Plot
How is Maycomb described?
Quiet, boring town.
What does the mockingbird symbolize?
This bird symbolizes innocence and is referenced in the novel's title.
How is racial injustice shown in the novel?
The central theme is shown through Tom Robinson's trial.
When and where is the story set?
Alabama, 1930s.
Boo Radley.
Which is the difference between Walter Cunningham Jr. and Burris Ewell?
There is a key contrast between these two characters because of the upbringing and values despite shared poverty.
What does the camellia flower symbolize?
Forgiveness.
What is systemic (deep-rooted) racism or the failure of adult morality? Provide an example.
By showing the trial through Scout’s innocent perspective, the novel critiques this broader societal issue.
The novel is set in the 1930s, during the height of the Great Depression.
It reflects widespread poverty, unemployment, and social stratification.
How did Bob Ewell die?
This person is found dead with a kitchen knife in his ribs.
Provide evidence of Boo Radley’s silent care and his attempt to communicate with the kids.
Gifts in the knot-hole tree + Miss Maudie's house on fire (explain).
Which character/s could be related to the mockingbird?
Tom Robinson- Boo Radley: These characters are metaphorically linked to a mockingbird due to their kindness and unjust treatment.
What is prejudice or social inequality?
This theme is reflected in the way Maycomb’s rigid class and racial hierarchy influences how characters judge others without truly knowing them.
How is Jem's character development portrayed in the story?
1) Boo Radley's grifts.
2) The trial. His growing disillusionment with the justice system marks a turning point in his development from childhood idealism to painful awareness.
What is the decision not to involve Boo in the investigation?
This narrative decision protects Boo Radley from legal and social exposure.
Which evidence is provided in the trial about Tom's innocence?
Bob being left-handed, Mayella's bruised eye (right eye), Tom Robinson's arm...
What could the mad dog symbolize? Why?
Racism in Maycomb (explain the reason)
How is moral courage vs. societal pressure portrayed in the story?
Atticus defending Tom Robinson and the town's reactions to it highlights this theme.
How was Aunt Alexandra's behaviour described?
She seemed to be quite harsh as she showed moral rigidity and expectations for ladylike behaviour towards Scout.
What does the quote "Let the dead bury the dead" mean?
Moral resolution. Bob Ewell’s death balances out Tom Robinson’s unjust one.
How is generational neglect and the failure of the education system seen in the story? Think of Burris Ewell's attempt to go to school.
Burris’s one-day attendance at school, combined with his disrespect toward the teacher, highlights this issue in Maycomb’s social structure.
What does the knot-hole tree symbolize?
This gift-filled item symbolizes Boo Radley’s silent friendship.
What is the destruction of innocence or prejudice vs. understanding?
The children’s changing views of Boo Radley illustrate this theme.
Which evidence of Bob Ewell's need for revenge is found in the story?
Bob Ewell spitting on Atticus, B breaking into Judge Taylor's house, B thereatening Helen Robinson, Bob's attack on Halloween night.
How is Boo Radley described in the last chapter of the story?
He saves Jem and Scout.
He remains silent and avoids the spotlight.
He asks Scout to take him home: Boo asks Scout to walk him home—a reversal of roles where Scout escorts the protector.