out of hurting Atticus. Scout has a normal conversation about this, she treats them like they're humans. They see the kids aren't going anywhere and they don't want to hurt their father in front of his kids.
6.) Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time. Scout acts like nothing is weird, she acts normal and talks normal and defuses the horrible situation.
Chapter 16
1.) What does the atmosphere in Maycomb at the beginning of the trial show about human nature? They are in the town square and waiting eagerly to get in the courtroom. They're impatient and curious to see what will happen to Tom Robinson. The white and blacks separate themselves from each other. They're curious and want to gossip.
2.) What sort of person is Dolphus Ramond? He is an alcoholic, drinks alcohol from a paper bag while walking around town. He is a rich man and he isn't racist, he is married to a black person, he hangs out with black people, and has mixed children. His other wife killed herself when she found out that Dolphus was having an affair with a black lady.
3.) How does Reverend Sykes help the children see and hear the trial? Reverend sees the kids struggling to find seats so he takes them up the the balcony so they can see things. Important and rich people sit up top so they can hear and see the trial. Black people have to stand up.
4.) Why is Scout confused after overhearing remarks about her father’s defense of Tom Robinson? Even though the court is forcing him to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus is going to do a good job because it's the right thing to do. Scout thinks it's all one job, she doesn't understand why Atticus would do the wrong, she doesn't understand the politics.
5.) Common on Judge Taylor’s attitude to his job. Does he take the trial seriously or not? He is relaxed but he still does his job correctly, he knows the rules and knows what is going on, he doesn't appear to take things seriously, not everything is perception.
Chapter 17
1.) What are the main points in Heck Tate’s evidence? She has bruises, Mr. Ewell saw the black man who did it. They see Tom Robinson running away from the scene.
2.) What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate? Mr. Ewell never called a doctor, Mayella never saw a doctor even though she needed one.
3.) What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the Ewell family in this chapter? The Ewells are trashy and poor, they have complained about black people before. They don't kiss at all, the parents are at war with each other. They don't speak to each other. Mr. Ewell didn't care about his daughter, a normal dad would call the doctor and actually care about his daughter or son.
4.) What do you learn from Bob Ewell’s evidence? He keeps saying that he saw the person who did it. He is constantly avoiding the question.
5.) Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his name? What does the jury see when he does this? The jury sees that he is left handed so they can prove that Bob Ewell continuously beat his daughter, he might have held her down with his right hand and hit her with his left hand.
Chapter 18
1.) Is Mayella like her father or different from him? Explain in what ways they are similar and/or different.
2.) What might be the reason for Mayella’s crying in court?
3.) How does Mayella react to Atticus’ politeness? Is she used to people being polite?
4.) How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom’s guilt in the eyes of the reader and in the eyes of the jury? Can you suggest why these might be different?
1.) Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her? Mrs. Radley died so Atticus goes over there. Doesn't say anything.
2.) Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie’s oak rocking chair? It's her favorite possessions. Miss Maudie loves the rocking chair. It's special to her.
3.) When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize? Jem realizes that Boo put the blanket over Scout, maybe he might be a nice guy, he doesn't want to get in trouble.
4.) 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? He found out that Boo is real and that he did a random act of kindness. They don't really trust Boo because of the rumors.
Chapter 9
1.) How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? What are his reasons? Tom Robinson is a good man and belongs to Calpurnia's church and knows the family well. He wants to be a good example to his kids. Everyone gets a lawyer, it's Atticus's job to defend someone.
2.) Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas. Explain. What are these feelings and why do they feel this way? They both like Uncle Jack, he is a cool person and plays with them. Francis causes a lot of trouble, he makes fun of their dad because he defending a black man. Aunt Alexandra is always telling Scout that everything she does is wrong. She doesn't understand children, she is very bossy.
3.) Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it? Scout thinks she is older than she is, she cusses, and doesn't act like a normal 2nd grader.
4.) When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this? Aunt Alexandra is a gossip, she thinks she's always right and everyone is wrong.
5.) Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus’s conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be? Scout hears that it's ok to cuss because Atticus says that she is sort of like "maturing" and if he isn't there for Scout, Jem will be there for Scout. Atticus knows that she is changing and Atticus doesn't really care.
6.) Read the final sentence of Chapter 9. Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story. Atticus wants Scout to hear the conversation so she can learn from her mistakes.
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? Why? Does she still think this after the events recorded in this chapter? She was a little second grader and Atticus was 50. He didn't do what the other dads did because he was "feeble". He shoots the "mad dog" on the first shot and the kids found out that he had the best shot in Maycomb County.
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? Mockingbirds just sing and don't really bother anyone, it's a sin to kill something this calm.
3.) 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? Heck was going to say that Atticus had the deadliest shot in Maycomb. He cuts him off because Atticus doesn't want to be sinful and he wants to be a good person. He doesn't want to be known for being able to shoot stuff.
4.) 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? Explain. Jem wants to keep it a secret but Scout wants to tell everyone. I would choose to tell everyone because I would want to brag about my dad. Jem understands why Atticus doesn't want to tell anyone because he is modest.
Chapter 11
1.) How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs. Dubose’s taunts? He makes excuses because Mrs. Dubose is old and doesn't know what is going on.
2.) What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children’s mother? How does Jem feel about this? She didn't like how Atticus didn't marry after their mother died. Jem has a tantrum and ruins Mrs. Dubose's flowers and breaks Scout's baton.
3.) What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this a fair punishment for his “crime”? She asks Jem to read to her, Jem doesn't want to be nice to her because she hasn't been nice to her. It isn't fair because there are other ways to resolve the problems.
4.) Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of insults like “nigger-lover”. How far do you agree with him? Explain. Atticus doesn't care what other people think of him, and he knows he's doing the right thing. He also thinks it's true because he defends them, he just see another person not just a black man.
5.) Why, in Atticus’ view, was Mrs. Dubose “a great lady”? Atticus always sees the good in people, he doesn't look at the negatives. Mrs. Dubose corrects Jem on his reading skills and teaches the kids a lessons: to just move on and forget about what other people say to them.
6.) Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”. What was her courageous act? What does he mean? Do you think he is right? Mrs. Dubose dies without taking her prescribed painkillers. She is who she is and speaks the truth. She suffers to stay alive to taunt people. Atticus wants them to be prepared for the negative comments that are coming after the court hearing.
7.) Chapters ten and eleven are the last two chapters in the first part of the book. Explain why you think Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here. The author ends it here because of a time change, the Tom Robinson case will change their lives.
Chapter 12
1.) What new things does Scout learn from Jem and Scout’s visit to First Purchase Church about how the black people live? They protect each other and are loyal to their race. Solidarity. Most of them don't know how to read. Calpurnia is older than Atticus, they sing the hymns. The first purchase that free slaves bought. It's lovely to them.
2.) What does Scout learn from Calpurnia’s account of Zeebo’s education? Calpurnia uses the bible to teach Zeebo. Calpurnia thinks school is important and teaches her son to read. He is one of the four who knows how to read.
3.) Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbors at church. Code switching: talking to someone with a different tone. Calpurnia talks normally because she is working. She talks differently in her neighborhood because it's the way they talk.
4.) How are Jem and Scout accepted at First Purchase? Their dad is defending Tom Robinson so they accept them. Lula says that white people have their own church and black people have their own church.
Chapter 13
1.) Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and his family? What is she like? Aunt Alexandra stays with them so she can teach the kids to have manners. Also to give feminine influence to Atticus. Aunt Alexandra is disrespectful to Calpurnia because she just goes up to her and bosses her around.
2.) Read the first two things Alexandra says when she comes to the finch house. Provide a quote. Are these typical of her or not? Explain. “Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia,” and “Jean Louise, stop scratching your head,” these are typical to Aunt Alexandra because she is bossy and everything has to be perfect to her.
3.) What are Aunt Alexandra’s ideas about breeding and family? Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Who do you think is right? Aunt Alexandra calls it "Gentle Breeding." She is saying that Maycomb is a cast system. The Finches are equal to African-Americans. They have the land, public figure, and reputation. Aunt Alexandra disapproves of Atticus defending a black man in court.
Chapter 14
1.) Why does Alexandra think Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to the suggestion? Calpurnia invites Scout over to her house and Aunt Alexandra is mad about this and when Cal took the kids to church. Atticus thinks that everything is fine and he doesn't hate Cal because of her skin color.
2.) Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her back? Why is she less pleased when he tells Atticus about Dill? Jem is happy that Scout is growing up. They're fighting because Jem thinks he's the boss of her. If he had the real power, he would not have the fight. Jem doesn't really have the power and they are equal. Dill is betraying the trust that they have made.
3.) What do we learn from Dill’s account of his running away? Dill is spoiled with everything but love, his parents don't love him so he runs away. Boo can relate to Dill because Boo doesn't have anyone that cares about him and he can't run away to anyone.
Chapter 15
1.) What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children? They hear a knock on the door and something bad will happen to Atticus.
2.) Why did Heck Tate and the other men come to see Atticus? They don't think Tom should move prisons. They're warning Atticus about the KKK gang killing Tom Robinson. They might kill him before he goes to trial. The men know that it's gonna happen.
3.) What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus/’ comment about it? They think that everyone should die, whites, blacks, women, gays, bisexuals, and other people should die. Atticus is trying to tell the kids that Maycomb is safe and that there were no gangs. He is giving them peace of mind.
4.) How does Jem react when Atticus tell him to go home, and why? Jem is worried about Atticus' safety and the KKK. They might be after Atticus for defending Tom Robinson. They could hurt Atticus, Jem is protecting his father.
5.) What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom’s life? Scout changes their minds, she was able to kind of talked her way out of hurting Atticus. Scout has a normal conversation about this, she treats them like they're humans. They see the kids aren't going anywhere and they don't want to hurt their father in front of his kids.
6.) Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time. Scout acts like nothing is weird, she acts normal and talks normal and defuses the horrible situation.
Chapter 16
1.) What does the atmosphere in Maycomb at the beginning of the trial show about human nature? They are in the town square and waiting eagerly to get in the courtroom. They're impatient and curious to see what will happen to Tom Robinson. The white and blacks separate themselves from each other. They're curious and want to gossip.
2.) What sort of person is Dolphus Ramond? He is an alcoholic, drinks alcohol from a paper bag while walking around town. He is a rich man and he isn't racist, he is married to a black person, he hangs out with black people, and has mixed children. His other wife killed herself when she found out that Dolphus was having an affair with a black lady.
3.) How does Reverend Sykes help the children see and hear the trial? Reverend sees the kids struggling to find seats so he takes them up the the balcony so they can see things. Important and rich people sit up top so they can hear and see the trial. Black people have to stand up.
4.) Why is Scout confused after overhearing remarks about her father’s defense of Tom Robinson? Even though the court is forcing him to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus is going to do a good job because it's the right thing to do. Scout thinks it's all one job, she doesn't understand why Atticus would do the wrong, she doesn't understand the politics.
5.) Common on Judge Taylor’s attitude to his job. Does he take the trial seriously or not? He is relaxed but he still does his job correctly, he knows the rules and knows what is going on, he doesn't appear to take things seriously, not everything is perception.
Chapter 17
1.) What are the main points in Heck Tate’s evidence? She has bruises, Mr. Ewell saw the black man who did it. They see Tom Robinson running away from the scene.
2.) What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate? Mr. Ewell never called a doctor, Mayella never saw a doctor even though she needed one.
3.) What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the Ewell family in this chapter? The Ewells are trashy and poor, they have complained about black people before. They don't kiss at all, the parents are at war with each other. They don't speak to each other. Mr. Ewell didn't care about his daughter, a normal dad would call the doctor and actually care about his daughter or son.
4.) What do you learn from Bob Ewell’s evidence? He keeps saying that he saw the person who did it. He is constantly avoiding the question.
5.) Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his name? What does the jury see when he does this? The jury sees that he is left handed so they can prove that Bob Ewell continuously beat his daughter, he might have held her down with his right hand and hit her with his left hand.
Chapter 18
1.) Is Mayella like her father or different from him? Explain in what ways they are similar and/or different.
2.) What might be the reason for Mayella’s crying in court?
3.) How does Mayella react to Atticus’ politeness? Is she used to people being polite?
4.) How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom’s guilt in the eyes of the reader and in the eyes of the jury? Can you suggest why these might be different?