Mockingbird Moments
Atticus first introduces the idea of the mockingbird while teaching Jem and Scout about this activity.
What is shooting air rifles (hunting)?
Tom Robinson was on his way to this place when Mayella asked for his help.
What is the cotton field?
The children’s early understanding of Boo is shaped largely by stories told by this character.
Who is Miss Stephanie Crawford?
Scout’s first day of school conflict begins when she explains this about Walter Cunningham.
What is that he can’t pay back lunch money?
The mob at the jail is diffused primarily because Scout recognizes this individual.
Who is Mr. Cunningham?
Miss Maudie explains that mockingbirds are valued because they do this specific thing.
What is make music for people to enjoy (sing but don’t harm anything)?
Mayella asks Tom to help her with this household task as a pretense.
What is breaking up a chiffarobe?
The first items found in the knothole include these two small objects.
What are pieces of chewing gum?
Calpurnia disciplines Scout for insulting a guest at dinner by teaching her this rule.
What is to treat all company with respect?
During the fire, Jem and Scout are allowed to stay outside because Atticus trusts them to do this.
What is stay calm and behave responsibly?
This character is indirectly compared to a mockingbird through his quiet generosity rather than explicit labeling.
Who is Boo Radley?
This detail about Mayella’s injuries suggests a left-handed attacker.
What is that the right side of her face was bruised?
Jem realizes the knothole was not dying when Nathan filled it because of this observation.
What is that the tree was still healthy/alive?
Jem begins to distance himself from Scout after this physical and emotional change.
What is entering adolescence (growing up/maturing)?
Bob Ewell threatens Atticus after the trial by doing this specific act.
What is spitting in his face?
This specific action toward Boo is described by Scout as “sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird.”
What is exposing him to the public / dragging him into the spotlight?
Link Deas stands up in court to defend Tom’s character, prompting the judge to do this.
What is have him removed from the courtroom?
After the failed Radley yard raid, Jem returns for his pants and finds them in this condition.
What is folded and sewn up?
Atticus’s parenting style is best shown when he responds to Scout’s fights by advising her to do this instead.
What is keep her head and not fight / use self-control?
Aunt Alexandra’s missionary circle is interrupted by news of this event.
What is Tom Robinson’s death?
Tom Robinson’s “mockingbird” role is emphasized most clearly through this contradiction in the trial’s outcome.
What is overwhelming evidence of innocence versus the guilty verdict?
Atticus appeals to the jury’s sense of justice by stating this institution is the one place where all men are equal.
What is the court (the justice system)?
Scout’s realization on the Radley porch involves mentally retracing events from this physical perspective.
What is Boo’s view of the neighborhood (seeing past events from his point of view)?
Jem’s statement that the trial has “made him sick” reflects his loss of innocence specifically about this belief.
What is that the legal system is fair (justice always wins)?
Heck Tate decides not to charge Boo Radley because he compares it to this symbolic act.
What is killing a mockingbird?