Chapters 12-16
What is the place that Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to which Aunt Alexandra forbids them to return to after she discovers the truth?
Calpurnia's church, the all-black congregation worshiped at First Purchase, a church so named because it was paid for by the first earnings of freed slaves.
During the trial, what evidence is there that Bob Ewell may have attacked his daughter?
Mayella Ewell's bruises were on the right-hand side of her face, indicating that her bruises came from someone who was left-handed; during testimony, Bob Ewell revealed that he was left-handed.
Where and who spits on Atticus, and vows revenge?
Bob Ewell spat on Atticus in front of the courthouse.
According to Aunt Alexandra, who does Bob Ewell seem to have a grudge against?
Ewell seems to have a grudge against everyone involved in the trial -- Helen Robinson, Atticus, Judge Taylor.
Based on the name of a racist stage character, this was the name of the segregationist laws which dominated the southern United States during the time that the story takes place.
Jim Crow
Why does Aunt Alexandra consider it important that she stay with Atticus and the children for a while?
She wants to provide a "feminine influence," particularly to Scout.
During cross-examination, when Atticus suggests to Mayella that it was her father who attacked her, how does she respond?
Mayella continues to insist that Tom Robinson raped her.
Following the trial, what does Atticus think of Tom Robinson's chances of appealing the case and winning?
Atticus believes that Tom has a good chance of getting the guilty verdict overturned on appeal but does not share this with his client.
What happens to Jem and Scout on their way home from the school pageant?
They are attacked by Bob Ewell.
What evidence did Atticus produce during the trial which indicated that Tom Robinson could not have been Mayella's attacker?
It was revealed during the trial that Tom Robinson's left hand/arm was useless to him as it had been badly injured years before. Atticus had established that Mayella's bruises were likely caused by a left-handed attacker.
What is the reason that Jem and Scout become the object of whispers and glances whenever they are walking around Maycomb?
The upcoming trial of Tom Robinson, and the fact that Atticus is defending him, has made Atticus's children the object of unwanted attention.
On the witness stand, what is Tom Robinson's version of the story -- what does he claim happened with Mayella?
Tom testifies that it was Mayella who attempted to hug him while he was helping her reach an item off the chifforobe.
How does Tom Robinson die?
Tom attempted to escape from the prison and was shot 17 times.
How were Jem and Scout saved by Bob Ewell's attack?
Boo Radley saved them and probably killed Ewell in self-defense.
Why is Boo Radley compared to a mockingbird?
Because to kill a mockingbird is a sin -- mockingbirds don't harm anyone. Boo Radley is a metaphor for a mockingbird -- even though he is feared and misunderstood, he is not a danger to anyone and in fact saves the lives of Jem and Scout.
How does the mob, who were planning to lynch Tom Robinson, decide to change their mind and leave the jail?
They were shamed by Scout. Scout recognized one of the men, Mr. Cunningham, who is the father of one of her schoolmates and has done business with Atticus. Cunningham feels ashamed and leads the lynch mob away.
Why does Mr. Dolphus Raymond pretend to drink liquor from a paper sack?
Mr. Raymond pretends to be a drunk so that the white people of Maycomb will have a reason to justify why Mr. Raymond has a relationship with an African American; the real reason is that he simply prefers black people to whites.
When Scout is about to squash a roly-poly bug, why does Jem tell her not to? What theme does this portray?
Jem tells Scout not to kill the bug because it did nothing to harm her. Innocence.
What is Atticus's suggestion to Sheriff Tate on how to legally settle Bob Ewell's death?
Atticus wants Jem -- who he thinks killed Ewell -- to face the charges and clear his name (the killing was in self-defense).
At the end of the story, where does Scout escort Boo Radley?
Scout walks Boo back to his house till the porch.
Because they waited too long to enter the courtroom, where do Jem, Scout, and Dill sit during the trial?
They sit in the balcony, where the black citizens are allowed to sit. Reverend Sykes provided them a seat next to him.
Following the guilty verdict, what do the black citizens watching the trial do as Atticus leaves the courtroom?
They all stand up and ask the children to stand up as a sign of respect to Atticus.
In chapter 26, as school starts again, why are Jem and Scout no longer afraid to walk by the Radley house?
They're too old to be scared of Boo Radley by now after experience the realities of adulthood with Tom Robinson's trial.
Also, they are becoming aware that Boo Radley is not someone who will harm them.
What is Sheriff Tate's decision on how to settle Ewell's death?
Tate decides that Ewell fell on his own knife. He and Atticus agree that if Boo Radley is revealed to have killed Ewell, the town of Maycomb will make Boo a hero, which he doesn't want because he will lose his privacy.
What actor won the Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Atticus in the 1962 film version of the book?
Gregory Peck played the role of Atticus in the movie.