Plot Events (Ch. 14–15
Who runs away and hides in the Finch house?
Dill
This character is angry that Calpurnia took the children to church.
Aunt Alexandra
What causes Scout and Jem to start fighting in Chapter 14?
Aunt Alexandra’s rules and her criticisms and Jem's difference in maturity
(different responses possible)
Which moment suggests Scout is still unaware of adult danger?
Casually talking to the mob at the jail
What theme is shown when Scout talks to the mob instead of fearing them?
Innocence
Where is Dill found when Scout and Jem discover him?
Under Scout’s bed
Which character insists Dill must tell Atticus the truth?
Jem
What does Atticus do when he finds Dill hiding in the house?
He listens calmly and offers him food and calls Dill's Aunt Rachel, but allows him to stay the night
Which character shows growth without fully understanding it, and how?
Scout—she acts with empathy and courage without realizing the danger.
What theme is revealed by Dill’s feeling of being unwanted?
Loneliness
Who comes to visit Atticus one evening?
Heck Tate and some other men
Which character accidentally breaks up the mob and how does this character do it?
Scout; by recognizing Mr. Cunningham and starting a casual, simple conversation--causing the men to come to their senses.
Why does Jem refuse to leave Atticus at the jail when told to go home?
He understands the danger and feels responsible
What early school experience begins Scout’s loss of innocence?
Her conflict with Miss Caroline and the rigid school system
What theme is shown by Atticus protecting Tom despite danger?
Moral courage
Where does Atticus go on Sunday evening?
He stands guard at the front of the jail
Which character experiences a shift from childhood obedience to moral independence?
Jem
What details show that the mob did not intend a peaceful visit?
They arrive late at night and surround Atticus
How does Atticus act as a guide in the children’s moral development?
He teaches empathy, fairness, and courage through example rather than punishment.
How do these chapters redefine “courage”?
Courage is shown as quiet, calm resistance rather than physical strength.
What event forces Jem and Scout to realize that the Tom Robinson trial puts their father in real danger?
When Atticus faces a mob at the jail in Chapter 15.
Who symbolizes how ordinary people can be influenced by group mentality?
The men in the mob (especially Mr. Cunningham)
Why does Scout not fully understand the danger of the jail scene until later?
Because her innocence shields her from recognizing adult violence
What lesson about adulthood do Jem and Scout learn by Chapter 15?
Jem and Scout learn that being an adult does not automatically mean being fair or good. They see that adults can act out of fear and prejudice, while true maturity comes from empathy and moral courage, like Atticus shows.
How does the jailhouse scene in Chapter 15 demonstrate the theme of empathy over prejudice?
Scout’s innocent conversation reminds the men of their humanity, breaking the mob’s prejudice