To Kill A Mockingbird: Study Guide Questions: Directions: All questions must be answered

in sentence form. Include part of the question in each answer so that you have a complete thought. There
may be questions that you have to go to other sources to find answers (i.e., a dictionary or the Internet).
The answers must be written on a separate sheet of paper and labeled by chapter and question number. If a
blank space is provided, then you do not have to answer in complete sentence form. Make sure you check
that you have answered all questions. Some chapters start on one page and end on the next. Write down
page numbers from the text that contain relevant quotations

Setting: Maycomb, Alabama – small, fictional southern town

Essential Questions to Consider:

Chapter 1
1. Why does the author describe the Finch family’s history in chapter 1?
Harper Lee describes the Finch family’s history to prove that time moves slowly in the South, last
name matters, and the civil war is ever going – Simon Finch never picked a side in the Civil War.
2. How does Harper Lee establish a mood of mystery?
Harper lee establishes a mood of mystery early in the story by incorporating imagery in the form
of Boo Bradley, an “unknown entity,” to create suspense.
3. Who is the narrator, and what point-of-view is used?
The narrator is six-year-old Jean Louise "Scout" Finch. First person point-of-view is used
throughout the book.
4. Describe the novel’s setting.
The novel takes place in a small, fictional southern town named Maycomb, Alabama during the
1930s (Great Depression era)
5. Why is the setting important?
The setting of the book is important as it takes place in the deep South where the civil rights
movement was just beginning to take place and racial inequalities between black and white
people were very much still present.
6. Contrast Dill’s family with the Finches.
Dill gets shipped to Maycomb from Meridian, Mississippi during the summer. While the Flinches
don’t have a mother, Dill does not have a father but fabricates the information by telling people
his father is a train conductor and has a beard.

Chapter 2
7. How is Scout’s school satirized?
Scout’s school is satirized as Scout’s teacher, Miss Caroline, wants Scout to learn but only on her
own terms. She criticizes Scout for being educated and asks Scout to tell her father not to teach
her any more. Harper Lee feels as though the schools are passing along the students who do not
put in any effort with the people who do.
8. Why does Scout explain Walter Cunningham’s situation to Miss Caroline?
Scout explains Walter Cunningham’s situation to Miss Caroline by saying that Walter is part of a
self-sufficient family that neither has money nor accepts payment/help from anyone else.

Chapter 3
9. Contrast Jem and Scout.
Jem and Scout, although very similar, have several key differences. While Jem loves school,
Scout hates it because she gets punished for her knowledge and ability to read and write. As we
get further into the novel, Jem becomes more conserved and gets annoyed by Scout easily.
10. Contrast Burris Ewell with the other students.
Burris Ewell is different in both physical appearance and his family’s poor background. Burris is
described as being rude and filthy, going to only the first day of school to avoid trouble with the
law.
11. What is the important thematic connection in the advice Atticus gives Scout?
Atticus encourages Scout to consider things from others’ points of view and to show compassion
and empathy before making any judgements.

Chapter 4
12. How do Jem’s and Scout’s reactions to the pennies help characterize them?
Immediately after finding the shiny pennies in the tree near the Radley’s place, Jem and Scout
start to discuss what to do with their new treasure. While Scout is quick to make assumptions and
come to the conclusion that they should keep the pennies, Jem is more logical and slower to come
to a decision, finally deciding that they would keep the pennies until school started.
13. What characteristics of children are revealed through the Boo Radley game?
Through the Boo Radley game, we learn that children are very influenced by the people around
them and the things they hear. They make up a completely original play out of rumors and scraps
of information provided to them.

Chapter 5
14. What function does Miss Maudie Atkinson symbolize in the novel?
Miss Maudie Atkinson is from the viewpoint of Harper Lee on the story. Additionally, Miss
Atkinson symbolizes somewhat of a sheltering presence – a motherlike figure – in the novel, a
symbol of strength and a silent support for the children whenever they need one.

Chapter 6
15. What is significant about Jem’s nocturnal return to the Radleys’?
Jem’s nocturnal return to the Radleys’ generates tension and suspense as he risks getting shot by
going back to get his pants and maintain his status in Atticus’ eyes. Interestingly, Jem’s pants
appear to be neatly folded & sewed after returning to the fence.
16. What does the town decide about the disturbance at the Radleys’?
After Nathan Radley shoots in the air at a “negro” in his collard patch, the town assumes that he
would be justified if he shot and killed future negro intruders. This event foreshadows the
outcome of the Tom Robinson trial as there is a possibility of the court finding the black
defendant guilty.

Chapter 7
17. What bewildering incidents occur to Jem and Scout?
Jem is quiet and scared after his return from the Radleys’ place. The kids continue to find gifts in
the tree until it is suddenly filled with cement because “it was dying.” After the incident, Atticus
says that the tree is still healthy, much to the bewilderment of the children.
18. Why is it significant that Jem has been crying?
It is significant that Jem has been crying because it was someone’s silent decision to fill the tree
with cement before Jem had a chance to even thank them.

Chapter 8
19. How do people react to Miss Maudie’s fire?
People from all over Maycomb gather around to watch as a fire engulfs Miss Maudie’s house,
some of which start trying to move all of her possessions out of the house. They are panicked and
feel terrible for her – Atticus concludes that everyone should leave her alone for the time being.
20. How does Miss Maudie react?
Miss Maudie acts surprisingly enthusiastic about the fire, saying that it leaves more space for a
larger yard. This moment shows that Miss Maudie is a very positive person who always sees the
bright side of everything, even in moments of disaster.

Chapter 9
21. What do we know about Atticus from his defense of Tom Robinson?
Tom Robinson was accused of raping a white woman. We learn that Atticus values the fair
treatment of everyone, no matter their race or color. Atticus mentions that if he doesn’t defend
Tom Robinson in the trial, he would not be able to tell Jem and Scout what to or what not to do
anymore as his reputation of the town’s lawyer would be broken.
22. Contrast Aunt Alexandra and Atticus.
Aunt Alexandrea is Atticus’ sister and is described by scout as Mount Everest – “cold and there.”
While Atticus allows Scout to be have in any acceptable way she wants to and wear whatever
clothes she likes, Aunt Alexandrea believes that Scout should be more ladylike and wear dresses
instead of overalls and pants.
23. How does Atticus try to prevent his kids from catching Maycomb’s “disease.”
Atticus tries to prevent his kids from catching Maycomb’s racist “disease” by training his kids to
live a non-discriminatory life. Additionally, he explains that he would answer any questions his
kids had for him to keep them from becoming like the rest of the town.

Chapter 10
24. What does the mockingbird symbolize?
The mockingbird symbolizes something that can’t defend itself, something that does not do
anything destructive or negative against any person but simply sings.
25. What effects do the Finches experience from the chapter’s main events?
Scout and Jem start to feel embarrassed by their assumptions of their father being talentless but
start to burst with pride by the end of the chapter as Atticus shows off his outstanding
marksmanship and humility.

Chapter 11
26. What causes Jem to strike out against Mrs. Dubose?
Jem strikes out against Mrs. Dubose after she insults Atticus by calling him and their family
“negro lovers.” Jem takes Scout’s baton and cuts up flowers in Mrs. Dubose’s yard.
27. What is Mrs. Dubose’s problem? What does this say about her character?
Mrs. Dubose’s battles with a terminal illness and morphine addiction showcases her as a symbol
of resilience and redemption.
28. What does Jem gain from his experience with Mrs. Dubose?
Jem realizes that it is essential to truly understand someone and look at things from their
viewpoint before you start to judge them.

Chapter 12
29. What accounts for the changed relationship between Jem and Scout?
The relationship between Jem and Scout grows more distant as the two children grow older. As
Jem enters puberty, he seems to become more irritated with Scout’s observations and begins
ignoring her more often.
30. What insights do Jem and Scout gain from attending church with Calpurnia?
Code switching – Calpurnia changes who she is and acts a certain way when she is with the group
of people at the church. Jem and Scout notice a stronger sense of unity among the members of the
First Purchase church. They also learn that there is a large disparity between the hymns and
physical conditions of Cal’s church and theirs.

Chapter 13
31. What elements heighten the contrast between Atticus and Aunt Alexandra?
Aunt Alexandra moves in with the Finches and asks Atticus to speak to the children regarding
how aware they are of the family name. Atticus goes along with it as he often feels like a
disappointment of a parent, but his inability to sound confident in getting the message across only
heightens the contrast between him and Alexandra.

Chapter 14
32. Cite examples of prejudice and lack of human understanding.
“’They c’n go loose and rape up the countryside for all ‘em who run this country care” (Lee 153).
33. In what way does Jem break the one remaining “code” of childhood?
Jem breaks the one remaining code of childhood by calling over Atticus. In this way, he betrays
Scout and Dill and loses their remaining trust.
34. Further contrast Dill’s home life with Scout’s.
According to Dill, his home life was extremely uninteresting as his new parents simply ignored
him and didn’t want anything to do with him. Atticus, on the other hand, provides clear and
consistent attention to Scout in times of need.

Chapter 15
35. Contrast the two groups of men Atticus faces.
The first congregation of men Atticus faces are a group of people concerned and unhappy of
Atticus’ decision to defend Tom Robinson. The second group of men Atticus faces outside the
jailhouse threaten Atticus in an attempt to hurt Mr. Robinson.
36. Explain Jem’s reason for following Atticus to town.
Jem decides to follow Atticus to town to see what he is doing and make sure that he is somewhat
protected.
37. Why does the group at the jail disperse after Scout’s talk?
The group disperses from the jail after feeling some sort of empathy and guilt about confronting
Atticus after witnessing his attempts of parental protection and realizing how innocent Scout is
after her talk about Mr. Cunningham’s entailment and child.

Chapter 16
38. Why does Scout cry after returning home? How does Jem show maturity?
Scout cries after returning home due to the sheer gravity of the night’s events. Even after
witnessing Scout’s crying, Jem shows maturity by comforting Scout, putting her into bed beside
him and telling her that it would all be over the next day.
39. What does Maycomb’s turnout for the trial imply about human nature?
Maycomb’s turnout of both blacks and whites eager to see the trial outside the courthouse implies
a morbid curiosity inherent in human nature, with Miss Maudie calling the event a “roman
carnival.”
40. Why is Scout confused about remarks regarding Atticus’s defense of Tom?
Scout is confused on why the townspeople seem to be upset when Atticus has chosen to do what
he is appointed to do. She also is unsure why Atticus chose not to reveal his appointment to the
children when they could have used that line of reasoning to defend themselves and the family
against accusations.
Chapter 17
41. What does Atticus attempt to establish through Heck Tate’s testimony?
Atticus attempts to establish that since the right side of the girl’s face was bruised, only a left-
handed person could have done the damage. He tries to sway the blame towards Mr. Ewell and
away from Tom Robinson. In the courtroom, Atticus displays a professional attitude towards
Heck Tate.
42. What devices does the author use in chapter 17 to characterize the Ewells?
The author uses devices of physical description (poor, dirty, and unkempt) alongside a lack of
education and crude delivery to characterize the Ewells of a family only tolerated for the color of
their skin.
43. What does Atticus attempt to establish through Bob Ewell’s testimony?
Atticus attempts to reestablish the lack of medical treatment and implies that Bob might have
been the one to beat Mayella due to him being left handed.

Chapter 18
44. What does Mayella’s testimony add to the case?
Mayella describes her horrible life at home and, when questioned by Atticus, struggles to keep
her story straight, supporting evidence that her entire story was fabricated. Mayella believes that
Atticus is mocking her by calling her ma’am as her survival is reduced to an almost animalistic
level at home.
45. What startling revelation is made about Tom?
It is revealed after Mayella’s testimony that Tom is cripped. It is extremely apparent that Tom’s
arm is deformed as he got it stuck in a cotton gin when he was younger and could not have
possibly beaten Mayella in the way described.

Chapter 19
46. What important realization does Scout come to during Tom’s testimony?
Scout realizes that Tom Robinson is a kind and honest man. She starts to see the injustice of the
trial as the truth of Tom’s testimony is tainted racism.
47. What tragic racial situation is illustrated in this chapter?
In this chapter, the deeply implanted prejudice and racism in Maycomb is shown. Though Tom is
clearly innocent with all evidence in his favor, he is still able to be convicted due to the color of
his skin.
48. Why is it important that Dill is the character who gets sick in the courtroom?
It is important that Dill is the character in the courtroom as he himself, a child, is seen as a
mockingbird and the subject of injustice.

Chapter 20
49. What thematically related insights do Scout and Dill receive outside the
courtroom?
Outside the courtroom, Scout and Dill gain insights into human nature, specifically that people
don’t always have the intention to tell the truth and that prejudice is a major problem throughout
society.
50. In reference to Dill, what pessimistic note does Dolphus Raymond cast?
Mr. Raymond suggests that people often use ignorance and bias as a means of maintaining
control over others. He observes that adults are unwilling to confront uncomfortable truths but
choose instead to adhere to unjust social norms.
51. What/who is Atticus actually condemning in his closing remarks to the jury?
What is the target of his final plea?
In his closing remarks, Atticus condemns the inherent racism present in Tom’s trial and the social
code that inspires this bias. Atticus’ final plea is directed at the conscience of the jurors as he
directs them to do what is right and rise above their implanted prejudices.

Chapter 21
52. How does Scout know the verdict before it is read? What is the broader
meaning of the jury’s behavior?
Scout notices the jury’s behavior. While exiting the courtroom after deliberation, the jury avoids
making eye contact with the defending side of the courtroom. Despite the lack of concrete
evidence presented by Atticus, it seems the jury has reached a guilty verdict.

Chapter 22
53. What finally forces Jem over the threshold into adulthood? What
symbolic incident occurs that testifies to Jem’s move toward adulthood?
Jem is finally forced over the bridge into adulthood when he witnesses the unjust verdict in Tom
Robinson’s trial. As he is offered a piece of the big cake instead of one of the little cakes given to
children by Miss Maudie, Jem finally realizes the injustice in the world and his views of fairness
and equality change drastically.
54. What hope and what fear are expressed at the end of the chapter?
At the end of the chapter, there is hope that there are still individuals willing to uphold moral
integrity and fight for justice. However, there is also fear that racism in Maycomb will continue
and that deep-rooted prejudice is a formidable obstacle to overcome.

Chapter 23
55. Give Atticus’s interpretation of recent events.
As Atticus interprets the recent events, he acknowledges that the jury’s decision was influenced
heavily by racial bias instead of the facts of the case. Despite presenting compelling evidence and
a very strong defense, the peoples of Maycomb have still been reluctant to change their ways.
Atticus knows that biases cannot be screened from the jury box and predicts a day of atonement.
56. Cite more examples of Jem’s continuing maturity.
Examples of Jem’s continuing maturity include not just physical development, but his growing
understanding of the complexity of human nature. He begins to demonstrate more empathy for
others, especially Boo Radley, whose reclusive nature Jem beings to appreciate and respect.
Additionally, Jem shows increasing skepticism towards Atticus’s decisions and the hypocrisy
readily displayed by members of the Maycomb community.

Chapter 24
57. What is ironic about the missionary circle’s conversation?
The missionary circle’s conversation is ironic because as the ladies profess to be devoted to
Christian values and their charitable work, their discussion mainly consists of gossip, judgmental
attitudes, and an air of general racism.
58. Why did Tom try to escape?
Tom tried to escape from jail as he lost all hope in the possibility of receiving fair and just
treatment in a society filled full of racial prejudice. Knowing his chances of being acquitted were
slim at best, Tom chose to attempt escape as a last resort to gain his freedom and avoid facing
unjust the consequences of a biased justice system.
59. What insight is gained into Aunt Alexandra’s character?
Through the chapter, Aunt Alexandra reveals a more humane and compassionate side to her
character. Aunt Alexandra expresses a genuine concern for the well-being of Tom’s widow and
children in response to Tom’s death and starts to recognize their suffering.
Chapter 25
60. How is Tom symbolized through the mockingbird?
Tom is symbolized through the mockingbird as he represents innocence, kindness, and
vulnerability, much like the bird itself. Even after the two days after his death, Tom is portrayed
by Mr. Underwood’s editorial as a harmless individual who is unfairly persecuted by society.
61. How is the mood of apprehension conveyed at the end of the chapter?
Once the trial is over, a feeling of apprehension and suspense is created with the reference of Bob
Ewell targeting Atticus. Mr. Ewell’s comment about “one down two to go” suggests another
death is imminent.

Chapter 26
62. What satirical points are AGAIN made on the subject of education? (Think about Miss.
Gates)
Miss Gates has the students parrot responses of what democracy is. She condemns Hitler for
persecuting innocent Jews while she blindly ignores the persecution right in front of her in
Maycomb County.
63. Why is Jem unable to speak about the trial?
Jem is unable to speak about the trial as Jem is unable to articulate his feelings clearly and is
insisted on by Atticus to put it aside until he has enough lining to place the events along into
proper perspective.

Chapter 27
64. What three incidents concerning the Ewells occur? What does this tell us about Bob Ewell?
Bob gets a job but gets fired from the WPA for laziness. He also burglarizes the home of Judge
Taylor and harasses Helen Robinson, Tom’s widow, on her way to work.. These incidents
demonstrate Mr. Ewell’s aggressive behavior and growing revenge as he seeks to cause trouble
for those associated with the Robinson family. Additionally, these events show that Mr. Ewell has
a clear lack of moral integrity.
65. What comic incident is related in this chapter, and what function does it serve?
The comic incident of Misses Tutti and Frutti’s hidden furniture establishes whereabouts for
where Scout and Jem will be on Halloween and builds tension in the coming chapters.

Chapter 28
66. What details in this chapter, and the last, add to the mounting tension prior to the attack?
Tension mounts in this chapter as Scout and Jem make their way to and from the Halloween
party. Cecil Jacobs jumping out and scaring Scout and Jem on their way to the Halloween
pageant serves as a foreshadowing for the dark events that follow later in the night. The eerie
atmosphere coupled with darkness and Aunt Alexandra’s acknowledgement of the children being
unescorted further add the sense of foreboding.
67. Discuss the attack and the events that follow.
The attack occurs on the way back home when Bob Ewell assaults Scout and Jem in the darkness.
Scout is unable to see their attackers clearly, but Jem is severely injured in the struggle. The
events that follow involve discovery of Jem’s injuries, Boo Radley’s intervention to save the
children, and the realization of Boo’s true nature by Scout.

Chapter 29
68. Discuss the credibility of Boo’s defense of Jem and Scout?
Boo Radley’s defense of Jem and Scout was foreshadowed by his many affectionate actions from
the past. He has always been protective of the children, from sewing Jem’s broken pants to giving
Scout a blanket.
Chapter 30
69. What insight is gained into Heck Tate’s character?
Heck is revealed to be blunt and stubborn, refusing to yield to Atticus’ questionings and insisting
that he is not lying to protect Jem.
70. What situation do both Atticus and Scout recognize?
Both Atticus and Scout recognize that Boo (Arthur) Radley should be protected at all costs as any
town gossip material would only lead him into even more of a prolonged nightmare.
71. Discuss Scout’s comment about the mockingbird theme in relation to Boo.
Scout finally understands things from Boo’s point of view and comments that Heck Tate’s
reasoning of the event saves Boo, a mockingbird, from becoming metaphorically shot by the
town.

Chapter 31: 72. In what way does Scout demonstrate compassion in chapter 30 and 31?
Scout demonstrates compassion by courteously talking to Arthur and guiding him around the
house. She also turns to see the neighborhood from Boo’s house, putting herself in Arthur’s shoes
and understanding things from his perspective. She realizes that she is immensely in debt to Boo
and should’ve given him more for all he has given her.