Themes
How does Maycomb education encourage groupthink?
It doesn't allow critical thinking, and instead encourages similar thinking and level of education.
How and why is Bob Ewell killed?
Boo Radley stabs him when he attacks Jem and Scout.
What does the Maycomb county jail represent?
It represents themes of justice and injustice in society, and it shows the broader themes of racism and the unfair court system.
“That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (Lee 103).
Atticus
How is Tom Robinson viewed compared to how he actually is?
He is seen as a criminal, selfish, in a generally negative light because he is black. In reality, he is a kind, selfless, hard working man.
List 2 examples of racism in TKAM
Answers may vary (Tom Robinson + unfair trial, First purchase church, etc)
Who goes to the finches house for lunch at the beginning of the novel? Why is it significant?
Walter Cunningham Jr.
It is important as it introduces social dynamics and the importance of family name in Maycomb society.
What does Scout’s ham costume represent?
Her childhood innocence, and it protects her from the scary, more adult part of the world. Serves as protection when she is attacked, but also obscures her view.
I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks. (Lee 230)
Scout
What makes Mayella Ewell easily influenced by others?
She lacks a proper education, has a very rough childhood, and is often beaten into line by her father. This causes her to be very passive and easily swayed, allowing her father to abuse his power over her to influence what she says at the trial.
What are two characters that represent justice vs. injustice?
Answers may vary. (EX: Atticus v. Bob Ewell, Tom Robinson v. Bob Ewell, Boo v. Town)
What significant day was the “Longest night of [Jem and Scout’s] lives”? Why is the specific day relevant?
Halloween. They were out of the house late at night for the performance at school. It was also why Scout was in her ham costume.
List 4 different animals that are used as symbols throughout TKAM.
Finch, Mockingbird, Robin, Bluejays, Turtle, Tim Johnson, Roly-Poly, Ant
“God he ain’t ever harmed us, he ain’t even hurt us, he coulda cut my throat from ear to ear that night but he tried to mend my pants instead…he ain’t ever hurt us Atticus” (Lee 81).
Jem
What makes Scout stand out from other kids her age?
She acts in a masculine manner, she does not follow norms of education and she disagrees with many aspects of the town and doesn't follow racist ideals.
How does Mrs. Dubose show the theme of courage in her part of the book?
Her courage in her battle against addiction shows how there are positive traits in everyone, even if her usual behavior is mean and bigoted.
She changes Jem's perspective on what courage truly is. He previously believed it was based around masculinity, but Mrs. Dubose presents courage by facing her problems.
Why did it take so long for the jury to deliberate the final verdict during the trial?
One member of the jury, a Cunningham, was initially against convicting Tom Robinson.
What does Tim Johnson symbolize? How does Atticus shooting the dog change Scout and Jem's perception of him? Why does he do it?
It represents Institutionalized Racism.
His children, specifically Jem, begin to see him as strong, masculine, and courageous.
Tim Johnson represents Maycombs "regular disease" coming to infect his children. Atticus killing the dog, despite not liking to shoot, shows how he values protecting his children from the racism that infects the town.
“he’s turned out a n- lover…He’s ruinin’ the family” (Lee 94)
Francis (Scout's Cousin)
Why does Aunt Alexandra come to Maycomb to stay with Atticus and the children?
She claims that Scout and Jem needed a strong female presence and a mother figure in their lives. She also works to maintain the family's status and keep up appearances (Atticus was making "questionable choices" regarding the upcoming trial).
What major themes from the novel are displayed when Jem learns about the Egyptians? Explain.
Shows education and how it allows for new perspectives. Him acting like the Egyptians shows his childhood innocence, but also his shift into adolescence as he is learning about new, important topics.
How does Tom Robinson die, and how does the reaction to the news differ among Maycomb residents?
Tom Robinson is shot 17 times while attempting to escape prison.
Most white residents of Maycomb are indifferent, as they believed he deserved it. Tom’s family, the rest of the black community, and other non-racist people in the town feel sadness and anger at the injustice and cruelty.
There are 3 main types of flowers that hold significance in TKAM. Name which flowers, the people associated with each, and what each represents.
Geranuiums: Mayella Ewell - Her desires + dreams of a better life. Her want for some beauty in her rough life.
Azaleas: Ms. Maudie - Resilience. Demonstrated by being regrown after burning in the fire.
Camellias: Mrs. Dubose - Forgiveness and patience. She forgives Jem for the destruction of her flowers, and is letting go as she does not want to be held back by resentment.
“Taking the one man who’s done you and this town a great service an’ draggin’ him with his shy ways into the limelight– to me, that's a sin. It's a sin and I'm not about to have it on my head. If it was any other man it’d be different. But not this man” (317).
Heck Tate.
What is the name of the man the kids find under the tree outside the courthouse? What is the importance of his character?
Mr. Dolphus Raymond.
He develops the theme of social injustice. He teaches the kids that racism is so ingrained in their society that he has to pretend to be an alcoholic so that people will accept the fact that he prefers the company of black people.