To Kill a Mockingbird: Chapters 18-21

Definitions

100

Define "browbeating".

The definition of browbeating is to intimidate someone into doing something using threats or abusive language.

200

Define "expunge."

The definition of expunge is to remove completely.

300

Define "verdict" in YOUR OWN words. Make sure to explain how much impact it can cause in your definition.

Answers may vary. Example: A verdict (in the context of a court) is the final decision made using the collective thoughts of the judge and jury of a court which decides whether the defendant should be punished or acquitted.

400

Define "corrupting" and justify your definition as correct by citing evidence from the text.

Corrupting means to cause to become immoral or dirty. This is the correct definition because of the context of which it is used in the book. "Dill sucked on the straws, smiled, and pulled at length. 'Hee hee,' said Mr. Raymond, evidently taking delight in corrupting a child." (pg. 267).

500

Define "volition". BONUS: Find where the term is located in the text.

The definition of volition is the power to make your own choices or decisions. BONUS: The term is located in the fourth paragraph on page 257.

Characters

100

Compare and contrast the physique and characteristics of Mayella Ewell and Tom Robinson.

Mayella Ewell is a nineteen year old girl who is thick-bodied, strong, and accustomed to strenuous labor. She is not used to being addressed with respect and she does not have any friends, which is why she feels Mr. Finch is "sassing" her. She is very rude to him throughout the whole trial and cries throughout her entire testimony in order to gain sympathy from the judge and jury. In comparison, Tom Robinson is a well-built, powerful, and muscular Negro. His left arm is crippled from a fight. He is very honest and selfless, and he answers Mr. Gilmer's questions politely, accurately, and consistently. He winced when he was quoting Mr. Ewell cussing at him when he saw him from the window, because he felt that the folks and children in the room did not need to hear it.

200

Who is Mr. Dolphus Raymond? Describe his character. (Bonus: describe how Mr. Dolphus feels about his lifestyle).

Mr. Dolphus Raymond is a member of the Maycomb society who, despite the fact that he is white, "has" a colored woman with whom has has mixed children. He tends to drink out of a sack most of the time (to people's curiosity). Despite the way the public views his ways, Mr. Dolphus Raymond lives in this manner because it is how he wants to live.

300

During Atticus's rebuttal of his case, what new elements were revealed about his character?

During Atticus's rebuttal, we get a clear view of his opinions on the case. He is very passionate on the idea that this case should have never been brought to court. Also, we discover that he is a lot more interested in the case than stressed in the story - he never seems to be completely "locked in" or passionate about it. Finally, we receive more evidence that Atticus has received a moral education through his speech that is his rebuttal.

400

Is Judge Taylor an inconsistent or consistent character? Give three citations to support your answer. (Bonus: What exactly causes Judge Taylor's behavior be it inconsistent or consistent?).

Judge Taylor is an inconsistent character. The atmosphere and the people of the courtroom are the reasons for his volatile behavior. The following citations support my claim: Note: Citations may vary, there are many pieces of evidence that prove that Judge Taylor is a volatile character.

500

Why do you think that Reverend Sykes allows Jem, Scout, and Dill to stay during the trial, despite the fact that he knew that it's focus is not suitable for children?

This question is a mixture of analytical and characterization elements; answers may vary.

Discussion

100

Discuss what atmosphere Harper Lee created in these few chapters.

In Chapters 18-21, Harper Lee creates a tense atmosphere as the trial approaches and releases it during the trial. She also shows the effect that the trial has on the once slow, sleepy town of Maycomb.

200

Discuss the behavior of Scout in Calpurnia's church to during the trial. Is it the same? Is it different?

Scout's behavior during the trial is far more composed and polite altogether compared to how she behaved in the church. In the church, Scout interrupted a lot and asked a lot of questions that may have been considered impolite. During the trial, she does whisper to Jem every once in a while, but not nearly as much as she did in the church.

300

Discuss the different methods that Atticus and Mr. Gilmer use to help their clients win the case.

Example: Mr. Gilmer uses cunning cross-examination questions and long dramatic pauses (as well a emphasis on important answers) to invoke pathos in the judge, jury, and audience. Atticus uses the lack of evidence and consistency of the plaintiff's testimony to his advantage.

400

Discuss and compare Mayella's attitude toward the trial with Tom's. How are they similar? How are they different?

Note: these examples have been modified; answers that receive full points should be elaborate. Example: Both Tom and Mayella are desperate to win the case, as there is something on the line for both of them. The difference lies in what they are fighting for: Mayella for social status, and Tom for his life. Another difference is their attitude in the trial - Mayella is dramatic and rude, Tom is polite and patient.

500

Note: this question goes beyond the boundaries of this story and activates thinking and discussion. How do you think this case would be received in court today? Who do you think would have won? Why? Would the case be even brought to court?

Note: this is a question which requires discussion among the competitive groups - answers may vary because they are based on different viewpoints.

Analysis

100

Analyze the testimony of Mr. Tate, Mr. Ewell, and Miss Mayella. Do their stories match up? Why or why not?

Mr. Tate, Mr. Ewell, and Miss Mayella all had slightly different versions of what Mayella's injuries were and what happened on that day. They seemed to be agreeing with what Atticus asked them, and they tried to recollect each other's statements to make their stories match up. This may be the case because they might be twisting the truth of the events.

200

Analyze Tom's testimony. What makes his version of the story sound more truthful than Mayella and her father's?

Tom's testimony sounds more truthful for two reasons: 1. Tom is confident about his facts. Unlike Mayella, her father and Mr. Tate, he does not change his version of the story based on what was said earlier. 2. Tom also speaks with more clarity that Mayella and her father. He responds to every question, and he provides very confident answers. He seems to remember the situation more clearly than Mayella and her father.

300

Explain how the trial has affected the town of Maycomb.

The trial has greatly changed Maycomb - a tense atmosphere is introduced as the trial approaches and releases it during the trial. The town is no longer slow and sleepy.

400

Analyze Mr. Gilmer's cross-examination. Do you believe that Dill had a reason to get upset? Discuss this with your group.

Answers may vary based on opinion.

500

Compare Tom's testimony to Mayella's. Which one seems more vivid? (Hint: consider the character traits of both the defendant and the plaintiff).

Tom's testimony seems to be more truthful, as most of the evidence speaks in his favor. However, Tom also speaks with an innocent, honest, and polite tone as he shares his version of the events. He winces when quoting Mr. Ewell when he saw him in the house. In comparison, Mayella couldn't care less about the audience, and she is extremely rude to the members of the court. It is unclear whether Mayella behaves this way because Atticus corners her during cross-examination.

Summary

100

Give a brief summary of Mayella's testimony.

In her testimony, Mayella claimed that she called Tom over to "bust up some chiffarobe" in return for a nickel. When she went indoors to fetch his payment, she claims that he came up behind her, hit her, grabbed her around the neck, choked her and then raped her. She claims that she screamed and kicked and hollered. Later, her father, after witnessing the scene from the window, came in and chased Tom out. Afterward, Mr. Tate helped her to the water bucket.

200

Give a brief summary of Tom's testimony.

Tom stated that he came to Ewells house for work, and Mayella called him inside. When he tried to reach for something she wanted him to grab, she hugged him and kissed him. Frightened, he told her to get off him and ran from the house.

300

Summarize Mr. Raymond's reason for drinking out of a sack.

Mr. Raymond drinks out of a sack in order to convince the people of Maycomb that he lives his life in this manner because he is drunk.

400

Summarize how the trial is affecting Jem and Scout's relationship.

Briefly, the trial is driving a wedge through Jem and Scout. When Scout and Dill leave the trial, this symbolistically shows how the two are growing further and further apart.

500

Work with your group to come up with a GTAP statement to summarize the events of these chapters. Bonus: Add 5 facts to support your reasoning.

Answers may vary. Sample: In the fictional novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee compares how Mr. Dolphus Raymond and Mayella handle their own troublesome social situations for the better of society or for their own guilt. Bonus: 1. Mr. Raymond hides his coke so that people think it's whiskey. 2. Mr. Raymond says that he tries to give folks a reason for his lifestyle. 3. Tom says that Mayella jumped on him and kissed him. 4. Atticus shows that Mayella felt upset that she "came on" to a colored man. 5. Atticus shows that Mayella needed a reason for her actions.