End of the book" Explain Scout’s reference to the mockingbird on page 370. (Julia)

This quote relates back to Christmas when Scout and Jem got guns and Uncle Jack tells then that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. Mockingbirds do no harm to us, all they do is mind their own business and sing songs. It is not even close to harmful or a predator. Boo Radley and Tom Robinson symbolize mockingbirds. Neither of these men have done any harm to anyone and helped whoever needed the help. Boo Radley noticed Jem was in need when they were attacked, "The man was walking with the staccato steps with someone carrying a load too heavy for him. He was going around the corner. He was carrying Jem. Jem's arm was dangling crazily in front of them" (Lee 352). Rumor has it that Boo stabbed his father. Since then, no harm has been done by him and all he has done is help the children the night of the fire, give them little presents in the tree, and help Jem when Jem and Scout were attacked. On the other hand, Tom was the only person even remotely pleasant and helpful to Mayella. Tom and Boo being help and kind without expecting anything in return have made them the mockingbirds of Maycomb. 

End of book: Look closely at the description of Boo. Why has Harper Lee included these details and why here? (Charlotte Shapiro)

Harper Lee includes the description of Boo Radley where she does to give the reader suspense. Rather than outright telling the audience that it was Boo Radley standing in the corner of Jem's room, Harper Lee provides an incredibly detailed description of Boo in order to make sure the audience knew it was him. It was quite obvious that it was Boo when Scout described, "They were white hands, sickly white hands that had never seen the sun, so white they stood out garishly against the dull cream wall in the dim light of Jem's room." (Lee 362) Harper Lee also includes the detail to show that Boo Radley is not the monstrous figure that the kids had pictured. It is a scene that characterizes both Jem and Scout, as well as Dill, because it shows how they have grown. When they were younger, they were highly impressionable and believed the rumors about Boo Radley being deformed and psychotic; but now that they are older, they understand that he is just a regular person who is extremely pale because he has not seen the sun for who knows how long. The moment when Scout realizes Boo Radley is standing in the same room as her is both a moment in which she matures a little, and a moment of complete and utter shock. It turns out Boo Radley is a good guy after all.

End of the Book: Explain Scout’s reference to the mockingbird on page 370. (Sharon)

"Well, it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird wouldn't it?" (Lee 370) By this she means that putting Boo in jail for killing Bob Ewell is wrong because all he was doing was saving herself and Jem. "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy... That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." (Lee 119) Mockingbirds like it says in the quote they don't do anything bad, they just sing for people. This relates back to Boo, because he was only doing what was right. He stays out of other peoples business but when someone needs something he seems to be right there. For example in chapter 8 when Boo put a blanket over Scout because he saw that she was cold. He was thoughtful enough to do that. Whenever Scout, Jem, and Dill bothered Boo, he didn't do anything to them. Another example is when Jem went back to find his pants "They'd been sewed up. Not like a lady sewed 'em like something' I'd try to do." (Lee 78) Guessing that it was Boo who sewed the pants it shows that he was always looking out for Jem and Scout in one way or another.

Chapters 28-31: What does Heck Tate mean when he says, “Let the dead bury the dead this time” (369)? Explain what is going on here and what he means. (Simru S-E)

Heck Tate is saying that the Tom Robinson case should be sealed by the event of Bob Ewell’s death, since in reality the case didn’t end in the moral way.  When Atticus tries to convince Heck that Jem was the one that killed Ewell, Heck fires back with, “Knowing everything that’s happened [in Maycomb County]... there’s a black boy dead, and the man responsible for it’s dead” (369).  Heck sees that the end would only be fair if no one was blamed for Bob Ewell’s death, that it’s high time it came to him.  Mr. Ewell, he thinks, doesn’t deserve someone making excuses for him, since he made them for himself already, unjustly.  These excuses were Tom’s supposed ‘crime.’  Mr. Ewell had Tom’s blood on his hands; he was the one that accused him, and he was well aware that the case would indeed end this way, since the society probably wouldn’t take a stand for the racial revolution.  Since Ewell practically killed Tom, Jem shouldn’t be blamed for Ewell's death - no one should, only himself.  He doesn’t deserve a ‘fair trial,’ since Tom didn’t get one either.  This event nearly rights all the wrongs in the case for Heck Tate, though still the damage can’t be erased.  As Mr. Tate said, two men are dead and racial prejudice has been demonstrated yet again.  Still, it’s even, in a way, since both ‘sides’ lost a life.  But all in all, the word ‘bury’ could refer to the case being closed once and for all; it can now be forgotten, since the two main people involved in the case, Tom and Mr. Ewell, have been buried themselves.  It’s even in the way that though one man is dead, the man who killed him is as well, so they’ve both received their fate.  The phrase ‘let the dead bury the dead’ possibly refers to the evening out of this case to Heck Tate.  Atticus, on the other hand, though he fought through a case that he felt very strongly for and lost, still wants to be completely truthful with this.  Though he has been in turmoil with Bob Ewell, he still supports him, in a way.  He didn’t blame Bob Ewell for killing himself, while he very much deserved it.  He expected the worst (that Jem killed him) and was selfless about it, but still thinking of Jem’s reputation.  This also shows that he wants his children to live under the same truthfulness that he does; he wants them to have the courage to hide behind nothing.  Heck and Atticus may have slightly different views on what should be done about Ewell’s death, but they must both agree on one thing: it wouldn't have been just for Mr. Ewell to remain alive and without a scratch, and it was a shame that it had to end so badly for Tom.

If Jem was taken to court for supposedly killing Bob Ewell, what would be the outcome?  When it’s a young white boy against a disgraced white man, who would gain more respect and more trust?  Is Atticus right to put his own son forward as a murderer?

End of Book Has justice been served in this novel? (Think about this) Why or why not? To answer this, you must define what ‘justice” is and then provide specific examples to support your stand on this. (Myles)

I don't think justice has been served in the novel. Wanting to be a lawyer when I grow up, I had given the definition of justice some good thought, and I think justice is fair or just treatment of a person. The book didn't seem to really resolve the injustice stemming from the eras prejudice and the controversy surrounding Bob Ewell. There was no justice in trying to stab Jem and Scout, nor in being killed. A more just approach would be to put Bob on trial, but since he fell on his knife, there was no justice in that sense. Also, for like of a term, I believe that Tom was slaughtered like a pig. On page 315, to take part of Atticus' quote, "...Seventeen bullet holes in him. They didn't have to shoot him that much..."(Lee 315). To make a text to world connection, in one of the more recent shootings, an officer fired around 30 shots into the wind shield of a car in which a black couple was sitting just because it looked like he was reaching into the car for a gun. There was no gun in that car. In both of these cases, there was no justice. Instead of stopping Tom outside the gates, or calmly escorting the couple out of the car, both groups were shot. Also it is in no way just to convict Tom with evidence. While I like to think that "Evidence is everything in the court of law"(Phoenix Wright[Phoenix Wright:Dual Destinies]), persuasion is everything, both in past and present. Because their "values" were prejudiced, they were persuaded to make the wrong decision. However, I do think when Mr. Tate  says"...Let the dead bury the dead," he is correct. While justice was not be served, it now cannot be served.

Do you think justice was served?

"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. (Mitch)

As Scout becomes older and starts to mature, she loses her childish ways. She is not afraid of the "Radley House" anymore. On (Lee 324) Scout states, " The Radley place ceased to terrify me, but it was no less gloomy, no less chilly under its great oaks, and no less uninviting." She has seemed to lose her empathy for Boo Radley. She used to walk by and feel sad for him and his situation: Boo being trapped in that house for many years for doing wrong. Now she does not seem to care. She cared when he was doing good, putting blankets around her, leaving her surprises in the tree, but all of that is forgotten and it is now just looked at as any old house, not the scary Radley House it used to be. 

Chapter 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? (Emily Plump)

        Scout is confused in class about Miss Gates because she is a hypocrite. Miss Gates goes on about how she thinks what Hitler does to the Jews is terrible. Even though she thinks that treating someone badly because of their race or religion is bad, she still does it. Scout overhears her saying a lot of bad stuff about the black people so Miss Gates is doing what she said was wrong, to the people in Maycomb. What is happening with the Jews is really similar to what's happening is Maycomb with the blacks and whites. Scout is talking to Jem about what she overheard Miss Gates say about blacks right outside the courthouse, "I heard her say it's time somebody taught 'em a lesson, they were gettin' way above themselves, an' the next thing they think they can do is marry us. Jem how can you hate Hitler so bad an' then turn around and be ugly about folks right at home" (Lee 331). Scout really doesn't understand how Miss Gates says bad things about people in Maycomb then thinks it's terrible for the same thing that's happening with the Jews. Harper Lee includes this whole scene to show the racism in Maycomb. Miss Gates is explaining to the class what democracy and persecution is, "Over here we don't believe in persecuting anybody. Persecution comes from people who are prejudiced. Prejudice" (Lee 329). Miss Gates says this but she really doesn't mean it. There is persecution everyday in Maycomb with the blacks. Scout was really confused about Miss Gates because she said it was wrong to discriminate the Jews yet she is discriminating the blacks in Maycomb.

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. (Nicholas Kolbas)

Scout's summer taught her much more about life issues out in the world, making her look down upon her earlier frights at the Radley Place with a whole new idea of problems. The problems throughout Scout's past few school years mainly consisted of her fear toward the Radley Place and more specifically Boo Radley. Truly, her one concern when she woke up in the mornings was Jem's latest attempt to scare Boo out of the house. This past summer, Scout got her first look at real issues and frights of the world around her. Witnessing Atticus's scene at the courtroom, Scout learned about the important everyday problems adults have to face. This makes Scout look back at her petty frights and concerns with Boo Radley during previous years and realize how childish it seems and was. "I sometimes felt a twinge of remorse when passing by the old place, at ever having taken part in what must have been sheer torment to Arthur Radley" (Lee 324). She then goes on to describe their shameful attempts to try to draw Boo out of the house. This quote demonstrates Scout's advancement in understanding how she has changed over past years. She realizes for the first time what it must have felt like in Arthur's shoes, a group of kids creeping up on his property at night, sticking notes on fishing poles in his house, and so on. This illustrates Scouts growth recently, not just changing, but realizing her changes as well. However, still being a child, the Radley Place with its gloomy oak trees and creaking shutters still creeps Scout out a little. Boo is still a mysterious person to Scout in the book so far, and although she is starting to understand the world's everyday issues more and more, she still leaves a place inside herself for her childhood fears of the creepy and secretive Boo Radley.

Chapters 24-25 - What is the significance of the "roly-poly"? What does this incident tell you about Scout and Jem? - Geoffrey Goose

The significance of the "roly-poly" is it shows that Scout is still young, and immature, and that Jem is more delicate and, humane person. After Jem tells Scout to gently put the "roly-poly" down, Scout is in great amazement about Jem's behavior. "Jem was the one who was getting more like a girl every day, not I" (Lee 320). When Scout calls Jem a girl it means that Jem is becoming more empathetic, and sympathetic towards life. That no matter who or what this thing is, Jem will treat it with respect. Jem is turning into Atticus more and more as the book goes on. Atticus always hears the full story no matter who or what is saying it. As the book is ending and Harper Lee is wrapping up, she is showing how Jem will turn into an Atticus like character.

How do you think Harper Lee will show Jem's aging in the last chapters?

24/25 What is the significance of the "roly-poly"? What does this incident tell you about Scout and Jem? (Amy Khoshbin)

       The roly-poly symbolizes Jem and Scout’s maturity and growth from the beginning of the novel, and demonstrates their beliefs separate from those of Atticus. After spotting a roly-poly on the floor, Scout goes down to play with it, but once she becomes bored of it, she decides to kill it. Although she thinks of it as nothing more than a bug, Jem disagrees and says that it would be wrong to kill it because, “they don’t bother you,” (Lee 320). This same philosophy was used when explaining the difference between a mockingbird and a bluejay, in showing that it is wrong to hurt something simply because you can. The symbolism of the roly-poly also highlights the moral questions Jem had after the verdict of Tom Robinson’s case. Although the corrupted views of many white supremacists living in Maycomb have influenced their generation, Jem is able to see reason. This is explained by Atticus when he says, “So far nothing in your life has interfered with your reasoning process. Those are twelve reasonable men in everyday life, Tom’s jury, but you saw something come between them and reason,” (Lee 295). This quote not only shows Jem’s immense amount of moral development separate from simply repeating the lessons of his father, but it also illustrates his ability to empathize with someone by seeing them as a human being instead of objectifying them into nothing more than a racist stereotype. As for Scout, her idea of justice is much more defined. Although the roly-poly itself is causing no harm, other bugs such as mosquitos do. This is similar to Mrs. Farrow’s statement, ”We can educate ‘em till we’re blue in the face, we can try till we drop to make Christians out of ‘em, but there’s no lady safe in her bed these nights,” (Lee 311). This quote is saying  that underneath it all, every black man is the same, so even though the roly-poly is causing no harm, the fact that it belongs to the same group as something harmful like a mosquito, it is therefore ethical for it to be killed, much like Tom Robinson who caused no harm himself, but is associated with a stereotype that led to his conviction. 

Do you think that Jem believes that it is wrong to kill the roly-poly simply because Atticus has taught him so, or because he’s developing his own moral compass? 

Chapter 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? (Fiona H)

Mr. Underwood's editorial in the paper discussed Tom's chance at winning the case, and comparing him to a songbird. Towards the end of chapter 25, Scout is reading Mr. Underwood's article. "How could this be so, I wondered, as I read Mr. Underwood's editorial. Senseless killing...Then Mr. Underwood's meaning became clear: ... Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed" (Lee 323). Scout is confused by how Tom's death could have been "senseless killing" when Tom had been given a fair trial, had Atticus Finch fight for him, and then had twelve men agree on whether he was guilty or not. She realizes that Mr. Underwood is saying that Atticus has done all he could to save Tom, but that every man knew in his gut that once the case had began, Tom had already lost it. This is significant because it shows that although everything had gone as good as it could have: fair trial; good lawyer, nobody could convince twelve men to be be fair to a black man, which shows that they are not empathetic, and go out of their way to avoid trouble and controversy. The mention that Tom was dead once Mayella screamed is significant because if Mr. Ewell and Mayella hadn't decided to take the accusation to court, then life would go on as normal for everyone. But because they did decide to take it to court and draw attention to what Tom supposedly did, the public would automatically believe the Ewells' side of the story, because they're white. All in all, Scout was confused about why Mr. Underwood thinks Tom's death was irrational, if he was given a fair trial, which Scout begins to understand that it is because the jury and public had already decided Tom was guilty the minute the case had been brought to attention.

Do you think that Tom's death was "senseless killing?" Why or why not?

Chapter 22/23 -Explain Maudie’s two important quotes about Atticus in Chapter 22. How is she showing her support? (Gavin)

In chapter 22 Miss Maudie says two quotes that show that she is fully supportive of Atticus. One of Miss Maudie's quotes that shows support of Atticus is "I simply want to tell you that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father is one of them," (Lee 288). This quote shows that Miss Maudie is in support of Atticus because she knows that other white lawyers would not want to defend Tom Robinson due to a lot of bad scrutiny from the citizen of Maycomb. Also, it shows that she supports him because it shows that she respects Atticus for what he is doing and how he stands up for what he believes in. Another quote showing that Miss Maudie supports Atticus is "We're so rarely called on to be Christians, but when we are, we've got men like Atticus to go for us," (Lee 288). By saying this she is showing her support for Atticus because she supports that he did everything he could to help Tom Robinson. Both these quotes show that Miss Maudie supports Atticus and that not everyone in Maycomb is against Atticus for defending Tom Robinson.


On Page 289 Miss Maudie is talking about how it is not a coincidence that Judge Taylor chose Atticus to defend Tom Robinson. What do you think about this? Do you think it is a coincidence or did Judge Taylor pick Atticus for a reason?

Chapter 20/21: Explore Atticus’ words and actions in his closing argument. What makes his argument so effective? Why does Harper Lee do this? (Sharon)

When Atticus is telling his closing argument he made it effective by making it personal. "...he was talking to the jury as if they were folks on the post office corner." (Lee 271) With him doing this, Atticus is trying to make the jury feel like that they aren't in a court but a space that they're comfortable in. In the closing argument Atticus is trying to tell the men in the jury to look pass the fact that Tom Robinson is a black man. Look at the fact that he's a human being with a wife and kids. This in a way reminds me of the time when Scout made Mr. Cunningham realize that Atticus was almost just like him. Harper Lee does this because it shows Atticus' personality more, it shows that he really is trying to fight for Tom Robinson. Even if he was forced into it, he's still trying his best to win the case.

Chapters 22/23: Explain Jem’s discussion of “Background” and different kinds of folks. How does that help you understand Jem’s feelings expressed at the end of chapter 23 (302). Why did Harper Lee put this here? (Eve)

Jem believes there are 4 different kinds of people in Maycomb.   First there are regular people who are divided into different groups by money, education and social status.  Then there are the Cunninghams who are poorer, less educated, but hard working farmers or laborers. After that there is the "white trash" or the uneducated white folk who don’t have jobs. These are people like the Ewells. They are at the very bottom of the white social ladder. Finally there are the Negroes.  In the segregated south, no matter how kind, hard working, or smart they are, Negroes will always be looked down on and definitely not treated like equals.  Scout does not agree with Jem and tells him "No, everybody's gotta learn, nobody is born knowin'. That Walter's as smart as he can be, he just gets held back sometimes because he has to stay out and help his daddy. Nothin's wrong with him. Naw, Jem, I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks" (Lee 304).  This shows that Scout sees everyone in the white community equally and based on their opportunity to education.   Jem was certain that Atticus was going to win the case but it wasn't likely due to the fact that the jury simply could not let a black man be innocent. For all of Jem's life, he was accustomed to a simple world, but now that he is older his view on the world will change.  He is starting to see how mean the people in their small quiet town can be.  I think Harper Lee put this in the book to show how the children are beginning to grow up and mature. Jem believes he has a firm understanding on the background of everyone in Maycomb but Scout cannot make sense of it.   

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

When Scout asks Aunt Alexandra if she can invite over Walter Cunningham, she responds with, "he will never be in this house unless it is for business... I'll tell you why. Because—he—is—trash" (Lee 301). Aunt Alexandra does not like people like the Cunninghams. She thinks that Scout will learn and do bad things from and with Walter. She thinks that anyone with a bad background is trash. In Walter Cunningham's case, he comes from a family who cannot read and write, so she does not want scout to be friends with him. Atticus on the other hand, likes the Cunninghams. He says once they respect someone, they never forget. He says, "They left that night [when they went to kill Tom] with considerable respect for the Finches" (Lee 298). Atticus does not define a person by their background (family history). People Atticus thinks are trash are people like the Ewells because they do not do what is right. Atticus says to Jem, "as you grow older, you'll see white men cheat on black men every day… that white man is trash" (Lee 295). Atticus is stating here that if a white man cheats a black man because they think they are superior, the white man is trash. The Ewells are a great example of this because they got away charging Tom for rape, even though all that happened was Bob Ewell beating his daughter. These are Atticus's and Aunt Alexandra's definitions of trash.

What is your definition of trash in relation to the scene?

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

           Atticus and Aunt Alexandra have different definitions of trash, but are both the same at their core. While Atticus was talking to Scout about racism, he says, “As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day… whenever a white man does that to a black man… he is trash.” (Lee 295) By saying this, he has identified all of the jury as trash, because they all made their decision using racist bias rather than actual facts. While Aunt Alexandra was explaining to Scout why Walter Cunningham could not come over, she said, “Because-he-is-trash… I’ll not have you around him, picking up his habits and learning Lord-knows-what….” When she says this, she means she doesn’t want Scout to pick up any views from Walter that he may have got from his father. Walter may have inherited racist and biased views from his father, and she does not want Scout picking them up. Although both definitions are different, they both say that racist people are trash.

Chapter 20-21- Examine the final line of Chapter 21. What is the significance? (Emily Plump)

      When Atticus is passing by in the court room, Reverend Skyes tells Scout to move out of the way to respect her father because of his closing argument. Atticus made a huge sacrifice defending a black man and by respecting him, all of the black people stood up when he walked by. Atticus did he best here and showed that blacks and whites are all equal to each other. He also showed his respect to Tom, so everyone does the same to him. Scout realizes that everyone is standing up, " I looked around. They were all standing. All around us and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet. Reverend Skyes's voice was as distant as Judge Taylor's: 'Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin'"(Lee 283). As Scout stands up, she realizes how hard her father has worked on this case and how much he cares about how equal everyone should be. Atticus made it clear to everyone that Tom Robinson didn't do this but yet he still got charged for it. He really makes a bold statement in his closing argument which is respectful to blacks, "... the evil assumption that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber" (Lee 273). This quote really shows how Atticus strongly believed that it wasn't fair that people have stereotypes for black people. Atticus showed his respect to colored people, which is why it was so important for Scout to stand up when Reverend Skyes tells her to.

Chapter 20-21 Just before the court hears the verdict, Scout imagines Atticus “walk into the street, raise a rifle to his shoulder and pull the trigger, but watching all the time knowing the gun was empty.” What is the significance of this line? (Chapter 21) - Charlotte Shapiro

        The quote "... it was like watching Atticus walk into the street, raise a rifle to his shoulder and pull the trigger, but watching all the time knowing the gun was empty." (Lee 282) is significant because it shows how Scout is mature enough to understand what's really happening in Tom Robinson's case; it shows how she knows that even though her father did a magnificent job defending Tom Robinson, Tom would still be convicted because he is a black man who allegedly committed a crime against a white woman. When Scout says:

        "'Mr. Jem,' Reverend Sykes demurred, 'this ain't a polite thing for little ladies to hear...'

        'Aw she doesn't know what we're talkin' about,' said Jem. "Scout, this is too old for you, ain't it?'

        "It most certainly is not, I know every word you're saying.' Perhaps I was too convincing, because Jem hushed and never discussed the subject again." (Lee 279), Jem had been discussing the topic of rape. What shows Scout's maturity is not only what she said, but also the fact that it caused Jem to cease discussing the topic.

        The meaning of this quote also definitely has to do with Scout being the daughter of a man who is characterized in Maycomb as a "nigger lover." In the beginning of the trial, she was hopeful that Tom would be acquitted, as she had said, "I remembered something Jem had once explained to me when he went through a brief period of physical research: he said if enough people - a stadium full, maybe - were to concentrate on one thing, such as setting a tree afire in the woods, that the tree would ignite of its own accord. I toyed with the idea of asking everyone below to concentrate on setting Tom Robinson free, but thought if they were as tired as I, it wouldn't work." (Lee 281); but once the jury returned and failed to look at Tom Robinson, her hopes sinked. In those very seconds, she slightly grew up, realizing that the rest of Maycomb (and all of the South, for that matter) doesn't treat Negroes the way her father does. She realized that Tom Robinson's case was just like her father shooting an empty gun at his shoulder; the outcome had been known all along.

Chapters 20-21: What do Scout and Dill learn about Dolphus Raymond? What does this tell you about his character? (Simru S-E)

Scout and Dill learn that Mr. Dolphus Raymond is not the crazy, disgraced man he’s made out to be.  Scout, at the beginning, clearly has a bit of distrust for him when they first meet him face-to-face, outside the courthouse.  “As Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil man I accepted his invitation reluctantly…” (267).  Scout is speaking from what the rest of society thinks of Mr. Raymond; as a heavy drinker whose mind was twisted by the alcohol, which supposedly made him dwell around African-Americans more than his own kind.  This concept is very far-out in the time of the novel.  The way Scout sees it, if Dolphus thinks this way, who knows what other crazy things he might think?  This is confirmed for her when he offers Dill a sip of his supposed “whiskey.”  However, Scout and Dill discover his secret when Dill takes a sip.  Scout is the first to see this, and then Mr. Raymond replies. “‘You mean all you drink in that sack’s Coca-Cola?... then you just pretend you’re half-?... ‘Some folks don’t - like the way I live… folks can say Dolphus Raymond’s in the clutches of whiskey - that’s why he won’t change his ways… they could never, never understand that I live like I do because that’s the way I want to live’” (268).  Scout and Dill see now that Mr. Raymond uses the “whiskey” as an excuse for his way of life, though he is never actually drunk.  In terms of his character, this shows that he doesn’t have much outright courage.  Though it does take courage to hang around the people he loves, considering those people are those of a different, “inferior” race, he hides behind the whiskey while doing it.  He doesn’t have enough courage to show his true face to the world, to speak his opinion and have it truly be his own, not the whiskey’s.  Inside, though, he does very strongly believe in African-American rights and true equality.  He speaks to Dill and Scout about how a man develops a skin against the injustice he sees, though he still sees it as wrong.  He is clearly hurt by the treatment of African-Americans he sees.  Still, he uses something to blame it on, so he doesn’t quite have to deal with the effects of his actions himself.  A huge part of courage is honesty; being courageous enough to reveal the entire truth about yourself, or whatever you stand for, and not backing down on that.  However, he does still make a sacrifice; he is seen as a crazy man, and is distrusted by the community, all for the sake of being a part of what he believes are his people.

What would happen to Mr. Raymond if he revealed, to the town, what he’s been doing all along?  Is the reputation he has as a drinker and madman better than the one of a supporter of African-Americans?  What other characters in the book hide behind certain things in order to escape judgement or anything of the sort? Do you think Dolphus is distrusted by the African-Americans at all?

Chapter 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) (Mitch)

As the Rape case comes to a near end, Mr.Gilmer, Mayella Ewell's lawyer, starts to become more of a bully, instead of a lawyer. Mr.Gilmer was starting to insult Tom Robinson, instead of defending Mayella Ewell. Dill begins to get emotional because he shows empathy for Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson was scared to be in court for something he did not do, just like he currently is in the story (Lee 265).Also on (Lee 266) Dill says, "I know all that Scout, the way he said it made me sick." This relates back to Atticus' comment about having a police force of children because children seem to show more sympathy for people in tough situations. Some children feel sympathy for people who are struggling mostly because they have been in a much similar situation. Dill has had a similar situation with his parents. He had left his parents because he had thought that his parents did not care for him, just like most people who are participating in this court case, they do not care for Tom Robinson, especially Mr.Gilmer.

What are your thoughts on this court case? Did Judge Taylor let it go out of hand? Do you think Tom Robinson is guilty?

Free response post... Why does Mayella think Atticus is mocking her? (Julia Lang)

     Although Mayella is nearly twenty years old, she rarely associates with other people outside of her house and when she is in her house she spends her days picking up around the house. Mrs. Ewell passed away a long time ago making Mayella the women of the house and picking up as best as she can from her brother and sisters. Mayella rarely experiences any attention or affection aside from when Tom Robinson occasionally passes by. In court when Atticus calls her "ma'am" and "Ms. Mayella" she mistakes it for sarcasm because she has never been treated with respect or empathy. Atticus is a very respectful gentlemen, but because she has never experienced this she believed that he was making fun of her. In court Mayella didn't realize this and maybe she never will. All she heard it as was him being rude "-your ma'amin' and Miss Mayellerin' don't come to nothin', Mr. Finch-" (Lee 251). Judge Taylor then assures her that it was only Mr. Finches way and he was only trying to be polite.

Chapters 18/19: What is ironic about Tom saying that Mayella was “mistaken in her mind”? Why does Harper Lee include this? How does this contribute to our understanding of what or who is really on trial here? (Nicholas)

It is ironic how Tom says Mayella is mistaken in her mind when all the previous witnesses's overviews of the case line up. Heck Tate, Mr. Ewell and Mayella all say Tom did rape Mayella, but when it is Tom's turn to talk he tells a completely different scenario. If Tom is to be believed and Mayella did hug and kiss Tom first, then Mayella should be the one on trial. When Atticus asks if Mayella ever let Tom in the fence before Mayella says, "I did not. I certainly did not" (Lee 246). On the other hand, Tom said that he had entered the fence frequently upon Mayella's request to do her favors. This kind of difference is not one that can be mistaken as Tom says Mayella did. One of these two witnesses must be lying. "To the next ten questions, as Mr. Gilmer reviewed Mayella's version of events, the witness's steady answer was that she was mistaken in her mind" (Lee 264). This is significant because it increasingly shows how "mistaken" Mayella is becoming if what Tom says is true. Harper Lee includes this because whoever is "mistaken" or clearly lying, should be the one on trial. In conclusion, if what Tom said is true, then Mayella is not mistaken but lying and should be the one on trial.

Who do you think is telling the truth: Mayella or Tom?

Chapter 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? (Myles)

I think Dill cries because he has empathy for Tom Robinson, who was being put up on the spot like that. Tom was afraid of having to go to court, and thats why he ran, yet he was still pulled in because of prejudice. On page 266 Dill says"I know all that, Scout. It was the way he said it made me plain sick." When Atticus says that they have a police of children, he means that the empathy they can show can stop people doing unjust things. Dill clearly showed empathy for Tom Robinson.  I think that the reason Scout and Jem were not showing as much empathy as Dill is because of a part of their upbringing. The way that they have been brought up kept them from being able to put themselves in his shoes. I think that prejudice also plays a major part.

Do you think prejudice has to do with the output of empathy in the court?

Chapter 14/15: What happens in this chapter that causes a fight between Jem and Scout? What does this reveal about their relationship? How is this furthered later in the chapter when Dill arrives? (Stephen)

In chapter fourteen, Jem starts becoming condescending towards Scout. When Atticus and Aunt Alexandra start arguing, Jem leads Scout into another room to talk. During this conversation, he says, “It’s different with grown folks, we-” (Lee 184). By saying “we,” Jem tries to make it look like he is more grown up and more mature than Scout. He continues this by saying, “Now I mean it Scout, you antagonize Aunty and I’ll-I’ll spank you.” (Lee 184). By saying this, he implies that he has the right to do this because he is older and more superior. This means that Jem is growing up, and is starting to become condescending towards Scout. Jem’s condescension eventually leads towards Scout and Jem getting in a fight. When Dill arrives, Jem tries to do what he thinks is the grown-up thing to do, he tells Atticus. By doing this, he not only tries to act grown up, but he also acts even more condescending by ignoring Dill’s desires. Throughout the entire chapter, Jem is trying to act more grown up.

Chapter 16/17: What is revealed that is confusing about Mr. Underwood in chapter 16? How does this relate to one of the themes of the novel? - Geoffrey Goose

In chapter 16 it is revealed that despite wanting to defend Atticus, and Tom Robinson, he can't stand black people. When the Finch family was talking about the previous nights events, and Atticus said he was glad the children had showed up to save him. Aunty replies with, "'Nonsense, Mr. Underwood was there all the time'" (Lee 209). In reply Atticus says, "'You know, it's a funny thing about Braxton,' said Atticus. 'He despises Negroes, won't have one near him'" (Lee 209). This is extremely conflicting because in the previous chapter as Atticus and the children are returning home, Mr. Underwood comes out and says how he would of stood up for Atticus if need be. This relates to the theme of the book because it shows that Mr. Underwood has great empathy for Atticus. Never mind who he's defending, Mr. Underwood simply put himself in Atticus' shoes, and realized the tough times him and his family are going through. Harper Lee reveals a side of Mr. Underwood that we haven't seen thus far throughout the book.  Mr. Underwood will become an important character as the book goes on due to what Harper Lee has revealed.

How do you think Mr. Underwood will become involved, as the book continues?

Chapters 16/17 How is the relationship between Aunty and Atticus changing? In what ways is this important to our understanding of the novel? (Amy Khoshbin)

       Aunty and Atticus’ conflicting views on the way he raises his children, and his opinions on race, has caused a plethora of tension between the two that continues to increase as Tom Robinson’s trial grows closer. The tension between the two is most apparent on their opinions pertaining to race, specifically in regards to Calpurnia. Soon after coming to stay with Atticus aunt Alexandra says, “You’ve got to face it, sooner or later it might as well be tonight. We don’t need her now,” (Lee 182). Although to Atticus Calpurnia is an equal, and is as much a parent to his children as he is, to aunt Alexandra she will never be more than hired help, and the services she provides are no longer needed, unlike the rest of the family who believe she is more than their employee. Although Atticus is able to compromise with his sister, and accept their conflicting views, the continued stress of the trial, and the disapproving opinions of the town have made it harder for him to ignore. This is picked up by Scout at breakfast after Atticus comments on the prejudice and racism that consumes some of the people of Maycomb in front of Calpurnia. Although Atticus often agrees with his sister in order to avoid a fight, he has begun to respond in a more opinionated way. Scout says, “I was beginning to notice a subtle change in my father these days, that came out when he talked with Aunt Alexandra. It was a quiet digging in, never outright irritation,” (Lee 209). This illustrates the change in Aunty and Atticus’ relationship by showing that Atticus will  no longer allow himself to be subject to constant persecution for his decisions, nor will he continue to doubt his abilities. This is important to the novel because it reflects Atticus’ reason for defending Tom, by seeing him as a human being instead of a lesser class the way most people do, and highlights the controversy that this trial is causing. 

Do you think that Aunt Alexandra and Atticus will continue to have such separate views, and if so, will the result of the trial influence their opinions? 

Chapters 16-17 How is the relationship between Aunty and Atticus changing? In what ways is this important to our understanding of the novel? (Ben)

The relationship between Aunty Alexandra and Atticus is changing because Aunty is inflicting negative energy in to the Finch family, especially Atticus. This is important to our understanding of the novel because it shows how everyone's character can adapt to change. With Aunty Alexandra moving in to the Finch's house, it juristically changes Atticus' emotion and kindness. For instance, when the children, Scout and Jem Finch, left the house at night, Aunty was disgusted in the morning by their actions, however Atticus was much kinder. That being said, when Aunty spoke to the family about Calpurnia behind her back, Atticus stepped in but not with his normal voice. "I was beginning to notice a subtle change in my father these days, that came out when he talked with Aunt Alexandra. He was a quiet digging in, never outright irritation..." (Lee 178) This quote shows how Atticus reacts to talking to Aunty Alexandra with bitterness, however its not how he normally speaks which is much kinder. This is important to the novel because it shows character adaptation, like how Atticus reacts with his sister around, how Jem and Scout react when their father is acting differently, and how Aunty thinks about the Finch family's customs. A similar situation in the novel was how Jem thinks that Scout should be more ladylike. This changes Scouts opinion on how she acts just like how Atticus' opinion on life is changed when Aunty Alexandra talks to him. In conclusion, throughout the novel it is shown that Aunty Alexandra presence is changing how Atticus acts in his home because of her negativity.


 Do you think that Aunty Alexandra will move out by the end of the book? If not do you think Atticus will warm up to her?

Chapters 16-17 How is the relationship between Aunty and Atticus changing? In what ways is this important to our understanding of the novel? (Fiona)

The relationship between Aunty and Atticus is changing because Atticus is realizing that he needs stand up for himself and his children and not just obey everything that Alexandra tells him to do. This is important to our understanding to the novel because although Atticus is easily controlled by his sister, he knows that at a certain point, it has to stop when she is saying untrue and hurtful things about loved ones. The family was eating breakfast and discussing how Braxton Underwood does not like black people, and Alexandra gets angry with Atticus when he keeps talking as Calpurnia enters the room. Scout notes that she was beginning to “notice a subtle change in my father these days, that came out when he talked with Aunt Alexandra” (Lee 209). What Scout is observing is that her father isn’t agreeing and/or doing as Alexandra says all the time. Atticus then goes on to tell Alexandra “‘Anything fit to say at the table’s fit to say in front of Calpurnia. She knows what she means to this family’” (Lee 209). Alexandra has held a grudge against Cal since she arrived at the Finches home, starting when she refused to let Calpurnia make the refreshments for Alexandra’s Missionary Society meeting. The same applies to this scene, when she isn’t willing to let Calpurnia hear Atticus and Alexandra discussing others’ views on black people.  This connects with topics previously discussed because this instant also shows that even though Scout used to think that her father was a boring, old man, he is changing and he is realizing things that he didn’t know before, and is acting upon those realizations and fixing what he is doing wrong. Atticus is starting to realize that he can’t keep bowing down to his sister, and he decides to start by standing up for those whom he loves, including beloved Cal.

Do you think that Alexandra will take the message and not continue to boss around the Finches, or will she ignore it and try harder to be the head of the household?

Capter 14/15: In chapter 15, Atticus is visited by two groups of men. Explain the situations and the intentions of each group. (Eve)

The first group of men, including Sheriff Tate, come to speak with Atticus in the front yard of the house after Saturday dinner. Although the white citizens of Maycomb are not happy that Atticus will be defending Tom, this visit was not threatening to Atticus.  They just wanted to tell him that Tom Robinson was being moved to the jail and the danger Atticus would face if he took this case. Mr. Link Deas tells him "you've got everything to lose from this, Atticus. I mean everything" (Lee 195).  They feared that harm might come to Tom.  Atticus was not happy that Tom was being moved to jail, but couldn't do anything about it.  Jem was worried about his Father's safety but  Atticus said he would be fine.  The second group of men came to the Maycome Jail in the middle of the night.  One man says "you know what we want...get aside from the door Mr. Finch" (Lee 202), which implies they want to take Tom and possibly kill him.  Atticus refuses and Scout, realizing something is wrong, interrupts them and beings to talk to Mr. Cunningham (the only man she recognizes) about his son, Walter.  Because of this, Scout had appealed to Mr. Cunningham's better side. She had made a connection with him; and in doing so, she had made him act kindly and leave Atticus and Tom alone.  Scout is beginning to understand the danger Atticus faces for helping a defenseless person and doing the right thing.

Chapter 14-15: In chapter 15, Atticus is visited by two groups of men. Explain the situations and intentions of each group. (Gavin FitzPatrick)

In chapter 15 Atticus is visited by two groups of men, one group is trying to help Atticus in the Tom Robinson trial and the other group was there to hurt Tom Robinson. In chapter 15 Mr. Tate says, "Movin' him to the county jail tomorrow, I don't look for any trouble, but I can't guarantee there won't be any," (Lee 194).  The first group which was led by Heck Tate came to Atticus to tell him that Tom Robinson was being moved to the county jail and that Mr.Tate cannot guarantee that there will not be any "trouble". In this case the word trouble means that he cannot guarantee that Tom Robinson will not be lynched because of what he is accused of doing. The other group of men that met with Atticus was a group of men led by Walter Cunningham, and this group was there to start trouble. When the men first got there one man said "You know what we want, get aside from that door Mr. Finch," (Lee 202). This quote shows that the men wanted to get into the jail so they could hurt Tom Robinson. After that, Scout runs into the circle of man and starts talking to their leader Walter Cunningham. She starts talking to him about his son Walter Cunningham Jr. and how they are in the same grade, later Scout tell him to tell Walter she says "hey". After getting multiple stares from the group of men he told her that he would tell him that she said "hey" and then him and his group left. I think that Walter Cunningham told Scout that he would tell his son that she said "hey" because after everything Scout was saying about his son he knew that if he killed Tom Robinson he would not be able to see his family for a long time.

Why do you think Mr. Cunningham told Scout that he would tell Walter "hey" for her and then leave?

Chapters 14/15: Explain what Dill means in the last line of chapter 14. Is this surprising to you? (Ben Friedman)

After Dill ran from his home and was found under Scout's bed hiding, he gets in bed with Scout and they start talking. At the end of their conversation, Scout asks, "Why do you reckon Boo Radley's never run off?" (Lee 192). Dill sighs and replies with, "Maybe he doesn't have anywhere to runoff to..." (Lee 192) and he falls asleep.  When Dill ran off, he had a plan. He knew he was going to go to the Finches, and Boo Radley, having not been outside in a long time and not really knowing any outside people, does not. Maybe if he could run off, he would, but in his position right now, he cannot run off. On the other hand, maybe he does not want to run off. We do not know if he likes it in his home or not or if he is just too shy to come out. This statement is not surprising to me because Boo has not been outside in awhile. Also, I think that he would just be too shy since he has not interacted with another person, not including the people that live there. It is also not surprising to me because he would have ran off by now if he did have a place to run off to. 

Would Boo Radley come out if he had a place to run to? Do you think that Boo would just run off to nowhere? If so, why has Boo not ran off yet?

Chapters 12-13: Explain what Scout means when she says, "There was indeed a caste system in Maycomb" (175) What is a caste system, and how does it work in Maycomb, according to Scout? (Sharon)

In chapter 13 Scout says "There was indeed a caste system in Maycomb" (175). A caste system is a social class that you are given too at birth. In Maycomb your family name puts you into that category.  When Scout says "...were utterly predictable to one another: they took for granted attitudes, character shadings, even gestures, as having been repeated in each generation refined by time" (175). Scout is explaining how everyone sees others. That everything gets passed down over generation to generation. For example the Ewells have a reputation of only going to school on the first day and never going back. This is what they're known for and the next generation will be known for the same. 
Do you think it's right for the citizens of Maycomb county to stereotype people by their family names? 
If you were a Ewell, and you wanted to actually get an education would you break the reputation that you've created for yourself.

Chapters 12-13: What does Scout learn (and the reader) through the trip to the church about the divisions in Maycomb County? (Simru S-E)

Scout learns quite a bit about the tension between white and black people, as well as their way of life that was brought upon them by this tension.  Calpurnia is truly indifferent to this, shown by when she suggests that Jem and Scout come to church with her.  They enter the church, and most of the congregation treats them with great respect.  “When they saw Jem and me with Calpurnia, the men stepped back and took off their hats… weekday gestures of respect” (158).  However, this is not all of them.  After this show of respect, one woman named Lula comes up and starts to judge Calpurnia’s decision, but Calpurnia fights back.  “‘[Lula] wants to know why you bringin’ white chillun to n***** church… you ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here - they got their church, we got our’n.  It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?’... Calpurnia said, ‘It’s the same God, ain’t it?’” (159).  The congregation then shoos Lula out of there, but still her action is very prominent.  This goes to show how even though most of Maycomb’s black population are polite, there are still some that hold a grudge, and really have every right to.  They are treated as second-class citizens, and white people brought this inferiority upon them.  Therefore, they harbor a hatred for white folks which comes from the white people’s unrealistic hatred for them.  However, most of them, as shown by their warmth and appreciation in the church, are very appreciative and kind, and do not generalize when it comes to the roles of races.  They see that Jem and Scout have not done anything against them, so they don’t have to be wary of them.  Calpurnia especially treats Jem and Scout like her own, and sees that there should be no borders between the two races.  “It’s the same God” is what she says, showing she sees no reason for whites and blacks to be any different from one another.  But people like Lula have developed a distrust for all white people, and generalize when it comes to who caused her race’s oppression.  Overall, in this encounter, Jem and Scout see two sides of the story, and get to experience firsthand the tension they get from varying opinions.

Do you think Scout and Jem will experience more situations like Lula’s as the Tom Robinson trial progresses? Will they also experience hate from white people as well? Overall, how has Scout handled the hate launched at her so far?

Chapter 12-13 What do you learn about Aunt Alexandra in chapter 13 in general, and what do you learn about her influence over Atticus and his family? (Charlotte)

In chapter 13, we learn that Aunt Alexandra is a person who doesn’t take no for an answer. When Jem and Scout return from attending church with Calpurnia, they see her sitting on their porch. Scout described it as, “I looked down the street. Enamored, upright, uncompromising, Aunt Alexandra was sitting in a rocking chair exactly as if she had sat there every day of her life.” (Lee 168) Scout shows us that Aunt Alexandra has a tendency to make herself feel at home, and also that she expects others to allow her to barge in at any random moment. In addition, Aunt Alexandra loves attention. She’ll make it a point to get herself noticed, just like she did by joining and becoming secretary of the Maycomb Amanuensis Club when she had only been staying with Atticus for a short amount of time.

Aunt Alexandra is highly comparable to Charlotte Phelan in The Help, who is always trying to get her daughter, Skeeter, to act more feminine and proper. But despite all of Charlotte’s nagging, Skeeter remains the way she is and forces her mother to accept it.

Overall, Aunt Alexandra is a character who has very old-fashioned views on women, isn’t very understanding, and does not fully comprehend where she is and isn’t wanted.

Do you think Aunt Alexandra will end up changing Scout? Or will Scout end up changing Aunt Alexandra?

Chapter 12-13- What do you learn about Calpurnia in chapter 12? What does Scout realize about her? (Emily Plump)

            In chapter 12, we learn that Calpurnia has a different side of her from working for the Finches. Scout and Jem have never heard Calpurnia talk like she does in her church. Scout asks Calpurnia why she talks like colored people and Scout says that it isn’t right to do that. Jem thinks that she doesn’t have to talk like that and Calpurnia replies, "Suppose you and Scout talked colored-folks' talk at home it'd be out of place, wouldn't it? Now what if I talked white-folks' talk at church, and with my neighbors? They'd think I was puttin' on airs to beat Moses” (Lee 167).  From hearing Calpurnia talk differently with colored people, Scout and Jem realize that she has a different life outside of their house. Calpurnia also acts differently when she’s with her colored friend. Scout finds out that Zeebo is Calpurnia’s son. She is teaching him how to read because Calpurnia learned from Mrs. Buford, who taught her how to read. From finding out about Calpurnia’s different life, Scout really starts to like her a lot more and he even wants to go to Calpurnia’s house to find out a lot more about her.

Why do you think Calpurnia acts and talks differently with her colored friends and to the Finches?