To Kill a Mockingbird
Part II, Chapters 12-16
Guided Reading Questions
Short Answer.
Be sure to respond to each part of the questions using complete sentences.
Chapter 12
1. Why does Calpurnia begin referring to Jem as “Mister Jem”?
2. How did Calpurnia’s church get its name?
3. What does this suggest to you about the values of the people who purchased the church?
4. Think about the concept of being a minority in society. How do the events of this chapter put Jem and Scout in a
position to experience the feeling of being outsiders in a minority position?
5. Describe the singing at First Purchase church. Use specific words and phrases from the text.
6. Discuss Lula’s reaction to the Jem and Scout attending her church.
7. Why do you think the author put Lula’s character in this scene?
8. Discuss Reverend Sykes’ reaction to Jem and Scout attending his church.
9. How does Calpurnia act differently at First Purchase than she does around the Finch household? Why? Explain.
10. In terms of setting, why is this scene important and different from any other scene in this novel?
Chapter 13
1. Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and the children? Be specific.
2. How does Aunt Alexandra create tension in the Finch household? Be specific.
3. Re-read the last line of the chapter. What does is the narrator mean by this?
Chapter 14
1. How does Aunt Alexandra’s presence continue to create tension in the Finch household? Explain.
2. Why does Scout want Jem to fight her? Be specific.
3. Why does Dill run away from home? Explain.
4. One of the novel’s major themes is that it is a sin to kill a ______________________________________.
5. Re-read the last three sentences of the chapter. How do they relate back to the theme stated in question #4?
Explain.
Chapter 15
1. Who is Heck Tate, and why does he visit Atticus at the beginning of the chapter?
2. What does Atticus hope to prevent by sitting outside of the jail? Be specific.
3. Why does Jem refuse to leave after Atticus’ asks him to go home with Scout and Dill? Explain.
4. Describe Scout’s encounter with Mr. Walter Cunningham and explain why it is significant.
5. Who is Mr. Underwood, and what does he reveal at the end of the chapter? What does this suggest about his
character?
6. One of the novel’s major themes is the importance of trying to “understand a person…consider things from his
point of view...climb into his skin and walk around in it.” How does this chapter relate back to this theme? HINT:
If you read a few pages of Chapter 16, it will help you write your response.
Chapter 16
1. Briefly describe the reaction of each of the following characters to the events that occurred at the end of
Chapter 15. What does each reaction suggest about each character? Explain.
Aunt Alexandra:
Jem:
Atticus:
Scout:
2. Who is Dolphus Raymond, and why would he be an outcast of the upper echelons of Maycomb society? Explain.
3. Why does Miss Maudie refuse to attend the trial? What does this suggest about her character?
4. Describe the layout of the courtroom.
5. Describe the members of the jury. Why is this significant?
6. Describe Judge John Taylor. Do you think he will be a fair judge? Explain.
Plot diagram:
Create a plot diagram about the trial of Tom Robinson. Update the plot diagram with events from this section.