Characters & Motivations
This character pretends to be drunk to give Maycomb townspeople a reason for his lifestyle choices.
Who is Dolphus Raymond?
According to the novel, social class in Maycomb is based on these three things.
What are family history, race, and wealth?
This is the lesson Atticus hopes Jem learns from Mrs. Dubose's struggle.
What is courage is standing up for what's right, even if it's difficult?
This literary device is used when Scout disperses the lynch mob while remaining innocently unaware of the danger.
What is dramatic irony?
Scout's growth throughout the novel is best described this way.
What is she learns to accept people's differences and to see from others' perspectives?
Atticus considers this character brave because she fought to overcome her morphine addiction despite the pain it caused.
Who is Mrs. Dubose?
This is how Aunt Alexandra and Scout's differing values create tension between them.
What is Alexandra insists on fitting into traditional gender roles, while Scout values individuality and independence?
Scout learns this important lesson from her interactions with Calpurnia, Aunt Alexandra, and Boo Radley.
What is to accept people's differences and to see from others' perspectives?
Dolphus Raymond's fake drunkenness is an example of this type of irony.
What is verbal irony?
This is how Scout unknowingly disperses the lynch mob in Chapter 15.
What is by speaking to Mr. Cunningham about his son?
This is why Dill runs away from home and comes to Maycomb.
What is to escape feeling unwanted and unloved; to be where he feels valued and accepted?
When Aunt Alexandra forbids Scout from visiting Calpurnia's home, it connects to this broader social issue.
What are the rigid class structure and racial barriers that prevent genuine relationships across color lines?
Harper Lee's primary purpose in having Scout attend church with Calpurnia in Chapter 12.
What is to reveal the hypocrisy and courage within the black community while expanding Scout's understanding of racial divisions in Maycomb?
The central conflict during Tom Robinson's trial can be summarized this way.
What is Atticus proves that Mayella was beaten by someone left-handed, but the all-white jury chooses to believe the Ewells' testimony over Tom's truthful account because of racial prejudice?
Jem destroys Mrs. Dubose's camellias for this reason.
What is to protect his sister's honor after she was insulted?
This character spits in Atticus's face after the trial to seek revenge and restore his damaged pride.
Who is Bob Ewell?
Harper Lee uses Miss Gates and Mrs. Merriweather to criticize this aspect of Maycomb society.
What is social and racial hypocrisy (they make claims about equality but display prejudice, showing society's double standards)?
Bob Ewell's attack on Jem and Scout connects to this broader theme about justice in the novel.
What is the failure of societal systems to protect the innocent, illustrating the limitations of justice in a prejudiced society?
This theme about social hierarchy emerges from analyzing Atticus's treatment of the Cunninghams and Aunt Alexandra's attitudes.
What is social class is a rigid system in Maycomb, and individuals either challenge or reinforce these distinctions through their actions?
During the trial, Tom Robinson says this statement that angers Mr. Gilmer and the jury.
What is he admits to feeling sorry for Mayella Ewell?
Judge Taylor appoints Atticus to defend Tom Robinson for this underlying reason.
What is to ensure Tom Robinson receives the best possible defense from a principled lawyer?
This is how Maycomb's social dynamics influence Tom Robinson's trial outcome.
What is Maycomb's rigid social structure and prejudice create a biased jury that favors the Ewells over Tom?
This is what primarily motivates Atticus to continue defending Tom Robinson despite social backlash.
What is his commitment to upholding his moral principles and modeling integrity for his children, regardless of the outcome?
The literary device Harper Lee creates through Dolphus Raymond's character revelation.
What is verbal irony?
These are the complex ways that setting and social dynamics work together to influence the trial's outcome.
What is Maycomb's rigid social structure, prejudice, and Depression-era attitudes create a biased environment where the jury favors the Ewells over Tom despite evidence?