Chapter 7
What scared Jem when he went back to get his pants?
They were neatly folded and sewn.
What weather phenomenon was happening at the beginning of Chapter 8 that was odd for Maycomb?
It was snowing
Atticus is to defend a member of Calpurnia’s church. What is this person’s name?
Tom Robinson
How does Atticus differ from Scout's classmate's fathers?
- He is much older.
- He does not hunt or fish.
- He does not drink or smoke.
- He does not play football as often.
- He spends his time reading in the living room.
Scout tells the reader about Mrs. Dubose. How does she describe the woman? How do
Scout and Jem feel about her?
Mrs. Dubose is an old, cranky woman. Scout and Jem hate her.
Scout and Jem find many more things in the tree at the Radley house. Name at least 3 of them.
-Ball of gray twine
-Package of chewing gum
-Spelling bee medal
-Two images carved into soap of a boy and girl
-A pocket watch
What character died in the beginning of this chapter? How did she die?
Mrs. Radley- natural causes
Why does Atticus take a case which is causing so much disagreement in the neighborhood?
He is asked to take the case, but more importantly, he would be ashamed not to do so. He has respect for himself and others.
It is a sin to kill what kind of bird? Why?
A mockingbird. Unlike other birds, mockingbirds sing beautiful songs and don't "eat up people's gardens".
What does Atticus mean when he says, "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience"?
He means that your own conscience must tell you what is right or wrong, and it does not matter how many others agree or disagree with you.
Previously, the children had assumed that the knot-hole was someone's hiding place. What evidence now suggests that the items in the tree are meant specifically for Scout and Jem?
The soap carvings that resemble Scout and Jem indicate that the person made these items specifically for them.
This further suggests that all of the items in the tree have been meant as gifts for the two of them.
Whose house caught fire? How does this person react afterward?
Miss Maudie's house
She is optimistic about it (she had always hated her house, anyways).
- says she always wanted a smaller house
- she now has more room for her azaleas and for a bigger garden
Where does Atticus take the children for Christmas?
Finch's Landing-where their Aunt Alexandra lives
What dramatic incident causes people to lock their doors and stay inside?
A sick, rabid dog is stumbling down the street. People are terrified, as the bite from a mad dog is fatal if not treated immediately.
What is Jem's punishment for knocking the tops off Mrs. Dubose's flowers?
He must go to her house and read to her.
When Jem and Scout return to the tree with the idea of placing in it a thank you note for the anonymous gift giver, they find the knot-hole plugged up with cement. Who plugged the knot-hole, and why?
Nathan Radley plugged the hole. When Jem asks him why, the man says he did it because the tree is dying: "You plug 'em with cement when they're sick. You ought to know that, Jem."
Who wrapped the blanket around Scout? What is Scout's reaction when she finds out?
Boo Radley- she feels sick (still afraid of Boo because of the rumors)
Why does Atticus tell Jack that Tom Robinson's case is doomed?
It is Tom Robinson's word against the Ewells'.
What does Atticus do that surprises the children and makes them feel proud? What do they learn about their father from Miss Maudie?
Atticus kills the mad dog with a single rifle shot to the head. Jem and Scout are surprised to learn that Atticus was the best shot in the county when he was a young man. According to Miss Maudie, his nickname had been "Ol' One-Shot."
What is Mrs. Dubose battling?
morphine addiction
Why did Jem start crying after he found out the tree was not really dying like Nathan had told him?
He realizes that Nathan is keep Boo from having contact with them and the outside world. He feels sorry for Boo.
Up to this point in the novel, Boo Radley has been perceived as a lunatic or a monster. What evidence in the past two chapters indicates that he is not at all the threatening figure that people have made him out to be? Give 2 examples.
-Jem's pants
-The gifts in the tree
-Blanket
What is “Maycomb’s usual disease” that Atticus hopes that Scout and Jem will not contract?
Maycomb’s usual disease is prejudice/racism.
Why does Jem tell Scout not to tell other people about Atticus being the "deadest shot in Maycomb County?"
"I reckon if he'd wanted us to know it, he'da told us. If he was proud of it, he'da told us.
What does Mrs. Dubose give Jem before she dies?
A single white camellia