To Kill a Mockingbird
Chapter 1-7
Comprehension Questions
Chapter 1
1.) What do you learn about Maycomb, Atticus Finch and his family?
- Maycomb is in Alabama in the South
- Atticus is the town Lawyer
- Scout and Jem are Atticus' kids
- Their mom died from heart attack
- They refer to their dad as "Atticus" because they have an awkward relationship. They aren't close
- They have a maternal figure: Calpernia (african american) her color doesn't matter to the kids
2.) What do you learn about Dill’s character?
- He's tiny in size compared to Scout
- He can read and write
- He is immature and obnoxious
- Lives in Meridian Mississippi
- Visiting Alabama for the summer
3.) What, briefly, has happened to Arthur “Boo” Radley?
- He got mixed up with the wrong people, but instead of going to jail, he was locked in the basement for around 15 years
- Chained to his bed
- He stabbed his dad in the thigh with scissors
- He's crazy
- His dad died, so his brother came and took care of him
- Rumors: He likes to stare into people's windows at night
4.) Why does the Radley place fascinate Scout, Jem and Dill?
- They are curious about the house because it is creepy and old
- The windows are boarded up
- Curtains are closed
- No one ever comes and no one ever leaves
- Psychopath is in the basement
- They want to know the truth about the house from so many rumors
5.) What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint of the novel?
Scout, the little girl, is reflecting on the past and retelling the story of her childhood as a child.
*.) What was the first thing that happened in the story?broke his arm
Chapter 2
1.) What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher? List qualities that make her good or not good at her job.
Good:
Miss Caroline Fisher is a good teacher because she encourages the students and she tries to care of the Cunningham child.
Bad:
Miss Caroline Fisher is a bad teacher, however, because she: hits Scout with a ruler, she yells at Scout, she sends Ewells home because he is dirty, she discourages Scout from knowing extra information and reading and writing, and that she disrespects Scout and Atticus because she believes that Atticus can't teach.
Chapter 3
1.) Who is Calpurnia?
- Calpurnia is the maternal figure, the "mom." She cooks, cleans, and she is part of the family. The family can't function without her.
2.) What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behavior during lunch suggest about his home life?
- Walter Cunningham is prideful and doesn't take handouts from people. At lunch, he goes to Scout and Jem's house for lunch. This suggests that they don't always have food or that they are in poverty or that he doesn't even have a house.
3.) How does Atticus treat Walter? What does this show about Atticus’ character? What does it show about Walter?
- Atticus speaks to Walter with respect and formally as a person. They had a civilized conversation about crops, and defended Walter when he poured syrup in his food. This shows that Atticus respects people as individuals and is tolerate about people, no matter who they are. It shows that Walter does what he wants and doesn't care about what other people think of him.
4.) Contrast the difference in the way Jem and Scout treat Walter. What does this show about the difference between Jem and Scout at this point in the novel?
- Jem defends Walter from Scout because he learned it from Atticus. Scout, rather, beats Walter up because she feels he got her in trouble. Jem is a lot more mature, respectful, and tolerate than Scout.
5.) Atticus says that you never really understand a person “until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”. What does this mean? Is it an easy thing for Scout to learn? Why or why not?
- Atticus says that, explaining that you never really under stand a person until you've lived like they did and feel/know what they have to do. It's hard for Scout to understand and accept that people are different and have different experiences because young children don't understand it and are self-centered.
6.) What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells?
- The Ewells were the "disgrace of Maycomb." The Ewells possessed special treatment in Maycomb like: being able to skip school, their actions being overlooked, and being able to hunt when it isn't hunting season. They don't follow the rules and the law. Bob Ewells spends his money on liquor rather than for his family. Burris Ewells goes to school for one day and never goes there afterwards.They felt they were at the top of the social pyramid in Maycomb, however Atticus thinks otherwise, saying that they were the disgrace of Maycomb.
Chapter 4
1.) What does Scout think of current fashions in education?
- She feels that she is not learning since they are only coloring on papers. She is bored entirely because she is not learning anything. She does most of her learning at home, being taught by Atticus, Jem, Calpurnia, and Time Magazine. She thinks of school as a waste of time because she isn't really learning and being challenged when she could just learn at home.
2.) What characteristics of children are revealed through the Boo Radley game?
- They are very observant and aware of the things that are said around them. They mimic and mock adults. They play above their age range than their actual age. They understand what they are doing is wrong, but they ignore it because they don't care about it. They also rationalize when Atticus makes his appearance.
3.) Why doesn't Scout enjoy the games as much as the boys do?
- Scout knows that playing the games is wrong and that she is terrified about Boo Radley if he or anyone else finds out that they are playing that game. The boys make her play the most boring part of the game, so she doesn't enjoy the game as much.
4.) What might be the cause of the laughter from inside the house?
- It could be because Boo is insane and laughs at everything. Maybe she is imagining that laughing when she got on the property. Or maybe that Boo is watching them and laughed at them. It could also be a different family member that starts laughing within the house.
Chapter 5
1.) Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson. What do the children think of her?
- Miss Maudie is the children's friend. Scout doesn't see her as an adult, but they see her as a friend, and Scout looks up to her. Miss Maudie is a widow who lives in an old house that she hates. She is a baptist and constantly rejects Jack Finch's proposal of marriage to her. Miss Maudie gives Scout information about Boo Radley and prefers to call him his real name, "Arthur." She insists this to show respect to Arthur.
2.) What purpose do you think Miss Maudie’s character plays in the novel?
- Miss Maudie is a role model for a Scout because she is a woman and she is somebody that she looks up to. She is a positive role model to Scout because she reinforces manners and morality.
3.) What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about Boo? (provide a quote) How does this compare with what Scout already believes?
- Miss Maudie tells Scout about Boo's real name and that he's alive, "His name's Arthur and he's alive." (p. 43) She also denies some of the rumors about Boo Radley, "That is three-fourths colored folks and one-fourth Stephanie Crawford," referring to the rumors that Scout told her.
4.) What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the Boo Radley game? Do you think he is right? Why or why not?
- Atticus tells them to stop tormenting the man, that Mr. Radley has the right to do whatever he wants, if he wants to stay inside the house or go outside. He wants them to mind their own business and be civil about communicating with someone. And that they were to stay away from the house until they were invited by someone in the house.
Chapter 6
1.) Why does Scout disapprove of Jem and Dill’s plan of looking in one of the Radley’s windows?
- She doesn't want to trespass and get in trouble. She's afraid of Boo Radley and all the rumors of him.
2.) What does Mr. Nathan know about the intruders in his garden? Why does Miss Stephanie refer to a “negro” over whose head Mr. Nathan has fired?
- He thinks it was a black man that rampaged through his garden. He scared them away by shooting in the air, and "scared them white." She maybe assumes that only black people steal things.
3.) Why does Dill’s explanation of dress almost land him in trouble?
- He says they were playing strip-poker by the wash tub. They weren't supposed to be taking things from each other, gambling, or playing cards with each other. But Jem covers for Dill by saying they played with matches because they both don't want to get into trouble.
Chapter 7
1.) When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange. What is this?
- The strange thing that Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back was that, rather than having the shorts be where he left it on the floor in the garden and torn up, the shorts was neatly folded and sewn crookedly together, as if someone knew that Jem was coming back to retrieve the pants, and fixed it up for him.
2.) Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley?
- Some evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley was when Jem infers that the things that they found in the tree are ways to communicate for Boo Radley, since he couldn't get out of the house. He understands enough that it was Boo Radley sending them the gifts that he proposed a letter of thanks to him, but was prevented from doing so. Jem then waits on the porch, trying to piece the clues together, and when he talked to Nathan Radley, Mr. Radley said that he clogged up the tree, saying that it was dying and he needed to put cement in it. However, the tree was alive and healthy, which made Jem suspicious of his statement.
3.) Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer.
- Jem doesn't fear them but looks forward to the gifts because he continues to keep taking them. He gives the twine for a fishing pole. He gives the chewing gum as just candy for them to enjoy. And he gives them the Soap figurines that he knows that they know that Boo Radley is sending the gifts.
4.) When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this happen? Why does it, and why might he do so?
- When the brother of Arthur, Nathan Radley, found out that Boo was leaving gifts in the tree and and is trying to communicate with them, the brother might be protecting both Boo from the rumors and gossip and the children from from Boo. He prevents the communication by clogging up the tree that was used to communicate.
1.) What do you learn about Maycomb, Atticus Finch and his family?
- Maycomb is in Alabama in the South
- Atticus is the town Lawyer
- Scout and Jem are Atticus' kids
- Their mom died from heart attack
- They refer to their dad as "Atticus" because they have an awkward relationship. They aren't close
- They have a maternal figure: Calpernia (african american) her color doesn't matter to the kids
2.) What do you learn about Dill’s character?
- He's tiny in size compared to Scout
- He can read and write
- He is immature and obnoxious
- Lives in Meridian Mississippi
- Visiting Alabama for the summer
3.) What, briefly, has happened to Arthur “Boo” Radley?
- He got mixed up with the wrong people, but instead of going to jail, he was locked in the basement for around 15 years
- Chained to his bed
- He stabbed his dad in the thigh with scissors
- He's crazy
- His dad died, so his brother came and took care of him
- Rumors: He likes to stare into people's windows at night
4.) Why does the Radley place fascinate Scout, Jem and Dill?
- They are curious about the house because it is creepy and old
- The windows are boarded up
- Curtains are closed
- No one ever comes and no one ever leaves
- Psychopath is in the basement
- They want to know the truth about the house from so many rumors
5.) What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint of the novel?
Scout, the little girl, is reflecting on the past and retelling the story of her childhood as a child.
*.) What was the first thing that happened in the story?broke his arm
Chapter 2
1.) What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher? List qualities that make her good or not good at her job.
Good:
Miss Caroline Fisher is a good teacher because she encourages the students and she tries to care of the Cunningham child.
Bad:
Miss Caroline Fisher is a bad teacher, however, because she: hits Scout with a ruler, she yells at Scout, she sends Ewells home because he is dirty, she discourages Scout from knowing extra information and reading and writing, and that she disrespects Scout and Atticus because she believes that Atticus can't teach.
Chapter 3
1.) Who is Calpurnia?
- Calpurnia is the maternal figure, the "mom." She cooks, cleans, and she is part of the family. The family can't function without her.
2.) What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behavior during lunch suggest about his home life?
- Walter Cunningham is prideful and doesn't take handouts from people. At lunch, he goes to Scout and Jem's house for lunch. This suggests that they don't always have food or that they are in poverty or that he doesn't even have a house.
3.) How does Atticus treat Walter? What does this show about Atticus’ character? What does it show about Walter?
- Atticus speaks to Walter with respect and formally as a person. They had a civilized conversation about crops, and defended Walter when he poured syrup in his food. This shows that Atticus respects people as individuals and is tolerate about people, no matter who they are. It shows that Walter does what he wants and doesn't care about what other people think of him.
4.) Contrast the difference in the way Jem and Scout treat Walter. What does this show about the difference between Jem and Scout at this point in the novel?
- Jem defends Walter from Scout because he learned it from Atticus. Scout, rather, beats Walter up because she feels he got her in trouble. Jem is a lot more mature, respectful, and tolerate than Scout.
5.) Atticus says that you never really understand a person “until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”. What does this mean? Is it an easy thing for Scout to learn? Why or why not?
- Atticus says that, explaining that you never really under stand a person until you've lived like they did and feel/know what they have to do. It's hard for Scout to understand and accept that people are different and have different experiences because young children don't understand it and are self-centered.
6.) What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells?
- The Ewells were the "disgrace of Maycomb." The Ewells possessed special treatment in Maycomb like: being able to skip school, their actions being overlooked, and being able to hunt when it isn't hunting season. They don't follow the rules and the law. Bob Ewells spends his money on liquor rather than for his family. Burris Ewells goes to school for one day and never goes there afterwards.They felt they were at the top of the social pyramid in Maycomb, however Atticus thinks otherwise, saying that they were the disgrace of Maycomb.
Chapter 4
1.) What does Scout think of current fashions in education?
- She feels that she is not learning since they are only coloring on papers. She is bored entirely because she is not learning anything. She does most of her learning at home, being taught by Atticus, Jem, Calpurnia, and Time Magazine. She thinks of school as a waste of time because she isn't really learning and being challenged when she could just learn at home.
2.) What characteristics of children are revealed through the Boo Radley game?
- They are very observant and aware of the things that are said around them. They mimic and mock adults. They play above their age range than their actual age. They understand what they are doing is wrong, but they ignore it because they don't care about it. They also rationalize when Atticus makes his appearance.
3.) Why doesn't Scout enjoy the games as much as the boys do?
- Scout knows that playing the games is wrong and that she is terrified about Boo Radley if he or anyone else finds out that they are playing that game. The boys make her play the most boring part of the game, so she doesn't enjoy the game as much.
4.) What might be the cause of the laughter from inside the house?
- It could be because Boo is insane and laughs at everything. Maybe she is imagining that laughing when she got on the property. Or maybe that Boo is watching them and laughed at them. It could also be a different family member that starts laughing within the house.
Chapter 5
1.) Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson. What do the children think of her?
- Miss Maudie is the children's friend. Scout doesn't see her as an adult, but they see her as a friend, and Scout looks up to her. Miss Maudie is a widow who lives in an old house that she hates. She is a baptist and constantly rejects Jack Finch's proposal of marriage to her. Miss Maudie gives Scout information about Boo Radley and prefers to call him his real name, "Arthur." She insists this to show respect to Arthur.
2.) What purpose do you think Miss Maudie’s character plays in the novel?
- Miss Maudie is a role model for a Scout because she is a woman and she is somebody that she looks up to. She is a positive role model to Scout because she reinforces manners and morality.
3.) What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about Boo? (provide a quote) How does this compare with what Scout already believes?
- Miss Maudie tells Scout about Boo's real name and that he's alive, "His name's Arthur and he's alive." (p. 43) She also denies some of the rumors about Boo Radley, "That is three-fourths colored folks and one-fourth Stephanie Crawford," referring to the rumors that Scout told her.
4.) What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the Boo Radley game? Do you think he is right? Why or why not?
- Atticus tells them to stop tormenting the man, that Mr. Radley has the right to do whatever he wants, if he wants to stay inside the house or go outside. He wants them to mind their own business and be civil about communicating with someone. And that they were to stay away from the house until they were invited by someone in the house.
Chapter 6
1.) Why does Scout disapprove of Jem and Dill’s plan of looking in one of the Radley’s windows?
- She doesn't want to trespass and get in trouble. She's afraid of Boo Radley and all the rumors of him.
2.) What does Mr. Nathan know about the intruders in his garden? Why does Miss Stephanie refer to a “negro” over whose head Mr. Nathan has fired?
- He thinks it was a black man that rampaged through his garden. He scared them away by shooting in the air, and "scared them white." She maybe assumes that only black people steal things.
3.) Why does Dill’s explanation of dress almost land him in trouble?
- He says they were playing strip-poker by the wash tub. They weren't supposed to be taking things from each other, gambling, or playing cards with each other. But Jem covers for Dill by saying they played with matches because they both don't want to get into trouble.
Chapter 7
1.) When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange. What is this?
- The strange thing that Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back was that, rather than having the shorts be where he left it on the floor in the garden and torn up, the shorts was neatly folded and sewn crookedly together, as if someone knew that Jem was coming back to retrieve the pants, and fixed it up for him.
2.) Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley?
- Some evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley was when Jem infers that the things that they found in the tree are ways to communicate for Boo Radley, since he couldn't get out of the house. He understands enough that it was Boo Radley sending them the gifts that he proposed a letter of thanks to him, but was prevented from doing so. Jem then waits on the porch, trying to piece the clues together, and when he talked to Nathan Radley, Mr. Radley said that he clogged up the tree, saying that it was dying and he needed to put cement in it. However, the tree was alive and healthy, which made Jem suspicious of his statement.
3.) Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer.
- Jem doesn't fear them but looks forward to the gifts because he continues to keep taking them. He gives the twine for a fishing pole. He gives the chewing gum as just candy for them to enjoy. And he gives them the Soap figurines that he knows that they know that Boo Radley is sending the gifts.
4.) When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this happen? Why does it, and why might he do so?
- When the brother of Arthur, Nathan Radley, found out that Boo was leaving gifts in the tree and and is trying to communicate with them, the brother might be protecting both Boo from the rumors and gossip and the children from from Boo. He prevents the communication by clogging up the tree that was used to communicate.