Chapters 28-End: What really happens under the tree? Be specific in your explanation, and be sure to explain where the knives come from.

We learn what happened under the tree from Scout but because it was dark and she was in costume from the pageant, little of what happened under the tree is clear. When Scout and Jem were on the road on the night after the pageant, she says she heard Jem yell “run.” Because she was in costume and couldn’t see where she was going, she tripped when running and then heard Jem scream because his arm was broken. Next thing Scout notices is that someone was on top of her, grabbing her costume and then that person was yanked away. After a time when she doesn’t hear anything, she gets up to try to find Jem and heard a bone rattling cough and a heavy man breathing. She knows it’s not Jem because, “my toes touched trousers, a belt buckle, buttons, something I could not identify, a collar and a face. A prickly stubble on the face told me it was not Jem’s” (Lee 352). The person she was touching could only be one of two people, Boo Radley or Bob Ewell. Because she was looking around on the ground with her foot, the person must be on the ground and the thing she could not identify may have been the knife handle in Bob Ewell’s ribcage.

The knife could have come from one of two places. It might have come from the dump according to Heck Tate’s description of what happened under the tree, or it could have come from the Radley’s kitchen. We know that the knife slashed Scout’s costume and ended up killing Bob Ewell. The knife must have been sharp enough to cut chicken wire with maybe one blow. A kitchen knife could be sharp enough to do these things but a dull knife, which would have been thrown away, and end up in the dump, would have to be sharpened.

What happened under the tree remains controversial, but a few things are for sure. Bob Ewell is dead. Jem was injured. Scout was attacked but she was saved by her costume and by someone, maybe even Boo Radley.

28-31/ Explain Scouts reference to a mockingbird on page 370.

               Scout is talking about Boo Radley. Throughout the book Scout references mockingbirds. She says "Its a sin to kill a Mockingbird...Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy (Lee,118). After Atticus argues with Heck about wether or not Jem killed Bob Ewell. Defeated Atticus turns to Scout to tell her Jem didn't kill Bob. Scout at this point has figured out that Boo actually was the one who put the knife in Bob. She says "Well it'd be sort of like shooting' a mockingbird wouldn't it (Lee,371)? She means that Boo never did anything to hurt anybody, like a mockingbird, so rather than causes all the pain it would, they should just let him be. Boo Radley is one of the only truly good people in Maycomb. He might not be seen doing good often, or ever for that matter but when it counted he came through. The community would never pay him back. The community would never know, but he was a truly good person. Scout only understood that after stepping in his shoes for a little bit. Atticus understands that Boo is and always was good,  however he is surprised that Scout does. Before he says he often fells as though he's not a very good parent but they're all he has. When Scout says she understands, its like saying that Everything he has taught has stuck. She got it. This is really comforting to Atticus, because for the second time this novel he has gotten hypothetically naked and put himself out there. This time though his message was heard. Not by Mr. Tate, but by Scout. She heard what he had said. She soaked in his teaching and is the better for it.

Do you think Boo or Jem killed Bob. Or Mr Tate was right?
Is Boo a good person or just a pyscho who was locked up for too long?

Has Justice been served in this novel?

In To Kill A Mocking Bird, by Harper Lee, there is what may be though of as a different definition of justice. Harper Lee's definition of justice is when everyone is treated equally. I believe that there is justice in this book. I say this because at the end of the book Mr. Ewell dies. Due to the fact that Tom Robinson died and Bob Ewell died there feels as though there is an equality or there is a form of balance. Tom Robinson didn't deserve to die, but Mr. Ewell practically caused his death by accusing him of rape and getting him sent to the prison where he was shot. Even though it is sad when every one dies, I feel that justice is served when Bob Ewell dies, because the black people lost someone and so did the white people. Mr. Tate says "let the dead bury the dead this time," (Lee, 396). In other words Mr. Heck Tate is saying let it be or it will take care of itself. In a way it already has. Mr. Ewell essentially killed Tom Robinson, and therefore killed himself. Had Bob not accused Tom of rape he, himself, would not have been after Atticus's kids and killed himself. It was a form of justice and fait. It was bound to happen. This man who is a "low-down skunk with enough liquor in him to make him brave enough to kill children," (Lee, 360), was bound to be killed for his actions. Mr. Ewell had already killed one man and was about to kill two children. He also "had the guts to pester an old colored women, he had the guts enough to pester Judge Taylor when he thought the house was empty.." (Lee, 361).  Due to those reason I believe there is justice and a sense of harmony when Mr. Ewell is found dead at the end of the book.

Chapter 26/27: "The Radley place had ceased to terrify me, but it was no less gloomy, no less chilly under it's great oaks, and no less uninviting." Explore this with reference to Scout's development.

While it is true that Scout has matured to drop most of her views, she still recognizes the basic facts and begins to grasp some more complex ones in Maycomb County. It's true that the Radley house is uninviting, and while she is beginning to lose her beliefs of "haints and hot steams," (Lee 341) the Radley place is uninviting, as the activities going on inside the fence and house are relatively unknown, with the exception of Nathan Radley's rare excursions into town. Scout is beginning to develop into an adult and starting to fit into the "caste system in Maycomb County." (Lee 175) She is wondering how to proceed in the most mature way, and she tries to understand complex concepts by asking Atticus. One example of this is when she wonders why Hitler is persecuting the Jews, and why Miss Gates is being a hypocrite by saying that it is "one of the most terrible stories in history." (Lee 329) She is further exploring her initial questioning of Jem or Atticus, and is trying to follow her brother's lead by trying to understand issues herself. This shows the level of maturity she has, and it shows the determination and pride she has by not relying on others' answers and opinions.

Questions: How will Scout continue to develop and mature as the novel comes to a close? Is the Radley Place going to become more or less terrifying as the book concludes? How much of a role model is Jem to Scout?

Chapters 26-27: "The Radley Place had ceased to terrify me, but it was no less gloomy, no less chilly under its great oaks, and no less uninviting." Explore this with reference to Scout's development.

The Radley Place use to terrify Scout, but now as she is getting older, it no longer does.  Instead of looking at the Radley property in fear, she looks at it and feels bad for the Radleys.  She feels empathetic for Boo Radley and his sad life.  "The Radley Place had ceased to terrify me, but it was no less gloomy, no less chilly under its great oaks, and no less uninviting" (Lee 325).  Scout's newfound empathy towards people she used to dislike shows how Scout is growing up.  She considers things from all angles and never jumps to conclusions.  She has an understanding mindset similar to Attiucs, her teacher and role model.  When Scout was younger, Atticus taught Scout a trick about getting along better with folks.  "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" (Lee 39).  Scout took her father's advice and imagined what it would be like if she was Boo Radley.  She pictured how gloomy her life would be, and how lonely she would be as a person.  She realized that he isn't in fact scary, and she almost begins to pity him.  Her demonstration of empathy shows that Scout considers things from other people's points of view, and is able to feel sympathetic towards those less fortunate.  Not only is she able to feel for the Radley's, but she is also able to empathize towards other minorities with less advantages such as black people and Jews.  This skill that Scout now possesses will be very useful to her as she grows up into a young woman.  She will encounter many people that she doesn't agree with, but in order to fully understand their point of view she must be able to "climb into their skin".  Atticus as parent must continue to teach Scout these life skills so she can apply them to everyday situations that are challenging for her.  Growing up in the south during the depression is very difficult, but Scout will have a much easier time if she puts these skills to use.

Do you think that Scout is being too naïve and should in fact fear the Radley Place? Do you think that the Radleys are a threat to Scout and Jem?  Do you think that Atticus is not being strict enough with his restrictions on trespassing? Do you think he is being too lenient? If so, why?

Chapters 26-27: Explore Scout's confusion in class. What is the root of Scout's confusion about Miss Gates? How is Miss Gates being a hypocrite? Why does Harper Lee include this? What is the purpose?

Scout is confused by Miss Gates because Miss Gates is a hypocrite. While explaining why Adolf Hitler is persecuting the Jews, Miss Gates says that persecution is wrong and "Persecution comes from people who are prejudiced," (Lee 329). However, Miss Gates is one of those people that are prejudiced. Miss Gates is just against black human rights instead of Jewish human rights. This confuses Scout because she doesn't see how someone can get so angry about persecution of one race or religion, and then turn around and do the same thing to another race. Scout tries to get a better understanding, but when she asks Jem, "How can you hate Hitler so bad an' then turn around and be ugly about folks right at home..."(Lee 331),  Jem freaks out and never answers her question. Scout knows that Miss Gates supports persecuting blacks because Scout overhears her teacher talking after the Tom Robinson trial that "it's time somebody taught 'em, (the black community), a lesson," (Lee 331). Most of the other school children understand Miss Gates point of view because they have been raised in a racist household. Scout, on the other hand, has been raised by Atticus. Atticus has taught Scout that all men are created equal and to think for herself, so it causes her a lot more confusion then her other classmates. Harper Lee included this scene to show that almost all humans are hypocrites, whether they realize it or not. Humans opinions make them blind to the truth sometimes. This scene also helps connect the history of African Americans and the Holocaust. These two stories both cast dark shadows on the worlds history, but at the time the population of the US felt much more empathetic towards the Jews because the Jews were white. Neither blacks nor Jews had ever done anything wrong, and both were punished for reasons they couldn't control; either their skin color or their beliefs.

Do you think Miss Gates is a bad person for only sympathizing with the Jews and not the blacks? Do you think that Scout's naivety helps her understand this situation better than the other children who have had their opinions pushed upon them by their parents?

Chapters 24/25: What is the significance of the “roly-poly”? What does this incident tell you about Scout and Jem?

            The roly-poly symbolizes innocence. In the beginning of chapter twenty-five, Scout finds a “roly-poly” bug in her room. Scout plays with the insect; making it curl into a ball several times by poking it with a stick to scare it. After a few minutes playing this game, Scout says, “Feeling sleepy, I decided to end things” (Lee 319). Right before Scout was going to squash the bug, Jem stopped her by saying, “They don’t bother you” (Lee 320).

            To Jem, the insect was like Tom Robinson. Tom was a normal African American man, who was unfairly charged of a crime he did not commit. By smashing the bug, Tom Robinson would be dead also. His innocence and freedom would be taken away from him. This is what happened when Tom was shot trying to escape. Jem was trying to keep Tom alive by stopping Scout.  Jem understands now that every person has a fighting chance, and should not immediately be thought of as evil and wrong.

Why would Scout immediately want to kill the roly-poly bug? (Does it represent more than boredom?) How does this event show Jem growing up?

Chapter 24 - 25: Explain the Mrs. Merriweather’s quote "I tell you there are some good but misguided people in this town.” What is she talking about? (chapter 24)

             In Ms. Merriweather's quote "I tell you there are some good but misguided people in this town." (Lee 266). Ms. Merriweather I believe is talking about Atticus and how he is a good family man, but he is just stirring up black people to have more rights and to not be guilty of obvious crimes that they did not commit. "some of 'em in this town thought they were doing the right thing a while back, but all they did was stir 'em up." (Lee 267). Ms. Merriweather is a white lady who believes that blacks are blacks should not be mopping around in the field or in her own house because of the jury's verdict as it was a fair and proper case that ended with the proper answer. Ms. Merriweather also believes that in fact no white women is safe with people like Tom Robinson in the town. Ms. Merriweather is an example of a women who believes that whites should always win, and are always right as oppose to black views. Through the entire conversation that Scout sits through with Aunt Alexandra she sees that all of the women in the house agree with Ms. Merriweather and believe that you can educate blacks, and help to make them christian, but you can not help them from going out and hurting other whites in the community. "We can try till we drop to make Christians out of 'em, but there's no lady safe in her bed these nights." (Lee 266).  

Do you believe that any of the lady's minds changed after realizing that Tom Robinson is dead? What are your opinions on the women of Maycomb?

      - Irfan

Chapters 24/25: What is the content of the editorial published in the paper? Why is this confusing to Scout? What is the significance of this?

    In The Maycomb Tribune, Mr.Underwood writes an editorial about how Tom Robinson's death was pointless. "He likened Tom's death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children."(Lee 323). This is the part of the editorial that Scout doesn't understand right away. She does not understand how Tom's death is pointless. He was given a trial, he was convicted, he tried to escape, so he was killed. Simple as that. But, it wasn't. Scout realizes that, "Tom was a dead man the moment Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed." (Lee 323) Because of his race, Tom never stood a chance in trial because of all the racism in the jury. He could not win, simply because he was black and the Ewells were not. His death was senseless because there was no point in it or Atticus trying his hardest, although it does show Atticus as one of the good people in Maycomb. He has no chance or choice, just like the songbirds.

Why does Mr. Underwood consider the killing of cripples a sin? How do you think Tom felt about the loss? Would he have been expecting it, or was Atticus a good enough lawyer to change his thoughts?

Chapters 22/23: What are Aunt Alexandra’s and Atticus’ definitions of “trash.” How do they differ?

Aunt Alexandra and Atticus share very different views and think very differently when in comes to society.  Atticus explains that the jurors that put Tom in jail are trash.  "In our court, when its a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins" (Lee 295).  Atticus says that when a mans racial prejudice that affects the way that they make decision, the man is "trash".  In this case the jurors prejudice affected the outcome of the trial and more drastically the life of Tom Robinson.  "If you had been on that jury son, and eleven other boys like you Tom would be a free man" (Lee 295).  Tom's life had been decided by twelve men with racial predudices.  Tom had no chance of getting out of this,  even if he had actually done it or not Tom would be found guilty.

Aunt Alexandra has a completely different definition when it come to the meaning of the word trash.  Aunt Alexandra calls Walter trash because of the way that he lives his life.  Alexandra thinks that he is a bad person because of the way that he was raised,  but what she doesn't account for is that Walter didn't have a choice.  "I'll not have you around him, picking up his habits and learning Lord-knows-what" (Lee 301).  Aunt Alexandra is trying to raise Scout to be a lady.  She doesn't want her to grow up being a "tom boy."  Aunt Alexandra feels that it is her turn to show the next generation how to act.  She wants Scout to be an example of the Finch family, but she cant set a good example without being a lady.

Atticus and Aunt Alexandra both share different views when it comes to the word trash.  Alexandra thinks that trash describes the way that a person is living.  If they are dirty they're trash.  Atticus thinks completely different.  Atticus believes that its not the way you look but its that way you act and the decisions you make that define you as trash.  If you have any prejudice that affects you and other people then your trash.  Your prejudices shouldn't affect the way that you act.

Chapters 22/23: What are Aunt Alexandra’s and Atticus’ definitions of “trash.” How do they differ?

In chapter 23, Jem is talking to Atticus about the unfairness of the trial and how he thinks that something about the Justice System needs to change. Atticus explains that the racist jury couldn’t see past Tom’s skin color, so they found him guilty even if there was barely any evidence. Jem insists that it still isn’t right, and Atticus agrees. “...whenever a white man does that to a black man… that white man is trash,” (Lee 295). He states that one day the white men who took advantage of  black men will pay for what they have done. “Then it all goes back to the jury, then. We oughta do away with juries,” (Lee 294) Jem insists. He thinks that it has to to be the jury's fault that a man like Tom Robinson who only had circumstantial evidence against him could be found guilty so quickly. Atticus explains that it did take longer than it should have because “...there was one fellow who took a considerable wearing down-- in the beginning, he was rarin’ for an outright acquittal,” (Lee, 297). Atticus hints that it was one of the Cunninghams, and Scout forgets all of her anger towards Mr. Cunningham and decides that they should invite Walter over for dinner again. Aunt Alexandra won’t budge when she says that, “...there is no doubt in my mind that they’re good folks. But they’re not our kind of folks,” (Lee 299). Scout keeps wondering why. If the Cunninghams are nice people, then why shouldn’t she invite one over for dinner? After much pestering, Aunt Alexandra says, “Because--he--is--trash, that’s why you can’t play with him,” (Lee 301).

Scout cries and wonders why Walter’s poor background makes him trash if he is a nice person who hasn’t harmed anyone, especially after Atticus clearly explained that a man who takes advantage of another man is the true definition of trash. Aunt Alexandra believes that it is your background and your way of living that determines your worth, and Atticus believes that it’s what you do in your own lifetime that defines you. Scout is angered by Aunt Alexandra, and she tells the readers, “Perhaps this was why she had come to live with us--to help us choose our friends,” (Lee 300). In this chapter, we get to see how Aunt Alexandra thinks, and why she cares so much about what the Finch family does and who they are associated with. She thinks that class is so important, that if you are a higher class than someone, you cannot be interested in them unless you want to become "like them". The two ideas about who is and who isn’t trash that Aunt Alexandra and Atticus explain are very different and each represent a certain way of thinking. Aunt Alexandra believes in the past and that you can’t escape your family’s set place in society, and Atticus believes in the present and future. This goes back to candy box that Mrs. Dubose gave the children… the cotton representing the past and the beautiful white flower representing the future and all that can come with it.

Questions: Which definition of trash do you believe in? Do you think that Atticus’s beliefs about who good and bad people are have to do with why he wanted to defend Tom Robinson?  How does Aunt Alexandra’s definition relate to page 175 when Scout is describing the caste system in Maycomb?

What are Aunt Alexandra’s and Atticus’ definitions of “trash.” How do they differ?

Aunt Alexandra and Atticus' definitions of "trash" are very different.  Aunt Alexandra thinks that "trash" is people who are poor, and don't have backgrounds that they can take pride in.  Atticus thinks that "trash" is people who don't have good morals and are essentially bad people.  After Atticus tells Scout that Mr. Cunningham was a member of the jury and that he almost acquitted Tom, Scout wants to invite Walter Cunningham over for dinner and play with him.  Aunt Alexandra objects, though.  When Scout asks why she isn't aloud to play with Walter, Aunt Alexandra replies "Because-he-is-trash, that's why you can't play with him." (Lee 301) Atticus, however, believes that Bob Ewell is "trash".  Aunt Alexandra believes that Walter Cunningham is trash because he does not have a sense of family pride, and couldn't because he is from one of the poorest families in Maycomb.  Aunt Alexandra is proud of being a Finch.  When she found that Scout and Jem didn't know enough about their backgrounds, she made Atticus talk to them about it.  "You are not from run-of-the-mill people, that you are a product of several generations of gentle breeding [...] that you should try to live up to your name." (Lee 177) Aunt Alexandra probably thinks that Walter Cunningham is a "run-of-the-mill" person, and therefore should not be respected and is "trash".  Aunt Alexandra is a part of Maycomb's old generation, like the cotton in the candy box given to Jem by Mrs. Dubose.  Atticus, Scout, and Jem, though, thinks that people like the Ewells are "trash".  When Scout is angry about Aunt Alexandra Calling the Cunninghams "trash" she says "that boy's not trash, Jem.  He ain't like the Ewells." (Lee 302)  Atticus, like Scout believes that the Bob Ewell is "trash" because he doesn't care about his children, is very racist, and doesn't make an effort in life, unlike the Cunninghams, who try to pay back everything that they take, and try to be good people even though they are just about as poor as the Ewells.



Do you think that the Bob Ewell is really trash and doesn't make any efforts in life?  How are the Ewells and the Cunninghams similar? How are they different?  According to Atticus' definition of trash, is Mayella trash too?

Chapters 20/21: Examine the final line of chapter 21. What is the significance?

After Atticus is defeated in the trial when Tom Robinson is declared guilty, Reverend Sykes says to Scout, "Miss Jean Louise, stand up.  Your father's passin'" (Lee 283).  Reverend Sykes tells Scout to stand up to show respect for Atticus.  Not only does Reverend Sykes commend Atticus with his standing sign of respect, but the rest of the courthouse does as well.  The people in the courthouse admire Atticus' open mind, and his willingness to go against the conservative views of the rest of Maycomb.   Even though he lost in the final verdict, Atticus did succeed in some things.  He made the Maycomb community more aware about the definition of equality.  He taught the audience how black people and white people all make the same mistakes and are created equal.  He also taught the Maycomb people about assumptions, and the cruelty inside all of the assumptions these people make against black people.  "-the evil assumption that all Negroes lie... But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men" (Lee 273).  Atticus believes that black people do lie and make mistakes, but so do white people.  This is not a matter of race, but a matter of human flaws.  Atticus succeeded in making the people inside the courtroom realize the mistakes they all made about assuming that all black people are guilty over white people, and that everyone, no matter what race you are, are created equal.

Do you think people will view black people differently after this trial? If so, how? Do you think that people will view the Ewells differently after the trial? If so, in a positive or negative light?

Chapter 18/19: How do these courtroom scenes compare to the ones in Monster? How are they similar or different? Why might this be? What do you make of this?

The courthouse scenes in TKAM are very different from the courthouse scenes in Monster by Walter Dean Myers. The difference in era is an obvious difference, as the jurors and citizens have much more liberal views in Monster than in To Kill A Mockingbird. Steve Harmon and Tom Robinson are both black, although Tom has a physical advantage is his case, as "his left arm was fully twelve inches shorter than his right, and hung dead at his side." (Lee 248) Scout is talking about Tom's being crippled, and this shows the jury that he has a very slim chance of being able to rape Mayella Ewell. This majorly contrasts with Steve Harmon's case in Monster, as Steve has nothing that seriously shows the guilty that he is innocent, with the exception of Mr. Sawicki showing that Steve is a good student and good person. While Tom Robinson does have the crippled arm going for him, the jurors are likely to succumb to pressure, as Maycomb County is an extremely racist area in southern Alabama. The similarities and difference in the two court cases are evident, but the cases are more different than similar. Some of the prevalent differences are the differences in crimes, as one was a case for felony murder and one was a case for rape. In Steve Harmon's, the case was 50/50, but in Tom Robinson's even with all the evidence against Mayella, the case will still go her way, just because of the extreme racism in Maycomb.

Chapter 20-21: What do Scout and Dill learn about Dolphus Raymond? What does this tell you about his character.

In chapter twenty Dill and Scout discover a lot about Dolphus Raymond's character. The first thing that they discover about Mr. Raymond is what he is drinking in his paper bag. "You mean all you drink in that sack's Coca-Cola? Just plain Coca-Cola," (Lee, 267). In the quote above Scout is in shock when she realizes that all Dophus is drinking is Coca-Cola. This proves that many people don't truly know about Dolphus Raymond, and that people simply make assumptions about him. Dill and Scout, being one of the community members making assumptions about his character, are shocked to find out that Mr. Raymond wants the Maycomb society to believe he is drinking alcohol. "I try to give 'em a reason, you see. It helps folks if they can latch onto a reason," (Lee, 268). Mr. Raymond is explaining to Scout and Dill that he knows his community views him as an outcast because he has mixed colored children and a black wife, so if his peers believe that he is a drinker it will help explain to them why he is different from the rest of Maycomb. "... but you see they could never, never understand the way I live like I do because that's the way I want to live," (Lee, 268). In order for his fellow community members to quit bugging him about how he lives his life he gives them a reason for it. He doesn't care what his peers think of him as long as they try not to change him. They also learn that Dolphus Raymond is a strong believer in black people being treated the same as white people. "Cry about the hell white people give colored folks, without even stopping to think that they're people too," (Lee, 269).  I believe that overall Dill and Scout discover that Dolphus Raymond is a very bold and outgoing person.

My questions is if he is so outgoing, why would he think that he has to give people a reason for why he lives his life differently? Why wouldn't he just let them think that there is no particular reason, besides the fact that he believes in whites and blacks being treated equally, that he chooses to go about life differently?     

20-21 What do Scout and Dill learn about Dolphus Raymond?What does this tell you about this character?

On page 267 Scout calls Mr Raymond an "evil man"(Lee, 267). She is peaking just from what Jem has told her. When Dill gets sick from the behavior of the prosecuting attorney, he has to leave the courtroom. Dill and Scout are discussing human decency when Mr. Dolphus Raymond joins their comphersation.  He offers Dill something to settle his nerves, something that Scout believes to be whiskey. When Dill sips it he realizes it is not in fact whiskey but coca cola. It is then revealed that Dolphus never is in fact drunk but rather fakes it so people will leave him alone. He says "I try to give them a reason, it helps folks to latch onto a reason... folks can say Dolphus Raymond is in the clutches thats why he won't change his ways"(Lee, 268). Mr Raymond understands that people will not understand interracial marriage and "breeding", so in order to keep his life peaceful and undisturbed he pretends to be drunk. If people thought a wealthy sober white man, would ever marry, a black woman of any kind, that would be so threatening to their way of life they would be tempted to take extreme measures and make an example out of him. He would see often the kind of mob Atticus stared down. If the other people can excuse his behavior as just the act of a half-in-the-bag widower, then they would be more inclined to leave him be. People in this time, even now are so opposed to change, to something that shakes up the norm, that they would be able to justify any means. For Mr Raymond, it is just worth it to pretend to be drunk. He never meant to threaten people, but he was enlightened enough to not  discriminate in the most personal part of his life, and would put his own, and his families safety in danger to not pretend to be under the influence.

Chapters 20/21: Examine the final line of chapter 21. What is the significance?

The final line of chapter twenty-one defines respect at the time when Atticus just lost his case. As the jury was reading out the guilty verdict, Reverend Sykes, leader of the African American community, tells Scout to stand up because her father is passing by. In fact all of the African Americans in the courtroom were standing to show Atticus respect, despite his loss in the case to defend Tom Robinson. Most people in Maycomb gain respect from doing things like hunting or playing football. Earlier, Scout noticed that her father, Atticus, doesn’t seem to do what other fathers do, saying,  “Atticus did not drive a dump-truck for the county, he was not the sheriff, he did not farm, work in a garage, or do anything that could possibly arouse the admiration of anyone” (Lee 118). In fact Atticus gained respect by trying his hardest even when he knew he would fail. This reminds the reader about Mrs. Dubose, who also tried her hardest until the end. Atticus gains respect from the African American community and Scout by what he did, namely giving dignity and honor for all.

Chapters 18-19: Why does Dill cry? Explain the situation in detail. How does this relate back to Atticus's comment about having a police force of children? (210)

Dill cries because he was so horrified at the treatment of Tom Robinson at the hands of Mr. Gilmer.  Mr. Gilmer was in the middle of Tom's cross-examination, and Scout had to take Dill outside because his sobs were a distraction to the rest of the court. Scout thinks that Dill hasn't recovered from running away yet, but in truth it is so much more than that. Dill says that "it was the way he (Mr. Gilmer) said it made me sick, plain sick," (Lee 266). The interesting thing about this scenario is that although Dill is brought to tears, the rest of the spectators just continue listening and watching the trial. Dill has led a pretty sheltered life and this has helped him maintain his innocence and naivety, and he has yet to become accustomed to the cruelties of the adult life. The behavior of Mr. Gilmer was extremely disrespectful and rude, calling Tom Robinson "boy" and giving him dirty looks, but the crowd was so used to this course of action that they just took it for granted. The crowd doesn't think that they have enough power to change the way humans treat other humans, when in reality, they do. Dill hates that nobody else cares, and is disgusted and ashamed at the rest of the audience. Dill's reaction relates back to Atticus's comment about having a police force of children by just reinforcing the idea that children are much more open minded than adults. Adults have had more personal experience, and are more likely to be biased and opinionated than children who have led sheltered lives, and just know the basic morals of right or wrong. It depends on the situation, but in the particular one, it almost seems that being less experianced and naive helps children maintain their moral standards better than adults.

If you were watching the trial, how would you react? Do you think Dill was over reacting and it was ridiculous of him to cry, or did he have good reason?

Chapters 16 and 17: What is revealed about Mr. Underwood in chapter 16? How does this relate to one of the themes of the novel?

At the end of chapter 15 Mr. Underwood comes out of the darkness with a double barreled shotgun, saying that he was protecting Atticus all along. Yet, at the start of chapter 16 it is revealed that Mr. Underwood is a racist man who would not even stand by a black man near him. "You know it's a funny thing about Braxton... He despises Negroes, won't have one near him" (Lee 178). He was also named after a confederate general named Braxton Bragg, but did injustice to that name. Underwood's parents and family did not approve of black people and wanted them to have less rights. It is peculiar that Mr. Underwood would want to help Atticus to protect Robinson as he is not in favor of blacks. This has to do with the idea of courage shown in this book. Even though Mr. Underwood does not support blacks, he still wants Tom Robinson to have an equal trial whether he is guilt or not. In the end of chapter 15, Mr. Underwood and Atticus share a private moment to talk. I believe that they talked about the mob that had come to the jail center and what could happen to Tom Robinson in this case. This act of courage that is shown by Mr. Underwood will most likely spark inspiration into other white people that may have been hurtful to blacks in the past. Having the racist past that Mr. Underwood has, I hope that Robinson will have a fair trial and more whites will support Mr. Underwood's views and have a fair mind for Robinson's trail.  

What do you feel that the greater white population feels about the case? Do you believe that Robinson has any chance to be claimed innocent by the white jury?

Chapters 16/17: Explain Atticus’ explanation about the mob dispersing. What is a mob made of? How was it broken up? How does his explanation relate to one of the themes of the book?

            Atticus explained that mobs are made out of people, and that if you single out one person, the rest of the group will fall apart. When Scout mistook the mob of white farmers for Atticus’ friends, she looked around for someone she recognized.  Scout spotted Mr. Cunningham in the crowd, and started a friendly conversation with him. Mr. Cunningham tried not to notice her, but he realized that she was too innocent for what he was planning to do. He then called off his crew.

            The next day, Atticus reflected on these events. He told his children, “It took an eight-year-old child to bring ‘em to their senses, didn’t it? . . . That proves . . . that a gang of wild animals can be stopped, simply because they’re still human” (Lee 210). Atticus was trying to say that every man is human, and has feelings and integrity. When men come together to form a mob, their own ethics are compromised, and they only seem to listen to the group think. An innocent child was able to sway a man into listening to his own moral character. Throughout this episode, Harper Lee shows that it takes a mockingbird to take down a mad dog. A mockingbird is an innocent creature whose only goal is to make life more enjoyable and help others. A mad dog is a crazed animal that is out of control and will harm anyone in its way. Even though it is small, the mockingbird’s song can ease the suffering of the mad dog. Although it is not able to cure the dog, it can help. Tiny Scout led Mr. Cunningham to a different perspective about what he was going to do to her family. A small voice can sway a big crowd.

How will this them come into play during the trial? Is it possible for Tom Robinson to be acquitted with this mob after him?