Chapter 1
Why do you think the children call their father Atticus instead of Dad?
Out of respect/Not close with him
How do the Cunninghams pay Atticus for his services?
Hickory nuts, firewood, and vegetables.
What does Walter do at dinner that upsets Scout?
He puts molasses on his meat.
What items do Scout find in the knothole of the Radley tree?
2 sticks of gum and 2 "Indian head" pennies.
Why does Scout start spending time with Miss Atkinson?
Jem and Dill are getting closer and she feels excluded.
What happened to Scout's mother and how did it affect her? How did affect Jem?
She died when Scout was two and she doesn't remember her. Jem is still upset.
What does Scout do when Walter refuses to take Miss Caroline's money?
Explains Walter's family is poor and gets in trouble for it.
What does Burris Ewell do on his only day in school?
Makes Miss Caroline cry, is found with bugs in his hair.
Who catches the children playing "Boo Radley?"
Atticus
How does Miss Atkinson describe Boo as a child?
Name 2 rumors about the Radley house and family.
A “phantom” lives inside—blamed for all evil that took place in Maycomb; went out at night and peeped into windows; he mutilated pets; nuts from the Radley pecan tree were poison; Mr. Radley kept Boo chained to the bed most of the time
Why does Miss Caroline dislike Scout from the beginning of the year?
Scout already knows how to read and must have been taught by her father.
Why does Burris Ewell only go to school that one day a year?
To avoid trouble with the law.
What does Scout do that inspires the game "Boo Radley?"
While rolling in a tire she ends up in front of the Radley's steps.
What do Jem and Dill do with a fishing pole and what do they want?
Try to tape a note to Boo's window, wanting to invite him to ice cream.
What was the bet between Jem and Dill and how did Jem win?
Dill said he would give Jem The Gray Ghost if he went up and touched the Radley house; Jem threw open the gate and ran as fast as he could and slapped the house
How is Miss Caroline different from the residents of Maycomb?
Upper class, snobby, doesn't understand Maycomb's problems, "new kind" of teacher.
What deal does Atticus make with Scout at the end of the chapter?
He'll keep reading to her if she doesn't tell her teacher.
How do you play "Boo Radley?"
Jem is Boo, Dill is Mr. Radley, Scout is Mrs. Radley. They act out the gossip they heard about the Radley family.
What does Miss Atkinson thinks happened to Boo?
He was the victim of a harsh religious father who believed everyone was going to hell.
What is the purpose of including the family history including Simon Finch?
Establishes how long family has been in Maycomb; explains ties to the South in order to contrast Atticus’ views with those of his family
Miss Caroline is an "orthodox" teacher (traditional and unchanging). What do you think Harper Lee is trying to say about education by making her Scout's teacher?
Best Answer wins!
Atticus says “You never really understand person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” How do you think this will apply to more of the novel?
We're dealing with racism, easiest way to battle any prejudice is to empathize with other people.
If Boo Radley is such a scary figure, why do you think the gifts show up in the tree?
Best Answer Wins!
Why do you think that we don't hear about Boo's possible story until AFTER all the gossip and stories?
Best Answer Wins! Empathy for people will "good" stories is easy. Trying to overcome what you believed about people is harder.