Chapters 17-19
What crucial detail is revealed about Tom Robinson in this chapter?
It is revealed that Tom Robinson has a crippled left arm.
At the end of the trial, why does Reverend Sykes tell Scout to “stand up”?
Sykes tells Scout to stand up as well because her father is passing by; he is showing not only Atticus, but also Scout the respect they all have for her father, and the work he has done on their behalf.
Who sends a note to Atticus during the trial?
Aunt Alexandra
Which of the ladies at the missionary circle luncheon treat Scout with the most respect? How is that respect shown to Scout?
Miss Maudie shows Scout the most respect by being the first to speak to her, saying, "You're mighty dressed up, Miss Jean Louise ... Where are your britches today?"
What was the jury's verdict?
Tom Robinson is guilty.
What does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to do while on the witness stand and why does he ask him to do it?
Atticus asks Bob Ewell to write his name down because the crime was shown to have been committed by a person who was left handed. Bob Ewell wrote his name with his left hand.
What secret does Dolphus Raymond reveal to Scout and Dill outside the courthouse?
Dolphus Raymond reveals that he is not an alcoholic. He drinks soda.
What does Jem expect the verdict of the trial to be? Does Atticus think the same?
Jem expects it to be a "not guilty" verdict. Atticus does not feel the same...he thinks it could go either way.
How does the town of Maycomb react to Tom's death? Who do they blame?
A few of the people, who really cared, were upset about the news. The rest of the town, however, could not have cared less. Now that the hype had died down about the trial, people just thought Tom was another black person to be killed and they thought he got what he deserved.
Name the four witnesses who testify at the trial.
Mr. Heck Tate Mr. Robert E. Ewell Mayella Violet Ewell Tom Robinson
Why does Mayella think Atticus is mocking her as her testimony proceeds?
Atticus addresses her as Miss Mayella and she has never been addressed in a proper and formal manner before.
What is the one thing that Mayella did wrong, according to Atticus?
She broke society's unspoken laws... She tempted and kissed a Negro
Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus after he won the trail.
Even though he won the trial, still no one in Maycomb respects Bob Ewell and everyone has respect for Atticus.
Why does Jem respond so angrily when Scout brings up the courthouse?
He believed that the jury would find Tom innocent because Atticus proved that he did not rape Mayella.
Who enters the courtroom at the very end of chapter 20, making his/her way up the middle isle straight towards Atticus?
Calpurnia
What are the unwritten rules about race that Mr. Gilmer attempts to get Tom to break?
Gilmer wants Tom to admit that he felt sorry for a white girl. This is an unwritten rule. Black men were not supposed to feel anything about white women.
What insight does Mr. Dolphus Raymond give Scout and Dill into human nature?
People aren't always what they appear to be on the outside. - Don't judge people without truly getting to know them. - Don't believe what other people say...find the truth for yourself - Sometimes people aren't really what they appear to be. - Sometimes people pretend to be what others want them to be
What conclusion does Jem draw about Boo Radley staying inside? What does he imagine Boo is trying to avoid?
Jem concludes that Boo Radley chooses to stay inside to avoid social prejudice and racism.
Explain the contrast Scout draws between the court where Tom was tried and “the secret courts of men's hearts”. In what way are hearts like courts?
In the court their was evidence provided to prove Tom's innocence. In "the secret court of men's hearts" their is racist and prejudice thoughts.
What difference is most important to Mrs. Merriweather between Maycomb and “J. Grimes Everett’s land”?
The biggest difference between Maycomb and "J. Grimes Everett's land" is that Maycomb is not as poor.
Why does Dill break down crying when Mr. Gilmer questions Tom Robinson?
The racism makes Dill physically ill during the trial.
What distinction does Atticus make in his speech about the written and unwritten laws of Maycomb?
It is not against the the written law for a white person to be intimate with a black person.
Why is the amount of time it takes the jury to reach a verdict important? What insight might this give us into the "ways" of Maycomb?
Society in Maycomb is beginning to "silently" change. The jury is actually considering the side of Tom Robinson, something that never would have been done before. It may not necessarily be a Black man's word against a White man's...especially in the future.
Why did Jem not want Scout to tell Atticus about Bob Ewell's comment?
Jem doesn't want to tell Atticus that Bob Ewell threatened Scout and him because he doesn't want him to worry.
Why does Mayella say that she is afraid of Atticus when she first takes the stand?
Mayella thinks Atticus is going to really go after her, and she is scared he will learn the truth.