The Eagle’s Nest

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                                              To Kill a Mockingbird

Chapter 10 Questions

1) Scout says that “Atticus was feeble” (weak). 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? Why/Why not?

2) In this chapter Atticus tells his children that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (p. 90). What reason does he give for saying this?

3) What does the shooting of Tim Johnson reveal about Heck Tate and Atticus? How does Atticus feel about how well he can shoot?

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?

Chapter 11 Questions

1) How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs. Dubose’s taunts?

2) Characterize Mrs. Dubose. Characterization includes personality traits, actions, thoughts/feelings, and other people’s points of view.

3) What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? What does Mrs. Dubose gain from this “punishment” to Jem? What does Jem gain?

4) What does Atticus teach Jem and Scout about understanding antagonizing and belittling language and people like Mrs. Dubose?

5) Chapters ten and eleven are the last two chapters in the first part of the book. Explain why Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here.

Chapter 12 Questions

1) Briefly explain Jem’s and Scout’s visit to First Purchase church (Calpurnia’s church). What do people think/feel about them? How do they feel about this experience?

2) What new things do Scout and Jem learn at this church about how the black people live?

3) Describe Calpurnia’s education and her son’s education–refer to their literacy.

4) Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbors at church. How is language different in a workplace and in a social setting and/or around family? 

Name______________________                                                                                             Date________

To Kill a Mockingbird  7-9

Chapter 7 Questions

22.) Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer.

23.) 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?

24.) Can you find any evidence that Jem is more mature and wise (intelligence and awareness that comes with age/experience) than Scout? Provide at least one example that supports your answer.

Chapter 8 Questions

25.) Identify at least two details in this chapter that reveal the setting (time period and place) of this novel.

26.) Why is Jem’s snowman creation so unacceptable to both Atticus and Miss Maudie?

27.) What does the fire at Miss Maudie’s house reveal about the people living in Alabama in the 1930s?

28.) Besides Atticus, identify a new character who supports Jem and Scout. Provide evidence to support this character’s benevolent spirit.

Chapter 9 Questions

29.) Why does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? Is it usual for (white) lawyers to do their best for black clients in Alabama during this time period?

30.) Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas. What are these feelings and why do they feel this way?

31.) Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean and why might he say it?

32.) Describe Aunt Alexandra and explain her negative feelings about Scout. How does Aunt Alexandra perpetuate (promote and continue) stereotypes?

33.) Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus’s conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be?

34.) Explain at least two examples that reveal Atticus’s parenting skills. Hint: What is Atticus trying to teach his children, Jem and Scout?

Name_________________________                                                                                    Period_____

TKMB  Chapters 4-6

Chapter 4 Questions

1.) What does Scout think of current fashions in education? What do her opinions reveal about Scout’s character?

2.) What risky behavior do Scout and Jem engage in?

3.) Why do the children make Boo’s story into a game?

4.) How does Atticus react to the game? What does his reaction tell us about his character?

5.) Identify at least 2 slang words/phrases appropriate to the 1930’s in Maycomb Alabama. Translate these words/phrases into today’s language.

Chapter 5 Questions

6.) Describe the relationship between Dill and Scout. Include how he treats her and how she reacts to his treatment. How is this treatment typical and atypical (not typical) of this setting?

7.) Characterize Miss Maudie Atkinson (characterization=personality traits, actions, thoughts/feelings, other people’s points of view). How typical is she of Maycomb’s women? What do the children think of her?

8.) What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the Boo Radley game? Do you think he is right? Why?

Chapter 6 Questions

9.) What kind of risky activity do Scout, Jem and Dill engage in? Explain their cover-up (how they avoid being caught).

10.) Who is blamed for trespassing on the Radley Place? What does this blame reveal about the setting (time and place) of the novel?

11.) What causes fear in the hearts of Scout and Jem? 

Name______________________                                                                                             Date________

To Kill a Mockingbird  

Chapters 1-3 Questions

1)    What does it mean to “act responsibly?” Explain what a person needs to do in order to “act responsibly” in the 1930’s in Maycomb, Alabama.

2.) Who can people trust in Maycomb, Alabama? Identify your impressions of:

     Dill-

     Calpurnia-

     Jem-

    The narrator-

    Atticus –

    The Radleys-

    Miss Stephanie Crawford-

    Miss Caroline Fisher-  

3.) What are some essential family values and family history that have shaped the people in this community?

4.) What behaviors are acceptable in the Maycomb community? What behaviors are not acceptable in the community?

5.) Which characters inform Scout about proper behavior? How do these characters tell her to act?

6.) What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behaviour during lunch suggest about his home life?

7.) Describe Miss Caroline’s interactions with Burris Ewell. What does this suggest about Miss

Caroline? What does this suggest about the Ewells?

8.) What do you think of the way Atticus treats Walter?

9.) Does Scout learn anything from Walter’s visit? What do you think this is?

10.) Atticus says that you never really understand a person “until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” What does this mean? What does this lesson suggest about Atticus? Is it an easy thing for Scout to learn?

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