"To Kill A Mockingbird"
Chapters 19-31 Comprehension Questions
Chapter 19
1.) What made Tom visit the Ewell’s house in the first place?
Tom walked through the field to get to work everyday. Mayella asked Tom Robinson to help her. Tom Robinson was asked to do chores for Mayella before. Tom Robinson was going home, but Mayella invited Tom to do a chore for her.
2.) Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was “the loneliest person in the world”?
Scout thinks that because nobody helps her. Mayella does everything herself. Also, Mayella doesn't have any friends, and she doesn't have a social life. She is socially excluded. No one cares about Mayella because Bob Ewell didn't take her to the doctor. Bob Ewell just calls the police.
3.) Describe Mayella’s relationship with her father.
Bob doesn't care about Mayella. He didn't call a doctor for her. Mayella is kind of the mother. Bob just spends his money on alcohol. Mayella is associated with the Ewells. People are assuming that the Ewells are all the same, cruel and unjust. People think of the Ewells as trash.
4.) How does Mr. Gilmer’s treatment of Tom contrast with Atticus’ treatment of Mayella in the previous chapter?
Atticus is really polite to Mayella. Atticus is patient to Mayella. Mayella thinks he is making fun of her and mocking her because no one has ever been polite to her. When Mayella cries, Atticus lets her cry. Atticus is caring towards Mayella and the situation. Atticus is patient. Atticus has empathy for Mayella. In the other hand, Mr. Gilmer is disrespectful towards Tom. Mr. Gilmer is rude towards Tom. Every time Tom speaks, Mr. Gilmer sneers and looks at the jury. Mr. Gilmer is very condescending. He thinks whatever Tom says is irrelevant. Mr. Gilmer thinks Tom is lying. He thinks that because Tom is African American. Mr. Gilmer is like this to Tom because Tom is black. As a result, Mr. Gilmer thinks he is better than Tom.
5.) What social mistake does Tom make in his testimony?
Tom says that he feels sorry for Mayella. By saying that, nobody should feel bad for a white person. It makes Tom look like he doesn't understand his place in society. He just shows empathy for Mayella. Tom makes him look like he is better than white people. That is not acceptable in Maycomb County.
6.) Why does Dill become sick?
Dill doesn't like the way Mr. Gilmer is treating Tom. He doesn't like the fact that Mr. Gilmer is verbally abusive towards Tom Robinson. Dill is like this because he has a different way of thinking. Children have a different way of thinking. They don't care about gender, sexuality, and skin color. They just know what is right and what is wrong. Dill just sees the difference between right and wrong.
Tom walked through the field to get to work everyday. Mayella asked Tom Robinson to help her. Tom Robinson was asked to do chores for Mayella before. Tom Robinson was going home, but Mayella invited Tom to do a chore for her.
2.) Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was “the loneliest person in the world”?
Scout thinks that because nobody helps her. Mayella does everything herself. Also, Mayella doesn't have any friends, and she doesn't have a social life. She is socially excluded. No one cares about Mayella because Bob Ewell didn't take her to the doctor. Bob Ewell just calls the police.
3.) Describe Mayella’s relationship with her father.
Bob doesn't care about Mayella. He didn't call a doctor for her. Mayella is kind of the mother. Bob just spends his money on alcohol. Mayella is associated with the Ewells. People are assuming that the Ewells are all the same, cruel and unjust. People think of the Ewells as trash.
4.) How does Mr. Gilmer’s treatment of Tom contrast with Atticus’ treatment of Mayella in the previous chapter?
Atticus is really polite to Mayella. Atticus is patient to Mayella. Mayella thinks he is making fun of her and mocking her because no one has ever been polite to her. When Mayella cries, Atticus lets her cry. Atticus is caring towards Mayella and the situation. Atticus is patient. Atticus has empathy for Mayella. In the other hand, Mr. Gilmer is disrespectful towards Tom. Mr. Gilmer is rude towards Tom. Every time Tom speaks, Mr. Gilmer sneers and looks at the jury. Mr. Gilmer is very condescending. He thinks whatever Tom says is irrelevant. Mr. Gilmer thinks Tom is lying. He thinks that because Tom is African American. Mr. Gilmer is like this to Tom because Tom is black. As a result, Mr. Gilmer thinks he is better than Tom.
5.) What social mistake does Tom make in his testimony?
Tom says that he feels sorry for Mayella. By saying that, nobody should feel bad for a white person. It makes Tom look like he doesn't understand his place in society. He just shows empathy for Mayella. Tom makes him look like he is better than white people. That is not acceptable in Maycomb County.
6.) Why does Dill become sick?
Dill doesn't like the way Mr. Gilmer is treating Tom. He doesn't like the fact that Mr. Gilmer is verbally abusive towards Tom Robinson. Dill is like this because he has a different way of thinking. Children have a different way of thinking. They don't care about gender, sexuality, and skin color. They just know what is right and what is wrong. Dill just sees the difference between right and wrong.
Chapter 20
1.) Scout says that “Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil man”. Is she right?
He was the guy who was always drunk in town. He hangs out with colored people. Also, his wife killed herself in the wedding day. But, he is smart enough to see colored people as regular people. Mr. Dolphus Raymond does the right thing. He is an ethical man. Scout is wrong.
2.) In most states in America people who drink alcohol in public places are required to hide their bottle in a paper bag. Why does Dolphus-Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a bag?
It is so people don't bother him in what he does and how he lives. It gives people a reason to understand his behavior.
3.) What, according to Atticus, is the thing that Mayella has done wrong?
Mayella has tempted a black person and has broke the code of society, according to Atticus. She kissed somebody out of her race.
4.) Explain, in your own words, Atticus’ views on people’s being equal.
Atticus says that people are not born equal. He says some are smarter and some have more opportunity. Atticus says that in the court of law, everyone should be treated equally.
He was the guy who was always drunk in town. He hangs out with colored people. Also, his wife killed herself in the wedding day. But, he is smart enough to see colored people as regular people. Mr. Dolphus Raymond does the right thing. He is an ethical man. Scout is wrong.
2.) In most states in America people who drink alcohol in public places are required to hide their bottle in a paper bag. Why does Dolphus-Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a bag?
It is so people don't bother him in what he does and how he lives. It gives people a reason to understand his behavior.
3.) What, according to Atticus, is the thing that Mayella has done wrong?
Mayella has tempted a black person and has broke the code of society, according to Atticus. She kissed somebody out of her race.
4.) Explain, in your own words, Atticus’ views on people’s being equal.
Atticus says that people are not born equal. He says some are smarter and some have more opportunity. Atticus says that in the court of law, everyone should be treated equally.
Chapter 21
1.) What does Jem expect the verdict to be? Does Atticus think the same? Why?
That Tom is going to be innocent. Atticus is kind of unsure because he doesn't want to be disappointed.
2.) What is unusual about how long it takes the jury to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or not?
The jury takes accessibly long to reach a verdict. The verdict is predictable because of the lack of rights for African Americans in this story. African Americans would be always assumed guilty because of their race or skin color in this time in the story.
3.) What does Reverend Sykes instruction to Scout to "stand up" show about his people's attitude towards Atticus?
Even though he lost, they still appreciate him and respect him. Atticus has good will for black people. They thought he did a good job in defending Tom Robinson.
That Tom is going to be innocent. Atticus is kind of unsure because he doesn't want to be disappointed.
2.) What is unusual about how long it takes the jury to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or not?
The jury takes accessibly long to reach a verdict. The verdict is predictable because of the lack of rights for African Americans in this story. African Americans would be always assumed guilty because of their race or skin color in this time in the story.
3.) What does Reverend Sykes instruction to Scout to "stand up" show about his people's attitude towards Atticus?
Even though he lost, they still appreciate him and respect him. Atticus has good will for black people. They thought he did a good job in defending Tom Robinson.
Chapter 22
1.) Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he defends Jem’s right to know what has happened. Explain, in your own words, Atticus’s reasons for this.
Maybe, Atticus wants to be a good role model. Atticus knows that Jem is becoming a man. Atticus wants Jem to catch on to things and learn about the real world, so he is prepared for the real world.
2.) Miss Maudie tells Jem that “things are never as bad as they seem”. What reasons does she give for this view?
Jem thinks things are so bad because Atticus lost the trial. Miss Maudie tells this to Jem because Atticus has done a good job at defending Tom Robinson, even though they lost. The black people appreciate Atticus for defending Tom Robinson. Miss Maudie wants Jem not to be so mad and upset about the trial.
Maybe, Atticus wants to be a good role model. Atticus knows that Jem is becoming a man. Atticus wants Jem to catch on to things and learn about the real world, so he is prepared for the real world.
2.) Miss Maudie tells Jem that “things are never as bad as they seem”. What reasons does she give for this view?
Jem thinks things are so bad because Atticus lost the trial. Miss Maudie tells this to Jem because Atticus has done a good job at defending Tom Robinson, even though they lost. The black people appreciate Atticus for defending Tom Robinson. Miss Maudie wants Jem not to be so mad and upset about the trial.
Chapter 23
1.) What explanation does Atticus give for Bob Ewell’s personal attack and threat?
He says that if it saved him from Bob beating one of the kids or Mayella, then he would take it. Also, Atticus "destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial". (Page 292)
2.) What is “circumstantial evidence”? What had it got to do with Tom’s conviction?
It is evidence based on eye witnesses. It is all words. In this evidence, eye witnesses would be the evidence. But, in Tom Robinson's case, nobody saw Tom kissing Mayella or raping her. It is kind of harder to determine if Tom was guilty or innocent.
3.) What reason does Atticus give about why the jury took so long to convict Tom?
The reason is Mr. Cunningham. He wanted to drop the charges against Tom.
4.) Why does Aunt Alexandra accept that the Cunninghams may be good but are
not “our kind of folks”?
What makes the Cunninghams good is that they are ethical. They tried to defend Tom. But, Aunt Alexandra sees them as not their kind of folks because the Cunninghams are beneath them in society. The Finches are richer
5.) At the end of this chapter, Jem forms a new theory about why Boo Radley has never left his house in years. What is this theory? How likely is it to be true?
The theory he comes up with is that Boo Radley wants to stay inside. He might not want to leave the house because, maybe, Maycomb is a cruel town. It would be hard for Boo Radley to fit in in Maycomb. All the gossip and rumors about Boo Radley is another possible reason why Boo Radley doesn't want to come out of the house.
He says that if it saved him from Bob beating one of the kids or Mayella, then he would take it. Also, Atticus "destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial". (Page 292)
2.) What is “circumstantial evidence”? What had it got to do with Tom’s conviction?
It is evidence based on eye witnesses. It is all words. In this evidence, eye witnesses would be the evidence. But, in Tom Robinson's case, nobody saw Tom kissing Mayella or raping her. It is kind of harder to determine if Tom was guilty or innocent.
3.) What reason does Atticus give about why the jury took so long to convict Tom?
The reason is Mr. Cunningham. He wanted to drop the charges against Tom.
4.) Why does Aunt Alexandra accept that the Cunninghams may be good but are
not “our kind of folks”?
What makes the Cunninghams good is that they are ethical. They tried to defend Tom. But, Aunt Alexandra sees them as not their kind of folks because the Cunninghams are beneath them in society. The Finches are richer
5.) At the end of this chapter, Jem forms a new theory about why Boo Radley has never left his house in years. What is this theory? How likely is it to be true?
The theory he comes up with is that Boo Radley wants to stay inside. He might not want to leave the house because, maybe, Maycomb is a cruel town. It would be hard for Boo Radley to fit in in Maycomb. All the gossip and rumors about Boo Radley is another possible reason why Boo Radley doesn't want to come out of the house.
Chapter 24
1.) Do you think the missionary ladies are sincere in worrying about the “Mrunas” (a tribe in Africa”? Give reasons for your answer.
The missionary ladies are not sincere. They are pretty fake about it. They just do this because they think that is what good Christians do. They just want to keep appearances.
2.) What is your opinion of the ladies of Maycomb? Explain and support with quotes.
My opinion is that they are very lady-like and Christian. They are very gossipy. They are supposed to be talking about Church service. Instead, they gossip about different rumors in Maycomb. They think it is okay in their own town to have slaves and to have servants and to treat differently. Then, they pretend to feel bad for the Mrunas in Africa. The ladies are hypocritical.
3.) Explain briefly how Tom was killed. What is Atticus’ explanation for Tom’s attempted escape?
Tom is running in the yard to escape. He climbs the fence. The guards then shoot warning shots to force Tom to come back. Then, when Tom is at the top of the fence, they shot Tom seventeen times. Atticus' explanation for Tom's attempted escape is that Tom took his chances. Tom has lost hope and has given up. He figures it is better to take the risk and die rather than spending time in jail.
4.) How, in this chapter, do we see Aunt Alexandra in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support her?
Aunt Alexandra is compassionate and sad for Tom and his family. She is also irritated. She feels upset. Aunt Alexandra is upset because the town is making Atticus do their dirty work. They are too cowardly to do their own. They put all their problems in Atticus. Aunt Alexandra is worried about that. She doesn't think Atticus has to be the spokesperson for civil rights and justice. Miss Maudie supports Aunt Alexandra by agreeing with their about civil rights.
5.) What shows that Scout has new respect for Aunt Alexandra?
Scout shows she has new respect for Aunt Alexandra by her action of picking up the tray of cookies and serving the missionary ladies. Scout is now learning what it means to be a "lady" in Maycomb County.
The missionary ladies are not sincere. They are pretty fake about it. They just do this because they think that is what good Christians do. They just want to keep appearances.
2.) What is your opinion of the ladies of Maycomb? Explain and support with quotes.
My opinion is that they are very lady-like and Christian. They are very gossipy. They are supposed to be talking about Church service. Instead, they gossip about different rumors in Maycomb. They think it is okay in their own town to have slaves and to have servants and to treat differently. Then, they pretend to feel bad for the Mrunas in Africa. The ladies are hypocritical.
3.) Explain briefly how Tom was killed. What is Atticus’ explanation for Tom’s attempted escape?
Tom is running in the yard to escape. He climbs the fence. The guards then shoot warning shots to force Tom to come back. Then, when Tom is at the top of the fence, they shot Tom seventeen times. Atticus' explanation for Tom's attempted escape is that Tom took his chances. Tom has lost hope and has given up. He figures it is better to take the risk and die rather than spending time in jail.
4.) How, in this chapter, do we see Aunt Alexandra in a new light? How does Miss Maudie support her?
Aunt Alexandra is compassionate and sad for Tom and his family. She is also irritated. She feels upset. Aunt Alexandra is upset because the town is making Atticus do their dirty work. They are too cowardly to do their own. They put all their problems in Atticus. Aunt Alexandra is worried about that. She doesn't think Atticus has to be the spokesperson for civil rights and justice. Miss Maudie supports Aunt Alexandra by agreeing with their about civil rights.
5.) What shows that Scout has new respect for Aunt Alexandra?
Scout shows she has new respect for Aunt Alexandra by her action of picking up the tray of cookies and serving the missionary ladies. Scout is now learning what it means to be a "lady" in Maycomb County.
Chapter 25
1.) How does Maycomb react to the news of Tom’s death?
Maycomb is curious. Maycomb just likes to gossip about the news of Tom's death or anything interesting to them. Maycomb just likes to gossip. They think that the death of a Negro is typical because Maycomb doesn't care about Negroes
2.) Comment on the idea that Tom’s death was “typical”.
In the story, it is thought that black people are being lazy and unproductive members in society in Maycomb. It doesn't surprise them because they already have their highest opinion about Negroes.
3.) Explain the contrast Scout draws between the court where Tom was tried and “the secret courts of men’s hearts”.
They have their opinions, and they are not going to change their opinions. Even though you can be objective and just look at the facts, you still have an opinion.
4.) Why did Jem not want Scout to tell Atticus about Bob Ewell’s at the end of the chapter? Was this a wise thing to ask her to do? Explain why or why not.
They don't want to worry or burden Atticus on anything else. Atticus already has enough to worry about. At this point, the kids are protecting Atticus.
Maycomb is curious. Maycomb just likes to gossip about the news of Tom's death or anything interesting to them. Maycomb just likes to gossip. They think that the death of a Negro is typical because Maycomb doesn't care about Negroes
2.) Comment on the idea that Tom’s death was “typical”.
In the story, it is thought that black people are being lazy and unproductive members in society in Maycomb. It doesn't surprise them because they already have their highest opinion about Negroes.
3.) Explain the contrast Scout draws between the court where Tom was tried and “the secret courts of men’s hearts”.
They have their opinions, and they are not going to change their opinions. Even though you can be objective and just look at the facts, you still have an opinion.
4.) Why did Jem not want Scout to tell Atticus about Bob Ewell’s at the end of the chapter? Was this a wise thing to ask her to do? Explain why or why not.
They don't want to worry or burden Atticus on anything else. Atticus already has enough to worry about. At this point, the kids are protecting Atticus.
Chapter 26
1.) In her lesson on Hitler, Miss Gates says that “we (American people) don’t believe in persecuting anything”. What seems odd to you as the reader about this claim?
Miss Gates finds it not okay for Hitler to persecute Jews, but she finds it okay for her and other people to persecute black people. This is hypocrisy. She is being a hypocrite.
2.) Why is Scout so puzzled by Miss Gates’ disapproval of Hitler?
Miss Gates wants to continue to oppress black people. But, in class, she thinks it is disgusting that Hitler persecuted Jews.
3.) Why does Scout’s questions upset Jem? Is there a simple answer, or any answer, to the question “How can you hate Hitler an’ then turn around an’ be ugly about folks right at home?”
Scout asks Jem "How can you hate Hitler an' then turn around an' be ugly about folds right at home?" This question upsets Jem because of the trial. It makes Jem think again that why is Tom Robinson being treated unfairly. Jem is sympathetic and empathetic towards Tom Robinson. An answer to the question is that you have no control of other people's actions. You can only worry about yourself.
Miss Gates finds it not okay for Hitler to persecute Jews, but she finds it okay for her and other people to persecute black people. This is hypocrisy. She is being a hypocrite.
2.) Why is Scout so puzzled by Miss Gates’ disapproval of Hitler?
Miss Gates wants to continue to oppress black people. But, in class, she thinks it is disgusting that Hitler persecuted Jews.
3.) Why does Scout’s questions upset Jem? Is there a simple answer, or any answer, to the question “How can you hate Hitler an’ then turn around an’ be ugly about folks right at home?”
Scout asks Jem "How can you hate Hitler an' then turn around an' be ugly about folds right at home?" This question upsets Jem because of the trial. It makes Jem think again that why is Tom Robinson being treated unfairly. Jem is sympathetic and empathetic towards Tom Robinson. An answer to the question is that you have no control of other people's actions. You can only worry about yourself.
Chapter 27
1.) What three things does Bob Ewell do that alarm Aunt Alexandra?
Bob Ewell breaks the back door of Judge Taylor's house. The screen door is broken in two. Bob Ewell probably tries to break into Judge Taylor's house. He also verbally accosts Helen Robinson. He drives her off the road to work at one point. Bob Ewell harasses Helen. Bob Ewell just annoys Helen Robinson. Bob Ewell also loses his job for laziness. Bob Ewell might come after the Finches.
2.) Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear a grudge?
Bob Ewell holds a grudge against anybody who was involved with the case. Bob Ewell can't annoy Tom because he is dead. So, he irritates Helen, Tom's wife. He thought that the town would come around him and congratulate him for putting a black man to jail. But, the town doesn't treat him like that. The town still thinks he is trashy and racist. The town still thinks that he is creepy and crazy.
Bob Ewell breaks the back door of Judge Taylor's house. The screen door is broken in two. Bob Ewell probably tries to break into Judge Taylor's house. He also verbally accosts Helen Robinson. He drives her off the road to work at one point. Bob Ewell harasses Helen. Bob Ewell just annoys Helen Robinson. Bob Ewell also loses his job for laziness. Bob Ewell might come after the Finches.
2.) Why, according to Atticus, does Bob Ewell bear a grudge?
Bob Ewell holds a grudge against anybody who was involved with the case. Bob Ewell can't annoy Tom because he is dead. So, he irritates Helen, Tom's wife. He thought that the town would come around him and congratulate him for putting a black man to jail. But, the town doesn't treat him like that. The town still thinks he is trashy and racist. The town still thinks that he is creepy and crazy.
Chapter 28
1.) How do the opening pages of this chapter remind us, the reader, of earlier events in the novel?
Jem broke his arm. His elbow was broken. It is believed that Bob Ewell broke Jem's arm in the elbow.
2.) Scout decides to keep her costume on while walking home. How does this affect her understanding of what happens on the way?
She can't walk or run very well. She can't hear anything. She can't talk. She is stuck in the ham costume. She is also barefooted. When Bob Ewell tries to attack Scout, the chicken wire of the costume protects her. Then, Bob Ewell goes for Jem.
3.) Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner? Who might this stranger be?
Atticus is just going to give space to the man. He doesn't want to interrupt the man. The stranger might be Boo Radley. Boo Radley is always watching and protecting the kids. Also, Scout doesn't know or understand who the man is in the corner. It could also be a country folk.
Jem broke his arm. His elbow was broken. It is believed that Bob Ewell broke Jem's arm in the elbow.
2.) Scout decides to keep her costume on while walking home. How does this affect her understanding of what happens on the way?
She can't walk or run very well. She can't hear anything. She can't talk. She is stuck in the ham costume. She is also barefooted. When Bob Ewell tries to attack Scout, the chicken wire of the costume protects her. Then, Bob Ewell goes for Jem.
3.) Why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner? Who might this stranger be?
Atticus is just going to give space to the man. He doesn't want to interrupt the man. The stranger might be Boo Radley. Boo Radley is always watching and protecting the kids. Also, Scout doesn't know or understand who the man is in the corner. It could also be a country folk.
Chapter 29
1.) What causes the “shiny clean line” on the otherwise “dull wire” of Scout’s costume?
The paint causes the "shiny clean line" on the otherwise "dull wire" of . Mrs. Crenshaw put the paint on her costume.
2.) What explanation does Atticus give for Bob Ewell’s attack?
Bob Ewell was out of his mind. He wasn't crazy, but he was brave enough to kill children.
3.) What does Heck Tate give as the reason for the attack?
Heck Tate thinks he is just mean and cruel and vicious enough to go after children.
4.) Why should the reader not be surprised about the identity of the children’s rescuer?
Boo Radley already communicated and protected the children. He left little gifts for the children. Boo Radley also wrapped a blanket around Scout when their neighbor's house was on fire. Also, Boo Radley fixed Jem's pants. Boo Radley is a hero to the children because he always looks after, protects, and does good deeds towards them. Also, the fact that Boo Radley saved the children from Bob Ewell makes him a hero.
The paint causes the "shiny clean line" on the otherwise "dull wire" of . Mrs. Crenshaw put the paint on her costume.
2.) What explanation does Atticus give for Bob Ewell’s attack?
Bob Ewell was out of his mind. He wasn't crazy, but he was brave enough to kill children.
3.) What does Heck Tate give as the reason for the attack?
Heck Tate thinks he is just mean and cruel and vicious enough to go after children.
4.) Why should the reader not be surprised about the identity of the children’s rescuer?
Boo Radley already communicated and protected the children. He left little gifts for the children. Boo Radley also wrapped a blanket around Scout when their neighbor's house was on fire. Also, Boo Radley fixed Jem's pants. Boo Radley is a hero to the children because he always looks after, protects, and does good deeds towards them. Also, the fact that Boo Radley saved the children from Bob Ewell makes him a hero.
Chapter 30
1.) Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell’s death?
Atticus thinks that Jem stabbed and killed Bob Ewell in the dark.
2.) Why does Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell’s death was self-inflicted?
One reason is that he wants to protect Jem from the town and the town's gossip. He doesn't want Jem to go through court and being accused. The other reason is that he is protecting Boo Radley. He knows well enough that Boo wants to stay out of it. He is not going to put Boo in the position of being a hero or a murderer. Boo doesn't want publicity. Heck Tate is protecting Jem and Boo Radley.
3.) Is Heck Tate right to spare Boo the publicity of an inquest? Give reasons for your answer.
Heck Tate is right because it is protecting Boo Radley's privacy and publicity. We already know that Boo Radley has had enough of the town gossip and rumors. Boo Radley wants to have privacy. He is being kind and generous in protecting Boo and Jem, while he is breaking the law. He is risking his job as sheriff by lying about what happened, and, in doing so, he is protecting both Boo Radley and Jem.
Atticus thinks that Jem stabbed and killed Bob Ewell in the dark.
2.) Why does Heck Tate insist that Bob Ewell’s death was self-inflicted?
One reason is that he wants to protect Jem from the town and the town's gossip. He doesn't want Jem to go through court and being accused. The other reason is that he is protecting Boo Radley. He knows well enough that Boo wants to stay out of it. He is not going to put Boo in the position of being a hero or a murderer. Boo doesn't want publicity. Heck Tate is protecting Jem and Boo Radley.
3.) Is Heck Tate right to spare Boo the publicity of an inquest? Give reasons for your answer.
Heck Tate is right because it is protecting Boo Radley's privacy and publicity. We already know that Boo Radley has had enough of the town gossip and rumors. Boo Radley wants to have privacy. He is being kind and generous in protecting Boo and Jem, while he is breaking the law. He is risking his job as sheriff by lying about what happened, and, in doing so, he is protecting both Boo Radley and Jem.
Chapter 31
1.) How do the events of the final chapters explain the first sentence in the whole novel?
All of the events lead up to Jem's broken arm. In the beginning of the story, there wasn't any rising action leading up to Jem's broken arm. Now, there are some events leading up to Jem's broken arm.
2.) How does Scout make sense of an earlier remark of Atitcus’ as she stands on the Radley porch?
She starts to see things from Boo Radley's perspective. Boo was taking care of them, but she and Jem never did something in return. By standing on the Radley's porch, Scout realizes that the neighborhood never takes time to understand Boo Radley.
3.) How much of a surprise is it to find what Boo Radley is really like? Has the story before this point prepared the reader for this discovery?
Boo Radley is a little immature. He is caring and protective towards the children. Also, he is very shy and very reclusive. Boo is not crazy and is definitely not chained in the basement. You can't always believe what you hear. The rumors about Boo Radley are false. Even though he is immature and has the mind of a little kid, he is very caring and protective toward the children.
All of the events lead up to Jem's broken arm. In the beginning of the story, there wasn't any rising action leading up to Jem's broken arm. Now, there are some events leading up to Jem's broken arm.
2.) How does Scout make sense of an earlier remark of Atitcus’ as she stands on the Radley porch?
She starts to see things from Boo Radley's perspective. Boo was taking care of them, but she and Jem never did something in return. By standing on the Radley's porch, Scout realizes that the neighborhood never takes time to understand Boo Radley.
3.) How much of a surprise is it to find what Boo Radley is really like? Has the story before this point prepared the reader for this discovery?
Boo Radley is a little immature. He is caring and protective towards the children. Also, he is very shy and very reclusive. Boo is not crazy and is definitely not chained in the basement. You can't always believe what you hear. The rumors about Boo Radley are false. Even though he is immature and has the mind of a little kid, he is very caring and protective toward the children.