Themes
Jem’s, Dill’s, and Scout’s beliefs about Boo Radley are influenced based on rumors based on real information. What key theme does this reflect in the book?
Prejudice (Or synonyms)
Atticus says to Scout, ""You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." What does this say about Atticus’ character?
He is sympathetic, intelligent, doesn't judge, cares for others...
What does Scout describe Maycomb as?
A tired old town (Or synonyms)(Hot)
What is Boo Radley’s protection for Scout and Jem represented as during Chapter 8?
The blanket
How does Mr. Radley cut off Boo Radley’s connection with society?
Fills the knothole with cement
What does the incident with Walter Cunningham at lunch reveal about the differences in social class in Maycomb?
It reveals the stark difference between classes and how families like the Cunninghams are looked down upon.
When Calpurnia scolds Scout about complaining about Walter Cunningham’s manners at the table during chapter 3, what does that show about Calpurnia’s morals and character?
This shows how she is an empathetic person and understands people and their backgrounds.
How does Atticus first feel about his job as a lawyer?
He dislikes criminal law as his first two clients refused to plead guilty to murder, and were both killed.
What do the knothole gifts represent?
Boo Radley’s attempt to be connected with society
Who does Nathan Radley believe is on their property instead of Jem, Scout, and Dill? What does he do in response?
A black man, fires a shotgun
Through what character does Harper Lee build the theme of innocence early on the book?
Boo Radley.
How is Miss Caroline represented as an outsider from Maycomb society?
Is not from Maycomb, tries to give Walter Cunningham money without knowing about his family background...
What education system is used as a metaphor for how education stifles the curiosity of young children?
Dewey Decimal System.
Who is the “mockingbird” which is introduced in chapters 1-8?
Boo Radley
This person visits Scout and Jem every summer in Maycomb (full name for full points)
Charles Baker Harris
What do Miss Carolines’ actions and scolding of Scout show?
A theme of ignorance, limits, and lack of understanding. (Similar answers apply)
What does Atticus and Miss Maudie not believing in the rumors about Boo Radley show about how they see others?
It shows that they dont judge others.
How is Simon Finch characterized as a hardworking person?
Set up Finch’s Landing and fled religious persecution, setting up good lives for his future generations.
What symbolism is the burning down of Miss Maudie’s house? What does it show about Maycomb? (Two answers)
A “rebirth” or cleansing, also displaying the unification and spirited community of Maycomb.
How does the snow day in Maycomb influence the series of events that come after?
Causes Mrs. Maudie’s fire, which was meant to keep her house warm, to burn her house down
What theme does the snowman represent, based off of what it was built from?
Blending of races, was built out of dirt and snow (light and dark materials)
What does Dill’s response to Atticus’ question about where Jem’s pants have gone reveal about his character?
His response that the children were playing Strip Poker shows how he is playful while still being protective, saving Jem from trouble.
How is irony used when Scout and Jem build a snowman inspired by Mr. Avery?
They happily build a snowman of Mr. Avery, who believes that bad children cause the weather to change, rather than feeling guilty about it.
How are Miss Maudie’s azaleas reflective of her personality?
Azaleas are known to blossom all at once, are hardy, and grow well regardless of difficult soil conditions. This reflects Miss Maudie’s personality where she fits in well into society but is not affected by those around her.
At the very end of the book, Boo Radley defends Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell. What event from chapters 1-8 foreshadows this event?
Boo Radley giving Scout a blanket during the fire, or folding Jem’s pants after he lost them on the fence (accept either)