Character Clues
Who is Dill and what draws him to the Finch family every summer?
Dill is a friend who visits Maycomb every summer. He is curious and imaginative and is drawn to the Finch children's adventures
Why does Atticus choose to defend Tom Robinson even though he knows it's unpopular?
Because it's morally right and Atticus believes in justice and equality before the law
What does the Radley house symbolize throughout the first part of the novel?
Fear, isolation, misunderstanding, and prejudice.
What lesson about empathy does Atticus teach Scout when he says to "climb into someone's skin and walk around in it?"
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view"
Who is the speaker and the theme?
Atticus
Theme: Empathy
How does Scout describe Boo Radley early in the novel?
Mysterious and possibly dangerous based on town gossip
Who is Mayella Ewell and how well does she treat Tom during her testimony?
He accuses Tom of assaulting her. She is lonely and confused and her behavior shows her guilt and fear.
What items do Jem and Scout find in the knothole and what do they represent?
Gum, balls of twine, spelling medal, and a pocket watch. Symbolizes friendship and is a form of communication with Boo and the children.
How does Jem begin to change as he grows older in these chapters?
He comes more mature, aware of injustice, and protective of Scout.
"It is a sin to kill a mockingbird"
Who is the speaker and what is the symbolism?
Atticus
Symbolism: Innocence
What lesson does Atticus teach Scout after her first day of school?
Don't judge people before understanding them....walk in their shoes.
Describe how Atticus behaves during the trial and what does it say about his character?
He is calm, respectful, and logical. He models integrity.
Describe the town of Maycomb and how does its setting influence the story's tone?
Small, tired town that goes at a slow pace. It sets a tone of deep-seated racism and isolation.
Why does Atticus say it's a sin to kill a mockingbird?
Because they do no harm. It represents innocent victims like Tom and Boo.
Who is the speaker and who is she talking about?
Speaker: Scout
Who is she talking about: Boo RadleyWhy does Jem destroy Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes?
Jem is angry after Mrs. Dubose insults Atticus
How does Reverend Sykes help Scout and Jem during the trial?
He lets them sit in the black balcony to protect and include them.
What does the mockingbird symbolize according to Atticus and Miss Maudie?
It symbolizes innocence and goodness. They feel that harming one is destroying innocence.
What moral courage does Atticus show by defending Tom Robinson?
"The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience"
Speaker: Atticus
Meaning: A person's conscience, their inner sense of right and wrong, is a personal and internal guide that cannot be overruled by the opinion or will of the majority.
How does Calpurnia serve as a bridge between the Finch household and the Black community?
She raises the Finch children as a maternal figure and teaches them respect for others (specifically the black community)
What is significant about the fact that Tom Robinson's left arm is crippled?
It proves he couldn't have committed the crime as it was described.
Why is the fire at Miss Maudie's house important to the story?
It brings the community together and foreshadows future destruction and racial tension that is about to divide the town.
What does the children's fascination with Boo Radley reveal about innocence and curiosity?
Their innocence and curiosity lead them to grow in understanding others and getting past surface level judgement and fear of others who are different.
“People in their right minds never take pride in their talents”
Who is the speaker and what does this quote mean?
Speaker: Miss Maudie
Meaning: Real virtue is quiet, not showy which is the opposite of people who brag loudly and do nothing good.