Chapter 15
How do Atticus’ friends/family seem to feel about him defending Tom Robinson?
Generally, they think he is making a mistake. They don't want him to earn a bad reputation or get himself into trouble.
Describe the courthouse on the day of the trial.
It's full to the brim with diverse people.
Explain the last sentence of the Chapter: what does that sentence mean about Jem?
Jem is "counting his chickens" which means he's assuming that Atticus will win the case before he has actually won.
How does Mayella react to Atticus' questions? (what emotion(s))
She's angry and humiliated
Scout thinks Mayella is "the _____ person in the world" because she doesn't seem to have any friends outside her family.
"loneliest"
Why does Atticus sit outside the jail at night?
He's protecting Tom Robinson from the mob.
According to Jem, what are "mixed" children and why are they sad?
They are children who have a white parent and a black parent and they aren't accepted by either racial group.
What role does Heck Tate have in Maycomb?
He's the sheriff of Maycomb.
What do we know about Mayella's mother?
She is deceased
What did Tom Robinson say that was a “mistake” for him to admit in the courtroom?
He said that he felt sorry for Mayella.
What did Scout do to the man who grabs Jem?
She kicks him in the nether region.
Atticus mentions that Maycomb needs a "police force of ______"
children
What tactic does Bob (Robert) Ewell use to gain attention when he is called to the stand?
Humor: he tries to make the crowd laugh.
What item does Mayella claim she asked Tom Robinson to chop up before he allegedly assaulted her?
A chiffarobe (a dresser with drawers on one side)
How do we know that Mayella planned her meeting with Tom?
She saved money for nearly a year to send them to town to buy ice cream.
Who deescalated the situation at the jail? How did they do it?
Scout reminded Mr. Cunningham that she went to school with his son, Walter. This makes Atticus seem more relatable to Mr. Cunningham as a fellow father.
Most of the town went to the courthouse to watch the proceedings, except which resident? (Hint: someone who lives near the Finches, NOT the Radleys)
Miss Maudie thought it would be vulgar to watch a man plead for his life
What request does Judge Taylor deny in the courtroom?
For all women and children to leave the courtroom for the whole trial (because of the sensitive material).
What is Mayella's response when Atticus asks her if her father beats her?
She responds that her father has never touched a hair on her head
Why do you think Dill felt sick and had to leave the courtroom?
He was so upset by the racism Mr. Gilman was displaying toward Tom.
Why do you think Jem didn’t get in trouble for disobeying Atticus (and not going home)?
Atticus was proud of Jem for the maturity and courage he showed by trying to protect Atticus and Tom.
What image from the night before made Scout cry?
Atticus standing in the middle of the street pushing up his glasses
When questioning Heck Tate, what detail does Atticus focus on the most?
Which side of Mayella's face was beat up.
What does Mayella Ewell have in her front yard that shows she knows how to take care of something?
red geraniums
Describe Tom Robinson's side of the story (use as many details as you can).
Tom was walking by the Ewell place, Mayella asked him to fix the door, she shut the door and there was no one else home. She kissed Tom on the cheek, but he pushed her away, and that's when Bob Ewell saw the whole thing through the window and started yelling at Mayella. Tom ran.