Mockingbird Characters
A mother figure who takes care of Jem and Scout
Calpurnia
To Kill a Mockingbird is set (when and where)...
Maycomb, Alabama during The Great Depression (1930s)
What does the knothole in the Radley tree symbolize?
Communication/friendship
Why do you think Harper Lee included the character of Mrs. Dubose?
various - complexity/dimension of racist characters, foreshadowing/developing theme of courage, part of Jem's coming of age
What literary term does this best exemplify: Scout hears someone laughing in the window of the Radley house when she falls out of the tire in their yard.
foreshadowing
She represents a high society white woman and would like for Scout to be more lady-like
Aunt Alexandra
After Miss Maudie's house burns down, what is ironic about the way she responds?
She is not very upset and says she is not attached to the house.
What does “killing a mockingbird” symbolize?
Destroying an innocent being
What are two ways Dill's character helps develop Scout's coming of age?
Seeing that he is from a broken family, compassion for his storytelling, understanding why some people run away
What literary term does this best exemplify:
"Ladies...were like soft teacakes with frosting of sweat and sweet talcum"
Simile
Scout's teacher who punishes her for reading and speaking the truth about the students
Miss Caroline
What does Jem do after Mrs. Dubose disparages his family?
He destroys her prized camellia flowers.
Which two characters represent mockingbirds in the story?
Tom Robinson and Boo Radley
Explain how Maudie and Stephanie are character foils
Maudie is humble, compassionate - Stephanie is gossiper, lacks compassion
What literary term does this best exemplify: "In rainy weather the streets turned to red slop; grass grew on the sidewalks, the courthouse sagged in the square. Somehow, it was hotter then..."
Imagery
This character hid surprises in a tree for Jem and Scout to find
Boo Radley
What happens to Tom Robinson after his trial?
He tries to escape prison and is shot dead by the guards.
What are two special items left in the Radley tree and what do they represent or reveal about the gift giver?
Various - soap dolls, pocket watch, spelling bee medal, shiny pennies
What does Boo Radley teach the Finch children about life?
varies - compassion, empathy, not to gossip, not to assume, dimensions of justice, etc.
What literary term does this best exemplify:
Atticus is non-violent yet is the most skilled marksman in town.
irony
This character ran away from home
Dill Harris
What does Bob Ewell does after the trial that make Jem and Scout afraid?
He spits in Atticus' face and vows revenge.
Explain the symbolism of the light and the reading material that Atticus brings on the night of the lynch mob scene.
Good/light - reading - education
Explain how Tom Robinson is like a mockingbird in the story.
varies - seems innocent, disabled, scapegoat
What literary term does this best exemplify:
"I could not face my children if I didn't....
theme