Character Motivations
This character visits the Finch household to deliver a message and demonstrate their moral support for the trial's outcome.
Who is Reverend Sykes?
This theme, illustrated in the missionary tea, highlights...
What is social class and hypocrisy?
This symbol represents the innocent and misunderstood nature of Boo Radley.
What is the knothole in the tree?
This quote, “It’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn’t hurt you,” reveals...
...Atticus's belief in maintaining integrity and self-worth in the face of insults.
This unexpected event at the missionary tea reveals the town's true feelings about Tom Robinson's trial.
What is the gossip about Tom and Mayella?
This character's desire to maintain a sense of dignity and honor influences their actions during the missionary tea.
Who is Miss Maudie?
The impact of this theme becomes evident when the trial's verdict leads to a deeper understanding of moral courage among the characters.
What is justice and moral integrity?
This group/symbol of societal expectations is seen in the decorum of the missionary tea.
What is the missionary circle/the women?
This quote, “I’m not a very good shot, but I want to learn,” reveals what about Dill...
This quote reflects Dill’s willingness to acknowledge his limitations and his desire to improve, showing that he is maturing. Although Dill often tells imaginative stories, this moment shows a more honest side of him, signaling his growth and humility as he becomes more self-aware.
This character is motivated by a sense of duty and compassion when he decides to personally inform Helen Robinson about her husband’s death.
Who is Atticus Finch?
This character’s motivation to protect their family shines during a pivotal confrontation against Bob Ewell...
Who is Jem?
This theme is represented by Scout as she confronts the realities of her community.
What is childhood and innocence?
This symbol highlights the theme of lost innocence, particularly related to the children's experiences in the story.
What is the mockingbird?
This quote, “Atticus, he was real nice.” “Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them,” reveals...
...Scout's evolving understanding of empathy and the complexity of human nature.
Scout's misunderstanding of this character’s motives leads to a surprising lesson about empathy.
Who is Boo Radley?
This character shows a transformation in their attitude towards Boo Radley after realizing the impact of the trial on the community.
Who is Scout?
The fear and prejudice faced by characters like Tom Robinson emphasize this recurring theme in the novel.
What is racism?
This symbol or group in the courtroom reflects the flawed and unequal justice system in Maycomb.
What is the jury?
This quote, “The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience,” reveals...
...the importance of individual morality over societal pressures in the context of justice.
This unexpected turn of events signifies a major shift in the Finch children’s perception of a certain member of their community.
What is the attack by Bob Ewell?
This character is motivated by bitterness and revenge when he ominously states, “one down and about two more to go” after Tom Robinson’s death.
Who is Bob Ewell?
This theme is illustrated when characters show their true selves during moments of crisis, revealing underlying motivations and values.
What is human nature?
This symbol of fear and prejudice comes to a head in Chapter 10.
What is the rabid dog?
This quote, “This case is based on a simple dull white man’s word against the word of a black man,” reveals...
...the deep-rooted racial inequalities and injustices that pervade the legal system.
This revelation at the end prompts Scout to reassess her understanding of her neighborhood and its residents.
What is the truth about Boo Radley's character?