Chapter 1: Early summer 1933
1. What do you learn in this chapter about Maycomb, Atticus Finch and his
family?
Maycomb: Maycomb is a tired old town. There is a downtown, but many people
live on the farms. It's a small town, so most people know each other. There are
some tensions between the white and black citizens.
Atticus: Atticus is a lawyer. He is a good father, he treats the children with
“courteous detachment.”
Finch Family: The Finch family is well-off, and has a high social standing. Atticus
has a sister named Alexandra, and a brother named John Finch (Uncle Jack).
2. What do you learn about Dill's character?
Dill is small, kinda shy (according to Robert), and easygoing. He likes the
movies, he can read, he doesn't seem to have a father, and he likes to tell
stories.
3. What, briefly, has happened to Arthur “Boo” Radley.
Boo never comes out of the house. There are rumours about him. Boo got in
with the wrong crowd, and got up to some mischief (they locked a police officer
into an outhouse). “Boo” was locked up at home. One day he stabbed his father
with scissors.
4. Why does the Radley place fascinate Scout, Jem and Dill?
The house is fascinating to the children because it is mysterious, and they hear
many stories about the Radley family.
5. What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint in the novel?
The novel is narrated through Scout's voice. Most of the time, it feels like
Scout is telling the story from an adult's perspective, but sometimes it sounds
childish.
Chapter 2: September 1933
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Why is Scout so looking forward to starting school?
Scout is looking forward to school because she feels like she's growing up,
she's excited, and she can be a little more like Jem.
How did Scout learn to read?
Scout learned to read mostly from sitting with Atticus when he read the
newspaper. Calpurnia helped as well, and so did going to church.

Why does Jem not want anything to do with Scout at school? Is his
behaviour typical of an older child?
Jem doesn't want Scout to embarrass him in front of his schoolmates. This is
typical of an older child because they don't want to hang around with their
immature siblings.

What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher as a teacher? Can you find
qualities which would make her good or not so good at her job?
Miss Fisher yells at Scout because Scout could read. Miss Fisher lacks
compassion. Miss Fisher offered to give Walter 25 cents for lunch; she does
demonstrate sympathy, but not understanding.
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How did Scout get into trouble on her first day? Who is more to blame?
Scout got in trouble for contradicting her teacher. They are both to blame
because neither tried to explain themselves fully.