Chapter 21
True or False - The jury spends more time deliberating than expected, which shows they are actually discussing the case instead of coming to a quick decision. What does this suggest?
True. Though they voted guilty, they are slowly moving towards changing the perception that just because he is black he is guilty.
What happens to Atticus at the end of chapter 22?
Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the street and spit in his face.
Explain the statement by Atticus when he says: "When it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always win".
Atticus is saying how society is prejudice against black people, and the law system is not fair to the black man at all.
After Atticus leaves to give Tom’s wife some grave news, Aunt Alexandra demonstrates her concern for whom?
Atticus
What is Mr. Underwood’s tone in his editorial about Tom Robinson’s death?
Bitter
Why do all the Black people in the balcony stand when Atticus passes underneath them?
This is their way to show him respect. Even though they lost, they know he tried his best and never succumbed to racism like most of the white community.
Why does Dill want to be a clown & laugh at people?
It’s his way of dealing with the fact that he does not understand how people can act so awful to one another, so he’s going to try a different approach.
Explain the statement by Atticus when he says: "reasonable doubt" in reference to the Tom Robinson trial.
There should have been a reasonable doubt as to Tom’s innocence because there was not sufficient evidence that the crime of rape ever took place, nor enough credible eye-witnesses (p. 219). He believes that all witnesses should be entitled to a “shadow of a doubt” because he believes that there is a chance that a person could be not guilty when there are no eye-witnesses.
The discussion from the ladies’ meeting about Mrunas demonstrates...
Hypocrisy
Irony
Prejudice
Who has changed the most thus far mentally and emotionally and WHY?
Jem
What sign of respect do the people in the balcony show Atticus?
They stand as he exits the courtroom.
Atticus is brought to tears when he enters the kitchen and sees all the food the black community has brought for him…why?
They bring it to him to show their gratefulness toward him for defending Tom. What brings him to tears is the fact that he knows they don’t eat this well—normal people in these hard times don’t eat this well & they (the black people) will probably starve for a week just so they could give him something. That feeling that so many people have given up something so precious for him humbles Atticus.
How does Atticus react to Bob Ewell spitting on him and why?
He says he wishes Bob didn’t chew tobacco. He never loses his cool & does not retaliate. In fact, Atticus understands why Bob did it because he put himself in Bob’s shoes. Another reminder of the compassion Atticus has for all people.
What unfortunate characteristics do the ladies of the missionary circle display?
The women (especially Mrs. Merriweather) are speaking with compassion for the neglected tribes of Africa (the Mruna tribe) while insulting and demeaning the blacks who work in their homes.
How many more people does Bob Ewell intend to hurt or get rid of?
Bonus
Two more unnamed individuals
Who might the two be and why?
The mad dog symbolized the people of Maycomb—infected with “racism.” Atticus is the only one who can shoot the dog before it harms anyone. What did this event foreshadow?
If asked before the verdict is given, students may say that Tom is not-guilty. But if students know the outcome, they may answer that Atticus stood up to the racism & did not let it prevent him from doing his job. He took a stand & even though they did not win this first round, they are appealing to a higher court & actually have a shot at winning
When Aunty objects to the kids being exposed to Tom’s trial Atticus points out that what happened there is just as much Maycomb as Missionary teas. What are they referring to?
Racism. It doesn’t matter where you go, what you do, or how you do it— racism is present everywhere. He is saying that even the most innocent or Christian of activities—such as a Ladies Missionary tea—will show its true colors because it’s not the place or the activity, it’s the people who make it up. And Maycomb people are racists.
How does Jem feel about capital punishment?
The text suggests Jem doesn’t agree with capital punishment for crimes other than murder.
What happens to Tom on prison grounds?
Tom lost hope of being set free, so he tries to escape and is shot 17 times.
How does most of the town react to Tom's death?
They think it was “typical” for Tom to try to escape—they stereotype his behavior. They do not feel the hopelessness Tom felt.
Why is Calpernia frustrated?
Jem, Scout, and Dill were in the courtroom hearing all about the case, some of which was not appropriate for young ears like Scout’s. Also, the kids had been missing, and people had searched for them only to find out later they were in the court where they were not supposed to be.
Why did Miss Maudie only bake two little cakes & one big one for the kids?
Jem gets to eat from the big cake & Dill & Scout get their little individual ones, like usual. It shows that Maudie sees Jem as more mature, growing up. Like when you get to graduate from the “kid’s” table to the “big” table at holiday dinners.
What 5 facts about life and reality does Atticus teach Jem? (2 points for each correct answer)
1. Carrying a gun is an invitation for someone else to shoot.
2. A white man’s word wins against a black man’s word in the courts.
3. White men cheat black men.
4. Future generations will one day pay for the poor treatment of minorities.
5. Women cannot serve on juries during this time period.
Give an example from this chapter of how Scout is maturing.
Scout decides to stay away from the refreshments because she realized that if she spilled anything, Cal would have to wash her dress again for church the next day. It shows she is thinking of others and the consequences of her actions and how they would affect others.
Scout offers to help Calpurnia in the kitchen.
She sits with the women when asked to join them and has polite conversation, even though she doesn’t really understand the conversation threads. She even tried to find a topic to talk about that would interest Mrs. Merriweather.
When Scout returns to the ladies after hearing about Tom’s death, she uses her best manners to serve Mrs. Merriweather, commenting, “...if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I.”
In what way is Mr. Underwood's editorial in the Maycomb Tribune similar to Atticus' advice to Jem and Scout when they got their guns?
Mr. Underwood said it was a sin to kill a crippled man—it’s like killing a songbird (mockingbird reference). Tom didn’t harm anyone nor was he fighting back, so shooting him 17 times was like killing a mockingbird.