Chapter Questions

Chapter 1

When the routine of Jem, Scout, and Dill’s summer becomes tiresome, what idea does Dill have?

How had Mr. Radley seen to it that his younger son Arthur (Boo) caused “no further trouble” in Maycomb?

Chapters 2 & 3

When Scout tries to spare Walter Cunningham any further humiliation, what does Miss Caroline do to her?

At the Finch’s for lunch, what reason does Walter give Atticus for not being able to pass the first grade?

After Calpurnia makes Scout leave the table, what “lecture” does she give Scout? What social role is Calpurnia serving in for Scout?

After Scout begs Atticus not to make her return to school, what advice does he give her for getting along with people?

Chapters 4 & 5

What is the neighborhood’s opinion of Mrs. Dubose?

What does Jem say about the “Indianheads” they find in the knothole of the tree?

What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about some kind of men?

What is Jem and Dill’s plan to contact Boo Radley?

Chapters 6 & 7

How does Dill explain Jem’s missing pants?

Summarize Scout’s assessment of second grade.

What does Jem finally tell Scout about his pants that he retrieved?

What do Jem and Scout realize about the carved soap figures they find in the knothole of the tree?

Chapter 8

Describe how Jem constructs his “snowman.” What compliment does Atticus pay Jem

Why does Atticus wake the children in the middle of the night?

What is Scout wearing? How does Atticus explain the presence of what Scout is wearing?

What is Miss Maudie’s reaction to the loss of her house?

Chapter 9

What does Atticus tell Scout to do when she hears “ugly talk” at school?

Why does Scout fight Francis?

What does Atticus tell Jack he hopes Jem and Scout will do instead of listening to the town?

Chapter 10

Atticus tells the children they’re not to kill mockingbirds because doing so is a sin. How does Miss Maudie explain Atticus’ reasoning to Scout?

Why does the sheriff ask Atticus to shoot Tim Johnson? (Who/what is Tim Johnson)?

What explanation does Miss Maudie offer for “Ol One-Shot” (Atticus) putting his gun down thirty years ago?

Chapter 11

What does Jem to do Mrs. Dubose’s camellia bushes? Explain why he does this.

What does Mrs. Dubose want from Jem as payment for his “crime?”

How does Atticus explain the term “nigger-lover” to Scout?

How does Atticus explain “courage” to Jem?

Chapter 12

Explain what Scout finds unusual about Calpurnia’s manner of speaking at the Negro church.

Why does Reverend Sykes order the doors of the church shut?

Why does the congregation sing hymns by “lining?”

Chapters 13 & 14

How does Atticus explain Aunt Alexandra’s arrival?

What does Aunt Alexandra request that Atticus try to convey to the children?

How does Atticus respond to Alexandra’s suggestion that they don’t need Calpurnia anymore?

Chapter 15

After Atticus leaves the house at night, where do the children find him? What is he doing?

After Scout talks to Mr. Cunningham about Walter and the entailment of his farm, what does he do?

What had Mr. Underwood been doing at this time?

Chapter 16

How does Atticus explain “mobs” to the children?

What is Maudie’s reaction to everyone wanting to go to the trial?

What news does Scout overhear about Atticus defending Tom Robinson? Does it give her any comfort? Why or why not?

With whom do the children sit in the courtroom?

Chapters 17 & 18

What question does Atticus ask the sheriff three times?

What does Atticus lead Sheriff Tate to remember about Mayella Ewell’s black eye?

Explain what Atticus is attempting to show by asking Mr. Ewell to write something.

Why does Mayella think Atticus is mocking her?

Chapters 19 & 20

1) Identify what Tom says Mayella did to him while he was 1. standing on the chair, 2. after he got off the chair, and 3. afterward.