Chapter 22
Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he defended Jem's right to know what had happened. Explain, in your own words, Atticus's reasons for this.
He needs to know the truth about the world around him.
What do you think of Atticus's reason for Bob Ewell's challenge? Should he have ignored Bob, retaliated, or done something else?
It was calm, and he didn't take Bob's bait. He set a good example.
How does Maycomb react to the news of Tom's death?
They were interested for two days, then lost interest.
What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarm Aunt Alexandra?
He told the welfare office that Atticus keeps getting him fired, and he started harassing Helen Robinson, and he broke into Judge Taylor's house.
What causes the "shiny clean line" on the otherwise "dull wire" of Scout's costume?
This is likely caused by the friction.
Miss Maudie tells Jem that "things are never as bad as they seem." What reasons does she give for this view?
Because there are people like Atticus, who will help do unpleasant things.
What is "circumstantial evidence"? What has it got to do with Tom's conviction?
"Evidence not drawn from direct observation of a fact in tissue."
Why did Jem not want Scout to tell Atticus about Bob Ewell's comment? Was this a wise thing to ask her to do?
We make judgments all the time, but we don't always act or comment on them.
Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear a grudge? Which people does Ewell see as his enemies, and why?
Although Bob won his case, Atticus made him look like a fool.
What explanation does Atticus give for Bob Ewell's attack?
The explanation given was Ewell's desire for revenge after being humiliated in the Tom Robinson trial.
Why does Dill say that he will be a clown when he grows up? Do you think he would keep this ambition for long?
He can't do anything about folks except laugh, so he plans on laughing for a living.
Do you think the missionary ladies are sincere in worrying about the "Mrunas"?
I doubt their sincerity and care for a tribe of people, they will conveniently never meet.
In her lesson on Hitler, Miss Gates says that "we don't believe in persecuting anyone." What seems off to the reader about this claim?
Because it's hypocritical.
What was the purpose of the Halloween pageant? What practical joke had persuaded the grown-ups to have an organized event?
The town kids pranked two old ladies. They wanted the kids to have something fun to do that was also safe and supervised.
What does Heck Tate give as the reason for the attack?
Heck Tate claims that Bob Ewell fell on his own knife, killing himself. This explanation is used to cover up the fact that Boo Radley likely killed Ewell to protect Jem and Scout.
This story is set in the 1930s but was published in 1960. Have attitudes to racism remained the same, or have there been any changes since then, in your view?
They're better, but not much.
Compare the reactions of Miss Maudie and the other ladies when Scout says she is wearing her "britches" under her dress.
Maudie is kind and doesnt laugh at her when she didn't mean to be funny.
Why is Scout puzzled by Miss Gate's disapproval of Hitler?
Scout sees the hypocrisy of Miss Gates' claims about America being free from prejudice while witnessing the prejudice against Black people in her own community.
Why does Jem say that Boo Radley must not be at home?
Jem belives that Boo Radley does not leave his house.
Who does Atticus think happened to Bob Ewell?
Atticus thinks it was Heck Tate.
Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus? Do you think his threat is a real one, and how might he try to "get" Atticus?
He feels Atticus made a fool of himself and swears to get back at him. Ewell is nasty enough to try.
Explain briefly how Tom was killed. What is Atticus's explanation for Tom's attempted escape? Do you agree with Atticus?
Atticus says that when Tom tried to escape, he ran, climbed a fence, and was shot in the back 17 times.
Why does Scout's question upset Jem? Is there a simple answer, or any answer, to the questions "How can you hate Hitler an' then turn around and be ugly about folks right at home?
It reminds Jem of the ugliness of the trial. It's not simple, but it is the truth.
Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner?
Atticus knows the man is probably more comfortable sitting right where he is.
How does the writer handle the appearance, at the end of the story, of Boo Radley?
It describes a transformative moment that highlights themes of innocence and understanding.