To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

1. To Kill a Mockingbirdby Harper Lee Ch. 22 – 29 Discussion Questions

2. Discussion Questions – Ch. 22 • What finally forces Jem over the threshold toward adulthood? What symbolic incident occurs that testifies to Jem’s move towards adulthood? • The jury convicting Tom Robinson is what pushes Jem over the threshold towards adulthood. Until the verdict, Jem had an idealistic view of society, justice and individual integrity. • Miss Maudie usually bakes three small cakes for the children and one large cake for the adults. This time she overlooks Jem and only bakes small cakes for Scout and Dill; Jem has a slice of the big cake.

3. Discussion Questions – Ch. 22 • What hope and what fear are expressed at the end of the chapter? • Miss Maudie expresses that even though Tom Robinson was convicted, she hopes that some prejudice was eradicated. She alludes to the fact that Atticus was able to keep the jury out for so long which she sees a small step in the right direction. • The fear stems from Bob Ewell threatening Atticus.

4. Discussion Questions – Ch. 23 • Give Atticus’ interpretation of recent events. • Atticus believes that Bob Ewell is threatening him because the Ewells have not had much credibility in the community and, in court, Atticus took away the very little credibility Bob may have had. Atticus pushes himself to “stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes” and realizes that Bob will seek revenge when he can most easily obtain it. If spitting in his face spares Mayella a beating, Atticus is glad to endure the insult. • Atticus attributes the verdict the geographical location of the trial. He knew it would be an acquittal or nothing since Tom Robinson is black. Atticus is enraged by the idea of a man convicting another man purely on circumstantial evidence. He knows that racism is what stepped between the jurors and their reasoning. However, he does see a shadow of a beginning in the unusually long jury deliberation.

5. Discussion Questions – Ch. 23 • Cite examples of Jem’s continuing maturity. • Jem’s legal discussions with his father. • Jem questions things, rather than just accepting them. • Jem comforts and consoles his sister. • Jem attempts to keep the peace and urges Scout to see things from Aunty’s point of view. • Jem thinks about human nature and determines there are different kinds of “folks.” • Jem is starting to be more and more like Atticus.

6. Discussion Questions – Ch. 24 • What is ironic about the missionary circle’s conversation? • The women in the missionary circle are very concerned with the problems of an African tribe, but fail to see how they perpetuate prejudice and poverty in their own town. The women are capable of compassion when it is far away and does not require them to soil their white hands. They are hypocrites who view themselves as “good Christians.” • It is also ironic when Aunty tells Scout that the “business part” of the meeting will bore her, so she is to join them for the social hour. However, Scout finds the socializing superficial and depressing.

7. Discussion Questions – Ch. 24 • Why did Tom try to escape? • Atticus concludes that Tom was tired of “white man’s chances” and decided to take his own. Tom was not treated as an individual in court nor in prison. As a result, he lost his sense of individuality and decided to take his life into his own hands.

8. Discussion Questions – Ch. 24 • What insight is gained into Aunt Alexandra’s character? • Aunt Alexandra reveals that she is loyal to her brother, though she might not approve of what he does. She believes that much of what he is forced to do is the “dirty work” of the town. • After she speaks candidly in the kitchen, Alexandra returns to the dining room, composed and cordial. Scout is impressed with her aunt and attempts to emulate her ladylikeness.

9. Discussion Questions – Ch. 25 • Discuss the mockingbird symbol in relation to Tom Robinson. • To most of Maycomb, Tom Robinson’s death is expected. The incident supports Maycomb’s prejudices. However, Mr. Underwood seeks to show his supporters another side with an editorial in the newspaper. He writes simply enough for children to understand, hoping to reach as many people as possible. It is Mr. Underwood’s belief that cripples should not be killed under any circumstances. He says that Tom Robinson was a mockingbird – Tom’s death was like the senseless slaughter of songbirds by heartless hunters.

10. Discussion Questions – Ch. 25 • How is the feeling of apprehension conveyed at the end of this chapter? • Mr. Ewell’s comment that Tom Robinson’s death is only one and that another death is imminent creates a feeling of apprehension and tension. The threat refreshes the reader’s memory of the Ewell’s vow at the end of Chapter 22.

11. Discussion Questions – Ch. 26 • What satirical points are made on the subject of education? • Miss Gates’ requirement of mechanical recitation on the subject of “Democracy” • Miss Gates is prejudiced against Negroes, but disapproves of Hitler’s persecution of the Jews • Scout discusses the inequities inflicted on rural children by their backgrounds and setting when putted in competition against advantages “urban” children – demonstrating teachers tendency to favor students with backgrounds most like their own.

12. Discussion Questions – Ch. 26 • Why is Jen unable to speak about the trial without becoming angered? • The trial is still very recent and raw for Jem. Atticus explains that Jem needs to set it aside until enough time has passed that he can place the events into perspective. *Atticus’ statement also explains Harper Lee’s choice of a reflective narrator.

13. Discussion Questions – Ch. 27 • What three incidents concerned Ewell occur? From these incidents and from Atticus, what do we learn about Bob Ewell? • He is fired from the WPA for laziness. • He unsuccessfully attempts to burglarize Judge Taylor’s house. • He harasses Helen Robinson on her way to work. Bob Ewell is obviously frustrated and will most likely continue to demonstrate aggressive behavior. He appears to be hostile towards everyone involved with the case. Atticus believes it is only natural and a result of Ewell’s humiliation.

14. Discussion Questions – Ch. 27 • What comic incident is related in this chapter and what function does it serve in the novel? • The comic incident of Misses Tutti and Frutti’s hidden furniture gives cause for the Maycomb organized Halloween celebration. It serves to contrast the tension in the town that has built up and will come to a head in the next chapter.

15. Discussion Questions – Ch. 28 • What details in this chapter and the last add to the mounting tension before Jem and Scout are attacked? • At the close of the preceding chapter, Scout explains her relative immobility in her “ham” costume and the fact that she is trapped inside of it. Secondly, Aunt Alexandra is slightly apprehensive about letting the children go without an adult. • All of the setting details contribute to the tension in this chapter – Halloween; moonless night; strange shadows; schoolyard is black as pitch; tree stands like a hoary Druid. • Jem talks of “haints” on their way to school. Scout trips on a root growing in the road. Cecil Jacobs jumps out and scares them. Scout forgets her shoes, turns to go back and the lights in the auditorium go out. They are alone.

16. Discussion Questions – Ch. 28 • Discuss the attack and the events that follow. • Somebody begins to follow the children home after the program. Scout and Jem think its Cecil Jacobs trying to scare them again. They slow down, “proving” their lack of fear. • Jem and Scout stop by the lone oak to assess the noise when they realize it’s not Cecil, they recognize the sound as an adult running toward them. • Jem and Scout take off running and Scout loses her balance and falls. She hears scuffling but can’t identify the source. Jem tries to help her up, but she feels Jem being pulled away from her. Then she hears an awful crunching sound and Jem’s scream. • Scout runs in the direction of the scream but finds herself in the arms of someone trying to squeeze the breath out of her. • Suddenly, Scout’s attacker is jerked away. There are more scuffling sounds followed by a violent wheezing. She stumbles into a body on the ground. • As Scout finds the direction home, she sees someone ahead of her carrying Jem, his arm dangling in front of him. • Aunty makes an affectionate fuss over Scout, who is more concerned about Jem. Dr. Reynolds and Heck Tate arrive. Jem has a broken arm and Bob Ewell lies dead with a kitchen knife stuck in his ribs.

17. Discussion Questions – Ch. 29 • Discuss the credibility of Boo’s defense of Jem and Scout. • Boo has demonstrated his care and concern for the children several times throughout the novel – the treasures in the tree, the mending of Jem’s pants, and the blanket around Scout’s shoulders are just a few examples. It is also credible that Boo is capable of killing Bob Ewell, due to the rumored violent attack with scissors. Also, Jem mentioned Boo for the first time in a long time on that evening as Scout and he walked to school, bringing his presence to the forefront again.