Plot Details
Where in the courtroom do Scout, Jem, and Dill sit? (15 seconds)
They sit in the section designated for black folks.
How does Atticus' choice to defend Tom Robinson go against the expectations imposed upon him by society? (1 min)
Atticus stands up for what is right despite knowing he will face backlash and likely lose. He acts upon his principles and rather than on what others want.
Find and explain a quote that shows the unreliability of the trial. (2 min)
Possible Answer:
"He stood up and pointed his finger at Tom Robinson, '---I seen that black n***** yonder ruttin' on my Mayella!'" (231).
What significance did Mr. Ewell being left-handed have with the trial? (30 seconds)
His daughter's bruises were on the right side of her face, bringing up the possibility of him beating his daughter.
What theme is Harper Lee trying to convey by contrasting the questioning methods of Mr. Gilmer and Atticus? (1.5 min)
The contrast in questioning methods brings to attention the theme of fairness and integrity in the justice system. Atticus treats everyone with respect, while Mr. Gilmer reinforces racial and class bias through his questioning.
Find and explain a quote that shows how individuals can lose their sense of morality in a group setting. (2 min)
Possible answer:
"'A mob's always made up of people, no matter what. Mr. Cunningham was part of a mob last night, but he was still a man. Every mob in every little Southern town is always made up of people you know'" (210).
What was Mr. Ewell's excuse for not calling a doctor after finding her daughter beaten up? (30 seconds)
He said a doctor would cost too much.
What theme can be identified through the layout of the courtroom? (1.5 min)
Black people are forced to sit in the balcony, physically separated and looking down on a courtroom to seemingly show that their opinions won't affect the outcome of the trial. This symbolizes systemic racial separation and exclusion from justice.
Find and explain a quote that shows how certain people don't see the importance of the trial. (2 min)
Possible Answer:
"The courthouse square was covered with picnic parties sitting on newspapers, washing down biscuit and syrup with warm milk from fruit jars" (214).
Why did Mr. Dolphus Raymond sit in the section for black folks despite being white? (1 min)
He married a black woman and had mixed children. He felt more comfortable with black people.
What does the crowd’s excitement about attending the trial reveal about Maycomb’s attitudes toward race and justice? (1.5 min)
It shows that many townspeople view the trial as entertainment rather than a serious pursuit of justice, reflecting racial prejudice and moral detachment.
Find and explain a quote that shows Atticus standing up for what's just based on his morals and not those of society. (2 min)
Possible answer:
"'Anything fit to say at the table's fit to say in front of Calpurnia. She knows what she means to this family'" (209).
Why didn't Miss Maudie attend the trial? (1 min)
She believes it to be too gruesome to watch someone (Tom Robinson) fight for his life in the courtroom.
How does Mr. Dolphus Raymond pretending to be drunk connect to social expectations? (2 min)
People believe his drunken state explains his association with black people, but he only pretends to be drunk. This highlights the theme of societal expectations about who one associates with and the need for people to create false explanations for behavior that challenges racist norms.
Find and explain a quote that shows hypocrisy within the justice system. (2 min)
Possible Answer:
"The court appointed Atticus to defend him. Atticus aimed to defend him. That's what they didn't like about it. It was confusing" (218).