Characters and Character Traits
Who is Mrs. Dubose? What is her purpose in the novel?
The old woman addicted to morphine that Jem has to read to when he destroys her flowers with a baton. She symbolizes the town's racism and teaches Jem a lesson about courage.
What is Tom's mistake while he was on the witness stand?
He says he feels sorry for Mayella.
What does the mockingbird represent in the story?
Innocent people
Who said the following quote: "“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.”
Atticus Finch
Why does Atticus defend Tom Robinson?
He has to in order to be true to his own beliefs.
This character is the Finches' neighbor. She is a sharp-tongued widow, and an old friend of the family.
Miss Maudie
What happens to Dill during Tom's cross examination by Mr. Gilmer?
He becomes physically sick by the way Mr. Gilmer is treating him and calling him "boy"
What does Tim Johnson represent in the novel?
Racism - Maycomb's "usual disease"
Who said the following quote: "There’s a black boy dead for no reason, and the man responsible for it’s dead. Let the dead bury the dead this time, Mr. Finch. Let the dead bury the dead."
Heck Tate
Who killed Bob Ewell? Who does Atticus think killed Bob Ewell at first?
Boo Radley killed Bob Ewell. Atticus believes that Jem has killed Bob at first.
Wants to be a clown when he grows up because he doesn't like the way people treat others. He wants to be a clown because they make people laugh.
Dill
What hand does Bob Ewell sign with?
His left
What do Miss Maudie's azaleas represent in the novel?
beauty can grow out of darkness and evil
Who said the following quote: "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.”
Scout Finch (Jean Louise)
How does Scout grow in the novel?
She goes from being hot headed and impulsive to gaining an insight into people's feelings and motivations.
This person was offered a quarter by his first grade teacher but refused. He was later invited to eat at the Finch house.
Walter Cunningham
What happens as Atticus leaves the courtroom following the verdict?
All of the people in the "colored balcony" stand.
What does the tree knothole represent in the novel?
Communication or friendship
Who said the following quote: ““Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.”
Atticus Finch
Where do the Ewells live? Explain the way they live.
Answers will vary.
This person is known as the town recluse. Town gossip and mystery surrounds him. He symbolizes invisibility and saves the children at the end of the story.
Boo Radley
Explain how Atticus Finch proved that Tom Robinson was innocent.
- He showed he was incapable of inflicting the injuries
- He tried to prove that Bob beat up Mayella
- Answers will vary
What does the cement in the knothole represent in the novel?
End of communication or oppression
Who said the following quote: “I try to give ’em a reason, you see. It helps folks if they can latch onto a reason.”
Dolphus Raymond
Now that you have finished the novel, who would you say is the mockingbird? Name the person and explain why.
Answers will vary.