An Introduction to Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Harper Lee
Born on April 28, 1926 in Monroeville,
Alabama
Youngest of four children
1957 – submitted manuscript for her
novel; was urged to rewrite it
Spent over two years reworking it
1960 – To Kill a Mockingbird (her only
novel) published
1966 - was one of two persons named
by President Johnson to the National
Council of Arts
Setting
Maycomb,
ALABAMA
Harper Lee's hometown, Monroeville, AL,
is considered the inspiration for the setting
of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Main Characters
Scout (Jean Louise Finch) – six-year-old narrator
of story
Jem (Jeremy Finch) – her older brother
Atticus Finch – Jem and Scout’s father, a
prominent lawyer who defends a black man accused
of raping a white woman
Arthur (Boo) Radley – a thirty-three-year-old
recluse who lives next door
Charles Baker (Dill) Harris – Jem and Scout’s
friend who comes to visit his aunt in Maycomb each
summer
Tom Robinson – a respectable black man
accused of raping a white woman
Calpurnia – the Finches’ black cook
Social Class in the Novel
This is probably
similar to how class
structure existed
during the 1930’s in
the South. The
wealthy, although
fewest in number,
were most
powerful. The
blacks, although
great in number,
were lowest on the
class ladder, and
thus, had the least
privileges.
Wealthy
Country Folk
"White Trash"
Black
Community
Examples of each social class:
Wealthy - Finches
Country Folk - Cunninghams
“White Trash” – Ewells
Black Community – Tom Robinson
Social and Economic Climate of the 1930s

Wall Street Crash (October 1929)



People invested in shares
Prices increased
Companies bogus
6
Social and Economic Climate of the 1930s

The Effect of the Wall
Street Crash

People saved money



Withdrew money from
banks
Banks collapsed
Companies went
bankrupt

Result

Loss of jobs, homes,
businesses, and land
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1920
1930
1931
1932
1933
7
Scottsboro Case

Two Huntsville Mill Girls
Hobo to Chattanooga

Victoria Price




21 years old
Known prostitute
Employed at Margaret
spinning mill
Ruby Bates



17 years old
Quiet and well behaved
Employed at Margaret
spinning mill
8
Scottsboro Case

The Alleged Rape

According to Price’s
testimony:


African-American men
forced white men off
train
Six men raped Price and
Bates
The Defendants
9
Scottsboro Case

A Lynching Spirit



Officials maintain a
peaceful crowd
Armed soldiers on guard
inside and outside the
courtroom
An estimated 8,000 to
10,000 people gather
outside the courthouse
Outside the Courtroom
10
Scottsboro Case

The Trial

April 6, 1931 – April 9, 1931

Witnesses






Price and Bates
One white man (collaborated)
Nine African-American men
Acquaintance of women (did not collaborate)
Physician
Eight of nine men sentenced to death
11
Scottsboro Case

Trial Continues


November 7, 1932 United States Supreme Court
orders new trial
March 27, 1933 the new trial begins




April 9, 1933 first defendant found guilty


Famous New York defense attorney Samuel S.
Leibowitz
Two physicians refute that multiple rapes occurred
Ruby Bates openly denies rapes occurred
Judge James Horton overturns conviction
April 1, 1935 United States Supreme Court
reversed all convictions
12
Parallels Between Scottsboro and Tom Robinson Trials
Scottsboro Trial
Tom Robinson’s Trial
1930s
1930s
Northern Alabama
Southern Alabama
Rape charge by white women
against African-American men
Rape charge by a white woman
against an African-American man
Poor white status of accusers a
critical issue
Poor white status of Mayella a
critical issue
Central figure is a heroic judge
Central figure is Atticus, who
defends an African-American man
Judge goes against public
sentiment
Atticus arouses anger in
community defending Robinson
Jury ignores evidence
Jury ignores evidence
13
Other Interesting Facts

Though not, biographical there are some
connections with Lees own life




Her father as an attorney who defended two black
men accused of murder.
Her brother was the same age as Jem, and she
had a friend who bares similarities with Dill
The novel has stirred up great controversy due its
use of racial slurs and subject matter.
Was ranked above the Bible, by British librarians
as a book that every adult should read before they
die
14
"Mockingbirds don't do one
thing but make music for us to
enjoy. They don't eat up
people's gardens, don't nest in
corncribs, they don't do one
thing but sing their hearts out
for us. That's why it's a sin to
kill a mockingbird."
Chapter 1



PART ONE:
Part one is used to set the stage for Part two. It
introduces the main characters and goes into great detail
concerning Southern setting and Southern attitude. The
background historically is the 1930s, the time of the
Great Depression.
The plot concentrates on the children’s experiences of
Scout, the narrator, and her brother, Jem. It also touches
on the Boo Radley mystery. It is not until the end of the
novel that all these things, including the significance of
the title are all tied together.
16
Chapter 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Who is the narrator of this story and what is the
advantage of having her?
What is the function of relating the family history
at the outset of the novel?
Cite details to establish the setting of the novel.
Briefly explain why Boo is kept locked up.
Describe the “legend” of Boo.
Write a one paragraph summary of the chapter.
17
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Setting





The setting is a very strong element in TKAM.
It is linked with theme, character, and plot.
Time: 1930s, Great Depression era
Economic difficulties of this time caused
problems for all classes of people
There was a sharp division between blacks
and whites in society
Place: Maycomb, Alabama – Alabama is
renown as a site of racial tension, historically
19
Theme


Themes in the novel are based on the
concept of racial prejudice which was so
much a part of society at that time:
Harper Lee stresses the need for human
understanding to destroy the evils of racial
prejudice.
20
Point of View




TKAM is told in the first person, from the
point of view of Scout Finch, a young girl.
The story is a flashback told by an older
Scout Finch looking back on her experiences
growing up.
However, the point of view is mostly a firstperson limited one; that is, limited to the
knowledge of the younger Scout.
In this way, the narration presents a sort of
“doubled” perspective on the events.
21
Perception Survey




For the following statements write:
1 beside the statement if you strongly agree,
2 if you agree,
3 for disagree, and
4 for strongly disagree.
22
Statements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
All people are created equal.
It's okay to be different.
Nobody is al bad or all good.
Some words are so offensive that they should never be
stated or written.
Under our justice system, all citizens are treated fairly in our
courts of law.
Speaking standard grammar proves that a person is smart.
A hero is born, not made.
No one is above the law.
Education is the great equalizer.
When the law doesn’t succeed in punishing criminals,,
citizens should do so.
23
Now that you have read Chapter 1…


What were your initial
reactions?
This novel deals with
many social issues.
Some may be very
sensitive for people.
Therefore, we must
be respectful.
24
Chapter 1: Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Who is the narrator of this story and what is the
advantage of having her?
What is the function of relating the family history
at the outset of the novel?
Cite details to establish the setting of the novel.
Briefly explain why Boo is kept locked up.
Describe the “legend” of Boo.
Write a one paragraph summary of the chapter.
25
Chapter 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What great event was Scout looking forward to?
Why does the teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher, become
annoyed with Scout?
How had Scout learned to read and who taught her?
What is hookworm and who has it?
What happened at lunch? Does the teacher understand
the children of this town and their problems?
At the end of the chapter how is Scout humiliated?
Write a one paragraph summary of the chapter.
26
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 2 Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What great event was Scout looking forward to?
Why does the teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher, become
annoyed with Scout?
How had Scout learned to read and who taught her?
What is hookworm and who has it?
What happened at lunch? Does the teacher understand
the children of this town and their problems?
At the end of the chapter how is Scout humiliated?
Write a one paragraph summary of the chapter.
28
Hookworm


Hookworm is a parasitic
worm that lives in the
intestines and infects
mainly mammals living in
poor countries.
Larval invasion of the skin
might give rise to intense,
local itching, usually on
the foot or lower leg,
which can be followed by
lesions that look like
insect bites.
29
Chapter 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Who is Calpurnia? What is her place in the Finch household?
What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behaviour during
lunch suggest about his home life?
What do you think of the way Atticus treats Walter?
Does Scout learn anything from Walter's visit? What do you think
this is?
Atticus says that you never really understand a person “until you
climb into his skin and walk around in it”. What does this mean? Is
it an easy thing for Scout to learn? (In the last chapter of the novel,
Scout repeats this, but she changes “skin” to “shoes” - this is
probably not a mistake: Harper Lee suggests that Scout cannot
clearly recall exactly what Atticus said and when, but the reader
can check this!)
What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells?
Write a one paragraph summary of the chapter.
30
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 3 Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Who is Calpurnia? What is her place in the Finch household?
What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behaviour during
lunch suggest about his home life?
What do you think of the way Atticus treats Walter?
Does Scout learn anything from Walter's visit? What do you think
this is?
Atticus says that you never really understand a person “until you
climb into his skin and walk around in it”. What does this mean? Is
it an easy thing for Scout to learn? (In the last chapter of the novel,
Scout repeats this, but she changes “skin” to “shoes” - this is
probably not a mistake: Harper Lee suggests that Scout cannot
clearly recall exactly what Atticus said and when, but the reader
can check this!)
What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells?
Write a one paragraph summary of the chapter.
32
Chapter 4
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How does Scout feel about the Maycomb County
school system?
What new information does Dill offer about his
father?
What was in the knot-hole of one of the oak trees?
How does the children’s play involve the Radley’s?
What was Scout’s first reason for wanting to quit
the game?
Write a paragraph summary of the chapter.
33
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 4 Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How does Scout feel about the Maycomb County
school system?
What new information does Dill offer about his
father?
What was in the knot-hole of one of the oak trees?
How does the children’s play involve the Radley’s?
What was Scout’s first reason for wanting to quit
the game?
Write a paragraph summary of the chapter.
35
Chapter 5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Who is Miss Maudie Atkinson and what do
the “Foot washing” Baptists say to her?
What did the children want to send Boo and
why?
What was Atticus’ response to this?
Is Jem resentful of his father’s orders?
Write a one paragraph summary of the
chapter.
36
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 5 Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Who is Miss Maudie Atkinson and what do
the “Foot washing” Baptists say to her?
What did the children want to send Boo and
why?
What was Atticus’ response to this?
Is Jem resentful of his father’s orders?
Write a one paragraph summary of the
chapter.
38
Initial Character Sketch
Chapters 1-5








As we read further into the novel, we gain a better
understanding of its principal characters. Today, you will
chose a character from the list below and create an
Initial Character Sketch of that character.
Atticus
Jem
Scout
Dill
Calpurina
Miss Maudie
Boo Radley
39
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 6






What is the children’s plan for Dill’s last night in
Maycomb?
How do you keep a squeaky gate from making a
noise?
How does Jem lose his pants? And how does
Dill explain this?
Does Nathan Radley know who was in his back
yard?
What does Jem feel he needs to do but Scout
doesn’t want him to do?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
41
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 6 Answers






What is the children’s plan for Dill’s last night in
Maycomb?
How do you keep a squeaky gate from making a
noise?
How does Jem lose his pants? And how does
Dill explain this?
Does Nathan Radley know who was in his back
yard?
What does Jem feel he needs to do but Scout
doesn’t want him to do?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
43
Chapter 7





When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he
tells her of something strange. What is this?
Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to
understand more than Scout about Boo Radley? What
do you think this is?
Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for
your answer.
When the children plan to send a letter to the person
who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this
happen? Who does it, and why might he do so?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 7 Answers





When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he
tells her of something strange. What is this?
Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to
understand more than Scout about Boo Radley? What
do you think this is?
Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for
your answer.
When the children plan to send a letter to the person
who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this
happen? Who does it, and why might he do so?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
Chapter 8






Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the
Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her?
What is the “near libel” which Jem puts in the front
yard? How do Miss Maudie and Atticus react to it?
Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie's oak rocking
chair?
When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around
her shoulders, what does Jem realize?
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?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 8 Answers






Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the
Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her?
What is the “near libel” which Jem puts in the front
yard? How do Miss Maudie and Atticus react to it?
Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie's oak rocking
chair?
When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around
her shoulders, what does Jem realize?
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?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
Chapter 9







How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom
Robinson? Is it usual for (white) lawyers to do their best
for black clients in Alabama at this time?
Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas?
What are these feelings and why?
Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of
her pants. What does this mean and why might he say
it?
When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant
feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this?
Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus's
conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be?
Read the final sentence of this chapter. Explain in your
own words what it means and why it might be important
in the story.
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 9 Answers







How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom
Robinson? Is it usual for (white) lawyers to do their best
for black clients in Alabama at this time?
Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas?
What are these feelings and why?
Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of
her pants. What does this mean and why might he say
it?
When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant
feature of Aunt Alexandra. What is this?
Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus's
conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be?
Read the final sentence of this chapter. Explain in your
own words what it means and why it might be important
in the story.
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
Chapter 10






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? Does she still think this after the
events recorded in this chapter?
In this chapter Atticus tells his children that “it's a sin to
kill a mockingbird”. What reason does he give for saying
this?
Why does Heck Tate not want to shoot Tim Johnson?
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?
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?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 11






How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs.
Dubose's taunts?
What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children's
mother? How does Jem feel about this?
What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is
this a fair punishment for his “crime”?
Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of
insults like “nigger-lover”. Do you agree with him?
Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real
courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”.
What does he mean? Do you think he is right?
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 11 Answers






How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs.
Dubose's taunts?
What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children's
mother? How does Jem feel about this?
What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is
this a fair punishment for his “crime”?
Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of
insults like “nigger-lover”. Do you agree with him?
Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real
courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”.
What does he mean? Do you think he is right?
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Part 1
Year
1933
1934
1935
Time of year
Chapter
What happens
Early summer
1
Introduction. Arrival of Dill. Children try to get Boo to come out.
September
2
Scout starts school: Miss Caroline Fisher. Description of Cunningham
family.
September
3
Burris Ewell upsets Miss Caroline. Ewells described.
Late spring/
early summer
4
Boo leaves gifts in tree. Dill comes back to Mayvcomb.
Late spring/
early summer
5
Children attempt to send Boo a letter.
Late summer
6
Children try to spy on Boo.
October/November
7
Boo leaves more gifts. Hole is filled with cement. Tom arrested for
alleged rape
Winter
8
Cold winter. Snow in Maycomb. Miss Maudie's house burnt.
Christmas
9
Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson. Scout fights Cousin Francis.
February
10
Atticus shoots Tim Johnson (a rabid dog).
Spring
11
Jem beheads Mrs. Dubose's camellias and has to read to her. She
overcomes her morphine addiction and dies.
Part 1


Chapters 10 & 11 are the two final chapters in the
first part of the novel. Explain why Lee chooses to
end the first part at this point.
The switch from Part 1 to Part 2 in the book marks a
change in Jem and Scout. For starters, they are not at
all worried about Boo Radley and the Radley Place,
following events such as the gifts he gave to the children
through a knothole in a tree to Miss Maudie’s house fire,
where he placed a blanket around Scout’s shoulders. By
the last chapter of part 1, ‘tormenting Boo Radley
became passé’, and Jem and Dill had stopped the
reenactment of Boo Radley’s life and their efforts to get
Boo Radley to come out. In addition, Scout and Jem
were about to witness yet more racial discrimination,
both against the blacks and the Finches for defending
Tom Robinson, as the court hearing drew closer.
Chapter 12





Comment on Jem's and Scout's visit to First
Purchase church.
What new things does Scout learn here about
how the black people live?
What does Scout learn from Calpurnia's account
of Zeebo's education?
Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the
Finch household, and among her neighbours at
church.
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 12 Answers





Comment on Jem's and Scout's visit to First
Purchase church.
What new things does Scout learn here about
how the black people live?
What does Scout learn from Calpurnia's account
of Zeebo's education?
Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the
Finch household, and among her neighbours at
church.
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Chapter 13






Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and
his family? What is she like?
Read the first two things Alexandra says when she
comes to the Finch house. Are these typical of her or
not?
Alexandra thinks Scout is “dull” (not clever). Why does
she think this, and is she right? Are all adults good at
knowing how clever young people are?
How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Maycomb's
social life?
Comment on Aunt Alexandra's ideas about breeding and
family. Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Who is
right, do you think?
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 13 Answers






Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and
his family? What is she like?
Read the first two things Alexandra says when she
comes to the Finch house. Are these typical of her or
not?
Alexandra thinks Scout is “dull” (not clever). Why does
she think this, and is she right? Are all adults good at
knowing how clever young people are?
How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Maycomb's
social life?
Comment on Aunt Alexandra's ideas about breeding and
family. Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Who is
right, do you think?
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Chapter 14





Comment on Atticus's explanation of rape. How
suitable is this as an answer to Scout.
Why does Alexandra think Atticus should
dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to
the suggestion?
Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her
back? Why is she less pleased when he tells
Atticus about Dill?
What do we learn from Dill's account of his
running away?
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 14 Answers





Comment on Atticus's explanation of rape. How
suitable is this as an answer to Scout.
Why does Alexandra think Atticus should
dismiss Calpurnia? How does Atticus respond to
the suggestion?
Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her
back? Why is she less pleased when he tells
Atticus about Dill?
What do we learn from Dill's account of his
running away?
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Chapter 15






What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon
the children?
What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do
you think of Atticus's comment about it?
How does Jem react when Atticus tells him to go
home, and why?
What persuades the lynching-party to give up
their attempt on Tom's life?
Comment on the way Scout affects events
without realizing it at the time.
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 15 Answers






What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon
the children?
What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan? What do
you think of Atticus's comment about it?
How does Jem react when Atticus tells him to go
home, and why?
What persuades the lynching-party to give up
their attempt on Tom's life?
Comment on the way Scout affects events
without realizing it at the time.
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Chapter 16





What “subtle change” does Scout notice in her
father?
What sort of person is Dolphus Raymond?
How does Reverend Skyes help the children see
and hear the trial?
Why does Miss Maudie refuse to go to the trial?
Write a paragraph summarizing the events in
this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 16 Answers





What “subtle change” does Scout notice in her
father?
What sort of person is Dolphus Raymond?
How does Reverend Skyes help the children see
and hear the trial?
Why does Miss Maudie refuse to go to the trial?
Write a paragraph summarizing the events in
this chapter.
Chapter 16
Important Quotations

“I was beginning to notice a subtle change in my
father. . .when he said, ‘anything fit to say at the
table’s fit to say in front of Calpurnia. She knows what
she means to this family.’” (Lee 157)

This quote is one of the more significant passages in
chapter 16. It shows how truly important Calpurnia is
in the Finch family. She has been a mother figure to
Jem and Scout throughout their lives and she has
raised them even more so than Atticus. It also shows
that black and white can coexist, even in that time
period, without the African American being treated like
they are inferior.
Chapter 16
Important Quotations

“‘They don’t belong anywhere. Colored folks won’t
have them because they’re half white; white folks
won’t have them because they’re colored, so they’re
just in-betweens, don’t belong anywhere.’” (Lee 161)

This passage is about the mixed children in the
South. They are very much alone, because they do
not fit in with either the white or black communities.
They may even face more prejudice because they
are receiving it from both ends.
77
Chapter 17






What are the main points in Heck Tate’s
evidence? What does Atticus show in his crossexamination of Sheriff Tate?
What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the
Ewell family in this chapter?
Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his
own name? What does the jury see when he does
this?
Do you believe that this case would have come to
trial today? Tell why or why not.
What new technologies would the defense use
today to prove Tom’s innocence?
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 17 Answers






What are the main points in Heck Tate’s
evidence? What does Atticus show in his crossexamination of Sheriff Tate?
What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the
Ewell family in this chapter?
Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his
own name? What does the jury see when he does
this?
Do you believe that this case would have come to
trial today? Tell why or why not.
What new technologies would the defense use
today to prove Tom’s innocence?
Write a paragraph summarizing this chapter.
Chapter 18






What might be the reason for Mayella’s crying in the
court?
Name four specific things that we learn about Mayella in
this chapter (besides the fact that she is a liar).
How does Mayella react to Atticus’ politeness? Is she
used to people being polite?
What do Scout and Jem notice about Tom when he
stands up? Why is this important?
How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom’s guilt in the eyes
of the reader (you) and in the eyes of the jury? Can you
suggest why these may be different?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
81
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 18 Answers






What might be the reason for Mayella’s crying in the
court?
Name four specific things that we learn about Mayella in
this chapter (besides the fact that she is a liar).
How does Mayella react to Atticus’ politeness? Is she
used to people being polite?
What do Scout and Jem notice about Tom when he
stands up? Why is this important?
How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom’s guilt in the eyes
of the reader (you) and in the eyes of the jury? Can you
suggest why these may be different?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
83
Chapter 19




What made Tom visit the Ewell’s house in the
first place?
Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was
“the loneliest person in the world?”
How does Dill react to this part of the trial?
Why is this, in your opinion?
Write a detailed description of Tom’s version of
the faithful day. What are the differences
between his version and Mayella’s version of
the day’s events (this will serve as your
paragraph summary).
84
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 19 Answers




What made Tom visit the Ewell’s house in the
first place?
Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was
“the loneliest person in the world?”
How does Dill react to this part of the trial?
Why is this, in your opinion?
Write a detailed description of Tom’s version of
the faithful day. What are the differences
between his version and Mayella’s version of
the day’s events (this will serve as your
paragraph summary).
86
Chapter 20





Scout says that “Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an
evil man.” Is she right? Why or why not?
In most states of the USA people who drink
alcohol in public places are required to hide their
bottle in a paper bag. Why does Dolphus
Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a bag?
What, according to Atticus, is the thing that
Mayella has done wrong?
Explain, in your own words, Atticus’ views on
people being equal.
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
87
Chapter 20
Important Quotations

“‘Atticus says cheating a colored man is
ten times worse than cheating a white
man,” . . . “‘Says it’s the worst thing you
can do.” (Lee 201)

This is important because it shows how
much respect Atticus has for both colored
people and whites.
88
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Forces of Change
Chapters 6-20

As we read further into the novel, we gain a better
understanding of its principal characters. A few chapters
ago, you chose a character and created an Initial
Character Sketch of that character. Today, you will
continue with this assignment by describing the Forces
of Change that have occurred to this character.

You are going to begin by reviewing the first 20 chapters
of To Kill A Mockingbird. Then, once you have
brainstormed a few ideas that might have lead to the
change in your character, you may begin to write your
Forces of Change paragraph.
90
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 20 Answers





Scout says that “Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an
evil man.” Is she right? Why or why not?
In most states of the USA people who drink
alcohol in public places are required to hide their
bottle in a paper bag. Why does Dolphus
Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a bag?
What, according to Atticus, is the thing that
Mayella has done wrong?
Explain, in your own words, Atticus’ views on
people being equal.
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
92
Chapter 11-20
QUIZ

Atticus taught his children not to kill a mockingbird
because it A. is one of God's special creatures
B. sings beautifully and harms no one
C. brings good luck to those who truly listen to it

"The bravest person I ever knew" was Atticus'
description of A. Aunt Alexandra
B. Mrs. Dubose
C. Reverend Sykes
93
Chapter 11-20
QUIZ

The presence of Jem and Scout at the jail A. convinces Heck Tate of the need for a fair trial
B. diverts the lynch mob from its purpose
C. inadvertently endangers Atticus' life

In the eyes of some blacks, Tom's fault was that he A. tried to cross the color barrier
B. showed pity for a white woman
C. upset the black-white balance in Maycomb
94
Chapter 11-20
QUIZ


Part of the successful defense of Tom Robinson
hinges on I. his abnormal left hand
II. the perjury of the eyewitness
III. Atticus' skillful questioning of Bob Ewell
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
95
Chapter 21



What does Jem expect the verdict to be? Does
Atticus think the same?
What is unusual about how long it takes the jury
to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or
not?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
96
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 21 Answers



What does Jem expect the verdict to be? Does
Atticus think the same?
What is unusual about how long it takes the jury
to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or
not?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
98
Chapter 22






Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he
defends Jem’s right to know what happened. Explain,
in your own words, Atticus’s reasons for this.
Why does Miss Maudie only bake two small cakes?
Did she forget someone?
Why did Judge Taylor “give” Atticus the Tom Robinson
case?
Why does Dill say that he will be a clown when he
grows up? Do you think he will keep his ambition for
long?
Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus? Do
you think his threat is a real one?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
99
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 22






Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he
defends Jem’s right to know what happened. Explain,
in your own words, Atticus’s reasons for this.
Why does Miss Maudie only bake two small cakes?
Did she forget someone?
Why did Judge Taylor “give” Atticus the Tom Robinson
case?
Why does Dill say that he will be a clown when he
grows up? Do you think he will keep his ambition for
long?
Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus? Do
you think his threat is a real one?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
101
Chapter 23




What do you think of Atticus’s reaction to Bob
Ewell’s challenge? Should he have ignored
Bob, retaliated, or done something else?
What does Atticus tell Scout about why the jury
took so long to convict Tom?
At the end of this chapter, Jem forms a new
theory about why Boo Radley has never left his
house in years. What is this? How likely is it to
be true, in your opinion?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
102
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 23 Answers




What do you think of Atticus’s reaction to Bob
Ewell’s challenge? Should he have ignored
Bob, retaliated, or done something else?
What does Atticus tell Scout about why the jury
took so long to convict Tom?
At the end of this chapter, Jem forms a new
theory about why Boo Radley has never left his
house in years. What is this? How likely is it to
be true, in your opinion?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
104
Chapter 24




Compare the reactions of Miss Maudie and the
other ladies when Scout says she is wearing her
“britches” under her dress.
Explain briefly how Tom was killed. What is
Atticus’s explanation for Tom’s attempted
escape?
How, in this chapter do we see Aunt Alexandria
in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support
her?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
105
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 24 Answers




Compare the reactions of Miss Maudie and the
other ladies when Scout says she is wearing her
“britches” under her dress.
Explain briefly how Tom was killed. What is
Atticus’s explanation for Tom’s attempted
escape?
How, in this chapter do we see Aunt Alexandria
in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support
her?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
107
Chapter 25



How does Maycomb react to news of Tom’s
death?
Comment on the idea that Tom’s death was
“typical”.
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
108
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 25 Answers



How does Maycomb react to news of Tom’s
death?
Comment on the idea that Tom’s death was
“typical”.
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
110
Chapter 26




In her lesson on Hitler, Miss Gates says that “we
(American people) don’t believe in persecuting
anyone”. What seems odd to the reader about
this claim?
Why is Scout puzzled by Miss Gates’
disapproval of Hitler?
Why does Scout’s question upset Jem? Is there
a simple answer, or any answer to that
question?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
111
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 26 Answers




In her lesson on Hitler, Miss Gates says that “we
(American people) don’t believe in persecuting
anyone”. What seems odd to the reader about
this claim?
Why is Scout puzzled by Miss Gates’
disapproval of Hitler?
Why does Scout’s question upset Jem? Is there
a simple answer, or any answer to that
question?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
113
Chapter 27




What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarms
Aunt Alexandra?
Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear
a grudge? Which people does Ewell see as his
enemies, and why?
What was the purpose of the Halloween
pageant? What practical joke had persuaded
the grown ups to have an organized event?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
114
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 27 Answers




What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarms
Aunt Alexandra?
Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear
a grudge? Which people does Ewell see as his
enemies, and why?
What was the purpose of the Halloween
pageant? What practical joke had persuaded
the grown ups to have an organized event?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
116
Chapter 28




In Comment on the way this chapter reminds the
reader of earlier events in the novel.
Scout decided to keep her costume while
walking home. How does this affect her
understanding of what happens on the way?
Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man
in the corner? Who might this stranger be?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
117
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 28 Answers




In Comment on the way this chapter reminds the
reader of earlier events in the novel.
Scout decided to keep her costume while
walking home. How does this affect her
understanding of what happens on the way?
Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man
in the corner? Who might this stranger be?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
119
Chapter 29




What explanation does Atticus give for Bob
Ewell’s attack?
What does Heck Tate give us as the reason for
Bob Ewell’s attack?
Do you think the sheriff’s explanation or Atticus’s
is the more likely to be true?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
120
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 29 Answers




What explanation does Atticus give for Bob
Ewell’s attack?
What does Heck Tate give us as the reason for
Bob Ewell’s attack?
Do you think the sheriff’s explanation or Atticus’s
is the more likely to be true?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
122
Chapter 30




Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell’s
death?
Why does Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell’s
death was self-inflicted? In what way was this
partly true?
How does the writer describe, at the end of the
story, Boo Radley?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
123
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 30 Answers




Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell’s
death?
Why does Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell’s
death was self-inflicted? In what way was this
partly true?
How does the writer describe, at the end of the
story, Boo Radley?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
125
Chapter 31




How do the events of the final chapters explain
the first sentence in the whole novel?
How does Scout make sense of an earlier
remark of Atticus’s as she stands on the Radley
porch?
At the end of the novel, Atticus reads to Scout.
Comment on his choice of story. Does it have
any connection with themes in the novel and in
its ending?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
126
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
Chapter 31 Answers




How do the events of the final chapters explain
the first sentence in the whole novel?
How does Scout make sense of an earlier
remark of Atticus’s as she stands on the Radley
porch?
At the end of the novel, Atticus reads to Scout.
Comment on his choice of story. Does it have
any connection with themes in the novel and in
its ending?
Write a one paragraph summary of this chapter.
128
Harper Lee’s
To Kill a Mockingbird
English I Honors
130