English 100

To Kill a Mockingbird Reading Questions Chapters 12-18

1. How were Jem and Scott treated at Cal's church? Why were there no hymn books there?

2. The children discovered that Cal spoke one way to her black friends at church, and another way when she worked at the Finchs’. How did she explain why she changed her manner of speaking? Who had taught her to read?

3. Why didn't Scout like Aunt Alexandra to live with them? For what reason did she come?

4. Dill had a wild story about why he had run away from home. What did he say was the reason? What was the real reason?

5. Where did the children find Dill? Why did Jem tell Atticus that Dill was there, according to Scout?

6. Why had Jem told Atticus that the telephone was ringing the night the men came to the Finch home? Who was there in the crowd that Scout knew?

7. Why had the mob gathered in front of the jail? Describe the effect Scout had on them.

8. Why did people dislike Dolphus Raymond? Why did the women point out Miss Maudie's garden to the others?

9. Where did Scout and Jem sit during the trial? How did they feel about being there?

10.      What gave Judge Taylor the appearance of being inattentive during the trial? Was he inattentive?

11.      On what side of Mayella's face did she have bruises? How did Atticus establish the fact that Mr. Ewell was left-handed? Why do you suppose he wants to make certain this fact is well established?

12.      Describe the setting of the Ewell home. Describe Mr. Ewell's attitude while he was testifying.

13.      Of what does Mayella accuse Tom? What is significant about Tom Robinson's arm?

14.      Describe Mayella's version of what happened between her and Tom on the day in question.

15.      When Atticus called the girl “Miss Mayella”, she was highly insulted. Why? Had Atticus meant to insult her?

Part Two: Explain or define the following, giving two points about each:

a. First Purchase

b. Lula; Reverend Sykes

c. “linin’”

d. Zeebo; Missionary Society

e. Link Deas

f.  Ku Klux Klan

g. “Mixed chillun’”

h. Red Geraniums

i.  “chiffarobe”

j.  Mr. Gilmer.