"To Kill a Mockingbird"
Chapters 1-7 Comprehension Questions
Chapter 1:
1.) What do you learn about Maycomb, Atticus Finch and his family?
Maycomb is a small town. It is a farming town. It is in Alabama. Almost everyone knows each other. Maycomb is not respectful to blacks. They don't treat blacks like humans. Atticus Finch is a lawyer. He has been there for everyone to know him. He is the only lawyer in the town or courthouse. His kids are Scouts and Jem. His wife died of a heart attack. Atticus and Scout & Jem have a weird relationship. They resent him because they don't have a mom. He is just there for them. There is a maid. Calpurnia is the maid. She is their black servant. They respect them as their mother, but not as much as their deceased mother.
2.) What do you learn about Dill’s character?
Dill is very small, especially compared to Scout. He could read and write. He is obnoxious. Dill wants to know everyone's business during the summer. He wants to know it all.
3.) What, briefly, has happened to Arthur “Boo” Radley?
He got mixed up with the wrong people. Atticus said don't put him in the jail, but in a basement because there is something wrong with him. He has been in the basement for fifteen years. He stabbed his dad on the thigh with scissors. Brother is taking care of him. Father can't take care of him because he is dead.
4.) Why does the Radley place fascinate Scout, Jem and Dill?
Boo's house fascinate them because they are curious about the house. The house is creepy, and the windows are boarded up. There is also a creepy man living in the basement (Boo). It is not normal like the other houses.
5.) What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint of the novel?
Scout is telling the story. She is telling like it is not happening. She is reflecting on her childhood. She is retelling her story of her childhood.
6.) What is the first thing that happens in the story?
Jem breaks her arm.
Maycomb is a small town. It is a farming town. It is in Alabama. Almost everyone knows each other. Maycomb is not respectful to blacks. They don't treat blacks like humans. Atticus Finch is a lawyer. He has been there for everyone to know him. He is the only lawyer in the town or courthouse. His kids are Scouts and Jem. His wife died of a heart attack. Atticus and Scout & Jem have a weird relationship. They resent him because they don't have a mom. He is just there for them. There is a maid. Calpurnia is the maid. She is their black servant. They respect them as their mother, but not as much as their deceased mother.
2.) What do you learn about Dill’s character?
Dill is very small, especially compared to Scout. He could read and write. He is obnoxious. Dill wants to know everyone's business during the summer. He wants to know it all.
3.) What, briefly, has happened to Arthur “Boo” Radley?
He got mixed up with the wrong people. Atticus said don't put him in the jail, but in a basement because there is something wrong with him. He has been in the basement for fifteen years. He stabbed his dad on the thigh with scissors. Brother is taking care of him. Father can't take care of him because he is dead.
4.) Why does the Radley place fascinate Scout, Jem and Dill?
Boo's house fascinate them because they are curious about the house. The house is creepy, and the windows are boarded up. There is also a creepy man living in the basement (Boo). It is not normal like the other houses.
5.) What do you notice about the narrative voice and viewpoint of the novel?
Scout is telling the story. She is telling like it is not happening. She is reflecting on her childhood. She is retelling her story of her childhood.
6.) What is the first thing that happens in the story?
Jem breaks her arm.
Chapter 2:
1.) What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher? List qualities that make her good or not good at her job.
good
- smells like peppermint
- tried to help Walter Cunningham
- she is young
- she is pretty
bad
- she is yelling
- she put her hands on Scout
- she hits Scout with a ruler
- she sends Little Chuck home because he is dirty
- she yells at Scout because Scout knows how to read
- she is disrespecting Atticus because she thinks Atticus doesn't know how to teach
- she tells Scout to write in print, not in cursive
good
- smells like peppermint
- tried to help Walter Cunningham
- she is young
- she is pretty
bad
- she is yelling
- she put her hands on Scout
- she hits Scout with a ruler
- she sends Little Chuck home because he is dirty
- she yells at Scout because Scout knows how to read
- she is disrespecting Atticus because she thinks Atticus doesn't know how to teach
- she tells Scout to write in print, not in cursive
Chapter 3
1.) Who is Calpurnia?
Calpurnia is part of the family. She takes care of the house. She is a maid, she cooks.
2.) What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behavior during lunch suggest about his home life?
Walter is poor and has no lunch, but he is proud. He takes pride for being in the country. Instead of going to his own home for lunch, Walter goes to Scout and Jem's house for lunch. Maybe, he doesn't have a house, no money, parents don't look after him.
3.) How does Atticus treat Walter? What does this show about Atticus' character? What does it show about Walter?
Atticus treats Walter with respect. Atticus makes a civilized conversation with Walter. He defends Walter when Scout thinks that Walter is weird. Atticus' character is good. He understands all people. He has tolerance. Walter is not afraid to do what he wants to do.
4.) Contrast the difference in the way Jem and Scout treat Walter. What does this show about the difference between Jem and Scout at this point in the novel?
Jem stands up for Walter. Jem is generous with Walter. But, Scout doesn't show respect for Walter. Scout beats up Walter because of the incident at school.
5.) Atticus says that you never really understand a person "until you climb into his skin and walk around it". What does this mean? Is it an easy thing for Scout to learn? Why or why not?
This means that you have to be with a person a long period of time to get to know him or her. It means to be in the person's shoes and to experience what the person has gone through. I don't think it is an easy thing for Scout. Children naturally assume that everyone is the same. They don't remember anything. It is hard for her to understand that all people are different.
6.) What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells?
I learned that "the Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations." (Page 40) I also learned that "they lived like animals." (Page 40) They are poor and are country folk. They don't follow the rules, or the law. Burris Ewells just goes to the first day of school. Also, the father buys liquor and is irresponsible.
Calpurnia is part of the family. She takes care of the house. She is a maid, she cooks.
2.) What is Walter Cunningham like? What does his behavior during lunch suggest about his home life?
Walter is poor and has no lunch, but he is proud. He takes pride for being in the country. Instead of going to his own home for lunch, Walter goes to Scout and Jem's house for lunch. Maybe, he doesn't have a house, no money, parents don't look after him.
3.) How does Atticus treat Walter? What does this show about Atticus' character? What does it show about Walter?
Atticus treats Walter with respect. Atticus makes a civilized conversation with Walter. He defends Walter when Scout thinks that Walter is weird. Atticus' character is good. He understands all people. He has tolerance. Walter is not afraid to do what he wants to do.
4.) Contrast the difference in the way Jem and Scout treat Walter. What does this show about the difference between Jem and Scout at this point in the novel?
Jem stands up for Walter. Jem is generous with Walter. But, Scout doesn't show respect for Walter. Scout beats up Walter because of the incident at school.
5.) Atticus says that you never really understand a person "until you climb into his skin and walk around it". What does this mean? Is it an easy thing for Scout to learn? Why or why not?
This means that you have to be with a person a long period of time to get to know him or her. It means to be in the person's shoes and to experience what the person has gone through. I don't think it is an easy thing for Scout. Children naturally assume that everyone is the same. They don't remember anything. It is hard for her to understand that all people are different.
6.) What do you learn in this chapter about the Ewells?
I learned that "the Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations." (Page 40) I also learned that "they lived like animals." (Page 40) They are poor and are country folk. They don't follow the rules, or the law. Burris Ewells just goes to the first day of school. Also, the father buys liquor and is irresponsible.
Chapter 4
1.) What does Scout think of current fashions in education?
Scout was coloring in school, but she doesn't feel like she was learning. Scout was learning the Dewey Decimal System. Scout learns from Atticus and Calpurnia. Also, she is reading Time Magazine. Right now, she thinks school is a waste of time. Scout thinks they are at school to be babysat, or to be looked after. Scout thinks she doesn't learn much at school.
2.) What characteristics of children are revealed through the Boo Radley game?
The children are very aware of what they are saying. They remember everything. Children mimic adults and mock them. Children also play games that involve pretending to be someone older. They do understand some right and wrong. They understand the difference between right and wrong, but they ignore it.
3.) Why doesn’t Scout enjoy the games as much as the boys do?
Scout is very terrified of playing this game because someone could find out that they are playing this game. Scout doesn't enjoy the games because the boys give her the boring part.
4.) What might be the cause of the laughter from inside the house?
The cause of the laughter from inside the house is from Boo Radley. Maybe, Boo Radley was watching them the playing the tire game. He thought it was funny, so he laughed.
Scout was coloring in school, but she doesn't feel like she was learning. Scout was learning the Dewey Decimal System. Scout learns from Atticus and Calpurnia. Also, she is reading Time Magazine. Right now, she thinks school is a waste of time. Scout thinks they are at school to be babysat, or to be looked after. Scout thinks she doesn't learn much at school.
2.) What characteristics of children are revealed through the Boo Radley game?
The children are very aware of what they are saying. They remember everything. Children mimic adults and mock them. Children also play games that involve pretending to be someone older. They do understand some right and wrong. They understand the difference between right and wrong, but they ignore it.
3.) Why doesn’t Scout enjoy the games as much as the boys do?
Scout is very terrified of playing this game because someone could find out that they are playing this game. Scout doesn't enjoy the games because the boys give her the boring part.
4.) What might be the cause of the laughter from inside the house?
The cause of the laughter from inside the house is from Boo Radley. Maybe, Boo Radley was watching them the playing the tire game. He thought it was funny, so he laughed.
Chapter 5
1.) Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson. What do the children think of her?
She makes the best cakes. The children trust her. They see her as a friend. Miss Maudie Atkinson hates her house. Miss Maudie Atkinson is a baptist. Her husband passed away. Jack Finch continuously asks Miss Atkinson to marry him, but she always says no. She also tells the children to call Boo by the name of Arthur.
2.) What purpose do you think Miss Maudie’s character plays in the novel?
She is a source of info. She is somebody to look up to. Miss Maudie always reinforces manners, morality, and ethics. When Calpurnia is busy and Atticus is at work, Miss Maudie Atkinson babysits the children.
3.) What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about Boo? (provide a quote) How does this compare with what Scout already believes?
Miss Maudie tells Scout about Boo that "his name is Arthur, and he is alive." (Page 57) She also tells that he is a foot-washing baptist, "3/4 colored folks, 1/4 Miss Stephanie Crawford."
4.) What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the Boo Radley game? Do you think he is right? Why or why not?
Atticus says:
1. to stop tormenting Mr. Radley.
2. what ever he wants to do it is Mr. Radley's business.
3. to be civil.
4. to stay away from the house until they were invited.
Atticus is right because he is telling the children to do the right thing. The children should leave Mr. Radley alone.
She makes the best cakes. The children trust her. They see her as a friend. Miss Maudie Atkinson hates her house. Miss Maudie Atkinson is a baptist. Her husband passed away. Jack Finch continuously asks Miss Atkinson to marry him, but she always says no. She also tells the children to call Boo by the name of Arthur.
2.) What purpose do you think Miss Maudie’s character plays in the novel?
She is a source of info. She is somebody to look up to. Miss Maudie always reinforces manners, morality, and ethics. When Calpurnia is busy and Atticus is at work, Miss Maudie Atkinson babysits the children.
3.) What does Miss Maudie tell Scout about Boo? (provide a quote) How does this compare with what Scout already believes?
Miss Maudie tells Scout about Boo that "his name is Arthur, and he is alive." (Page 57) She also tells that he is a foot-washing baptist, "3/4 colored folks, 1/4 Miss Stephanie Crawford."
4.) What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the Boo Radley game? Do you think he is right? Why or why not?
Atticus says:
1. to stop tormenting Mr. Radley.
2. what ever he wants to do it is Mr. Radley's business.
3. to be civil.
4. to stay away from the house until they were invited.
Atticus is right because he is telling the children to do the right thing. The children should leave Mr. Radley alone.
Chapter 6
1.) Why does Scout disapprove of Jem and Dill’s plan of looking in one of the Radley’s windows?
Scout doesn't want to get in trouble. She is also scared about Mr. Radley after the things he had done in the past.
2.) What does Mr. Nathan know about the intruders in his garden? Why does Miss Stephanie refer to a “negro” over whose head Mr. Nathan has fired?
He thinks it is a black man. Mr. Nathan shot his shotgun in the air and scared him off. She feels that only black people steal things.
3.) Why does Dill's explanation of dress almost land him in trouble?
He says that they were playing strip poker. They are not supposed to gamble with each other and do inappropriate stuff with each other. Jem and Dill are lying for each other. They are doing this because they don't want to tell the truth. They are friends.
Scout doesn't want to get in trouble. She is also scared about Mr. Radley after the things he had done in the past.
2.) What does Mr. Nathan know about the intruders in his garden? Why does Miss Stephanie refer to a “negro” over whose head Mr. Nathan has fired?
He thinks it is a black man. Mr. Nathan shot his shotgun in the air and scared him off. She feels that only black people steal things.
3.) Why does Dill's explanation of dress almost land him in trouble?
He says that they were playing strip poker. They are not supposed to gamble with each other and do inappropriate stuff with each other. Jem and Dill are lying for each other. They are doing this because they don't want to tell the truth. They are friends.
Chapter 7
1.) When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange. What is this?
He finds his pants folded over the fence and mended.
2.) Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley?
Boo is trying to communicate with them in a weird way. He is sending gifts to Jem and Scout Jem understands enough to write Boo a letter. Nathan Radley is not telling the truth that the tree is dying because Atticus said that the tree has green leaves.
3.) Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree?
Jem doesn't fear the gifts because he anticipates the gifts to be there. He looks forward to the gifts. He thinks Boo is inferring that he knows about them. He thinks Boo makes the soap figurings of them because Boo wants Jem and Scout know that Boo knows about them.
4.) When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this happen? Why does it, and why might he do so?
Mr. Nathan prevents the children's plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts by putting cement in the hole where the gifts are placed. Mr. Nathan possibly found out that Jem and Scout were communicating with Boo. Mr. Nathan is possibly protecting the children because Boo is a crazy man. Mr. Nathan might be also protecting Boo because he doesn't want anymore rumors and town gossip of Boo.
He finds his pants folded over the fence and mended.
2.) Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about Boo Radley?
Boo is trying to communicate with them in a weird way. He is sending gifts to Jem and Scout Jem understands enough to write Boo a letter. Nathan Radley is not telling the truth that the tree is dying because Atticus said that the tree has green leaves.
3.) Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree?
Jem doesn't fear the gifts because he anticipates the gifts to be there. He looks forward to the gifts. He thinks Boo is inferring that he knows about them. He thinks Boo makes the soap figurings of them because Boo wants Jem and Scout know that Boo knows about them.
4.) When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this happen? Why does it, and why might he do so?
Mr. Nathan prevents the children's plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts by putting cement in the hole where the gifts are placed. Mr. Nathan possibly found out that Jem and Scout were communicating with Boo. Mr. Nathan is possibly protecting the children because Boo is a crazy man. Mr. Nathan might be also protecting Boo because he doesn't want anymore rumors and town gossip of Boo.