To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Chapter 1 (3-15)
1. The narrator starts by talking about her brother. What happened to Jem?
2. Describe the setting of Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s. Provide at least three details.
3. Who was “the meanest man in town”?
4. Describe Boo based on the imaginings of the children. Provide at least three details.
5. How did Jem prove his courage?
6. Who is telling the story? __________________________________________________
7. Why would Harper Lee tell this story through Scout who is just six when the story begins?
Chapter 1 Vocabulary:
“…Jem’s fears of never being able to play football were assuaged…” (3).
(as-suaged)
to lessen intensity of pain or fear
“The Haverfords … were imprudent enough to do it in the presence of three witnesses” (5).
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“… our repertoire was vapid from countless reproductions…” (8).
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“Inside the house lived a malevolent phantom” (8).
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Chapter 2 (15-22)
8. Chapter 2 introduces Scout’s first grade teacher, Miss Caroline. The reader learns about her
and her familiarity with her job as teacher and with the Maycomb community and her students.
Does Miss Caroline understand her students? Support your answer with two details from the text.
9. On her first day of school, Scout gets in trouble. List two of her problems.
10. What do we learn about the Cunninghams? List at least two details.
Chapter 2 Vocabulary:
“Jem condescended to take me to school the first day…” (15).
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“After a dreary conversation in our livingroom one night about his entailment…” (20).
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Chapter 3 (22-32)
From Chapter 2 and then on pages 22 and 23, Jem and Scout interact (deal) with Walter
Cunningham. What do you learn about Jem and Scout by their words and actions with Walter?
11. What do you learn about Scout? List two details from the text.
12. What do you learn about Jem? List two details from the text.
13. Describe Burris Ewell.
14. Explain why ordering Scout back to school would not work. Provide two details concerning
Scout’s personality to support your answer.
Chapter 3 Vocabulary:
“…staying behind to advise Atticus of Calpurnia’s iniquities was worth a solitary sprint past the
Radley place” (25).
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“There ain’t no need to fear a cootie, Ma’am” (26).
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“… and their paw’s right contentious” (27).
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“I’m afraid our activities would be received with considerable disapprobation by the more learned
authorities” (31).
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Chapter 4 (33-41)
15. What is the first gift that appears in the hollow of the tree? What else do they find?
16. Describe the Boo Radley game.
17. When Scout rolled into the Radley’s yard, she realized “Someone inside the house was
laughing” (41). What does this mean?
Chapter 4 Vocabulary:
“The remainder of my schooldays were no more auspicious than the first” (32).
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“… helping ourselves to someone’s scuppernongs was part of our ethical culture…” (35).
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“It was a melancholy little drama, woven from bits and scraps of gossip…” (39).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 5 (41-50)
18. What does Scout admire about Miss Maudie? List three details from the text
19. What new plan do the boys devise to get Boo Radley to come out? List three details
20. Atticus discovers the Boo Radley game. What is his reaction? What does he say and what does
he do? List three details from the text.
Chapter 5 Vocabulary:
“… she was only another lady in the neighborhood, but a relatively benign presence” (42).
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“What a morbid question. But I suppose it’s a morbid subject” (43).
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“No… putting his life’s history on display for the edification of the neighborhood” (49).
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Chapter 6 (50-57)
21. What went wrong with Jem and Dill’s plot to peer in the Radley window?
22. Why does Jem return alone to the Radley yard to retrieve his pants? Provide one detail from
the text to support your answer.
Chapter 6 Vocabulary:
“Sometimes when we made a midnight pilgrimage to the bathroom, we would find him reading”
(57).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“… and the darkness was desolate with the barking of distant dogs” (57).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 7 (57-63)
23. What does Jem tell Scout about “that night” at Boo Radley’s?
24. What does this reveal or imply about Boo?
25. List five items found in the knothole.
26. “Someone had filled our knot-hole with cement” (62). What does this imply?
Chapter 7 Vocabulary:
“You reckon we oughta write a letter to whoever’s leaving us these things?” (61).
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Chapter 8 (63-74)
27. What method does Jem devise to make a snowman?
28. When Miss Maudie’s house burns, what are the Finches worried about?
29. What does the “blanket” incident reveal about Boo Radley?
Chapter 8 Vocabulary:
“… Jem and I were burdened with the guilt of contributing to the aberrations of nature, thereby
causing unhappiness to our neighbors and discomfort to ourselves” (63).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“You can’t go around making caricatures of the neighbors” (67).
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“… erected an absolute morphodite in the yard” (68).
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Chapter 9 (74-89)
30. Who is Tom Robinson? List three details from this chapter.
31. In this chapter, we learn about Atticus and his ethical standards. In your own words
summarize his reasons for defending Tom Robinson.
32. Why does Scout stop fighting? Include a direct quotation from the story.
33. Where do Atticus, Jem, and Scout go for Christmas?
34. What is revealed about Francis Hancock’s personality? Include words and actions from the
story.
35. Describe Maycomb’s “usual disease”. (88)
Chapter 9 Vocabulary:
“I was debating whether to stand there or run, and tarried in decision a moment too long…” (84).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“It was obstreperous, disorderly, and abusive—“(85).
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“Her use of bathroom invective leaves nothing to the imagination” (87).
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Chapter 10 (89-99)
36. Scout is ashamed of Atticus. List his faults as she sees them. Use at least three details from the
text.
37. Why does Atticus say that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird?
38. Now speculate why Harper Lee titled her book To Kill a Mockingbird.
39. What do Jem and Scout discover about their father in this chapter?
40. Jem tells Scout not to tell the other kids about the “mad dog” incident. What does this reveal
about Jem?
Chapter 10 Vocabulary:
“Uncle Jack instructed us in the rudiments thereof;” (90).
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Chapter 11 (99-112)
41. What makes the children hate and fear Mr. Dubose? List two details from the text.
42. Atticus punishes Jem by making him read to Mrs. Dubose. Why? What does he hope Jem will
learn? Provide two details from the text to support your answers.
Chapter 11 Vocabulary:
“Once she heard Jem refer to our father as ‘Atticus’ and her reaction was apoplectic (100).
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“… we were followed up the sidewalk by a philippic on our family’s moral degeneration…” (102).
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“I wasn’t sure what Jem resented most, but I took umbrage at Mrs. Dubose’s assessment of the
family’s mental hygiene” (102).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 12 (115-126)
43. What changes does Scout notice in her brother? List two details from the text.
44. Calpurnia takes the children with her to attend her church. That Sunday Reverend Sykes takes
up a special collection from the members. What does that tell us about the church community?
45. What do the children observe about Calpurnia’s behavior in her church community?
46. At the end of the chapter, who is waiting on the porch for the children?
Chapter 12 Vocabulary:
“… that morning it was covered with our Sunday habiliments” (117).
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Chapter 13 (127-134)
47. Aunt Alexandra comes to stay for the summer. Atticus says “Your aunt’s doing me a favor as
well as you all. I can’t stay here all day with you, and the summer’s going to be a hot one” (128)
What are his concerns?
48. Even though Atticus and Aunt Alexandra are brother and sister, they are very different. What
are two differences? Support them with details from the text.
Chapter 13 Vocabulary:
“… Sinkfield reduced his quests to myopic drunkenness one evening…” (130).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“His curtness stung me” (134).
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Chapter 14 (135-144)
49. When Aunt Alexandra finds out that Jem and Scout have attended Cal’s church, what does she
want Atticus to do about it?
50. Why does Scout attack Jem?
51. What does Dill reveal to Scout about his family? Include at least two details from the text.
Chapter 14 Vocabulary:
“… he was positively allergic to my presence when in public…” (135).
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“Atticus’s remarks were still rankling…” (137).
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Chapter 15 (144-155)
52. Why have the neighbors gathered in the front yard?
53. What do the children discover downtown at ten o’clock on Sunday night?
54. Scout talks to Mr. Cunningham. Why does her speech diffuse (break up) the mob?
55. At the end of the chapter, who do we hear for the first time?
Chapter 15 Vocabulary:
“‘Change of venue,’ said Mr. Tate. ‘Not much point in that, now is it?’” (145).
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“The Maycomb jail was the most venerable and hideous of the country’s buildings” (150).
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“‘Called em’ off on a snipe hunt,’ was the succinct answer” (151).
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Chapter 16 (155-166)
56. In the eyes of the community, what is Dolphus Raymond’s problem? List two details from the
text.
57. What two things does Scout learn from the Idlers’ Club before the trial?
58. Where do the children sit for the trial? What does this tell you?
Chapter 16 Vocabulary:
“She was now standing arms akimbo, her shoulders drooping a little…” (159).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“We asked Miss Maudie to elucidate…” (160).
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Chapter 17 (166-178)
59. Atticus asks Mr. Ewell if he called for a doctor for Mayella. What point is he trying to make?
60. During the discussion of Mayella’s injuries, what key fact seems important to Atticus?
61. “Against the fence… were six chipped-enamel slop jars holding brilliant red geraniums, cared for
as tenderly as if they belonged to Miss Maudie” (171) What does this reveal about Mayella?
62. Why does Atticus ask Mr. Ewell to write his name?
Chapter 17 Vocabulary:
“We could tell, however, when debate became more acrimonious than professional…”
(171).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“‘About your writing with your left hand, are you ambidextrous, Mr. Ewell?’” (178).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 18 (178-189)
63. “Apparently Mayella’s recital had given her confidence, but it was not her father’s brash kind:
there was something stealthy about hers, like a steady- eyed cat with a twitchy tail” (181). What does
Scout’s observation suggest about Mayella?
64. Mayella is confused by Atticus’ attitude during the cross examination. She thinks that he is
trying to “sass” her. What does this reveal about Mayella’s life?
65. When Tom Robinson stands up for identification, what is revealed?
66. At the end of her testimony, Mayella breaks down in and calls “the fine fancy gentlemen” of the
jury “yellow stinking cowards” (188). What effect might this behavior have on the jury?
Chapter 18 Vocabulary:
“‘A chiffarobe, an old dresser full of drawers on one side’” (184).
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Chapter 19 (190-199)
67. On the day of Tom’s “crime,” where were the seven Ewell children? What does this imply?
68. How did Tom feel about Mayella’s situation? Why was this admission a mistake?
69. What two points does Mr. Gilmer try to make cross- examining Tom?
Chapter 9 Vocabulary:
“Judge Taylor told the reporter to expunge anything he happened to have written down” (196).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“‘Are you being impudent to me, boy?’” (198).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 20 (199-206)
70. What aspect of Mr. Raymond’s reputation do the children find to be false?
71. What is Mayella’s real crime?
72. What assumptions (beliefs) does Mr. Ewell have that makes him believe the jury will agree with
his version of the rape? List at least two assumptions from the text.
Chapter 20 Vocabulary:
“I had never encountered a being who had deliberately perpetrated fraud against himself” (201).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“… absence of any corroborative evidence…” (202).
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Chapter 21 (206-212)
73. Why did Calpurnia come to the courthouse?
74. How long was the jury out? What does this mean? What does it imply?
75. How does Scout know the verdict even before the jury reports?
76. What happens as Atticus leaves the courtroom? What does this imply?
Chapter 21 Vocabulary:
“I was exhilarated. So many things had happened so fast…” (207).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 22 (212-217)
77. What does Atticus find in the kitchen the next morning? What does it imply?
78. What does Miss Maudie tell the children? List three details from the text.
79. What is Bob Ewell’s reaction to Atticus after the trial?
Chapter 22 Vocabulary:
“‘Don’t talk like that, Dill’ said Aunt Alexandra. ‘It’s not becoming to a child. It’s – cynical. (214).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 23 (217-227)
80. How does Atticus react and what does he say about Bob Ewell’s threat? What does this reveal
about his character?
81. What is the children’s reaction to the threat?
82. What offers hope for Tom in the legal system?
83. What is Atticus’ concern when he says, “Don’t fool yourselves—it’s all adding up and one of
these days we’re going to pay the bill for it. I hope its’ not in your children’s time.” (221)?
84. Why does Scout disagree with Aunt Alexandra about the types of “folks” in Maycomb? What is
her philosophy (belief)?
Chapter 23 Vocabulary:
“Mr. Ewell was a veteran of an obscure war” (217).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“‘Nobody has much chance to be furtive in Maycomb,’ Atticus Answered” (218).
(______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 24 (227-237)
85. The ladies of the missionary circle discuss the trial and its effect on the community. What is the
irony of Mrs. Merriweather’s comment about hypocrites?
86. Who is J. Grimes Everett?
87. What news does Atticus bring to Aunt Alexandra, Maudie and Scout?
88. What does Scout learn about being a lady?
Chapter 24 Vocabulary:
“‘Hypocrites, Mrs. Perkins, born hypocrites,’ Mrs. Merriweather was saying” (234).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 25 (238-241)
89. Describe Helen’s reaction to her husband’s death.
90. How does most of the town react to the news? Give two quotations from the text.
91. What was Mr. Underwood’s position in his editorial? List at least three details from the text
92. How does Mr. Ewell react? What does he say?
Chapter 25 Vocabulary:
“… that Robinson boy was legally married, they say that he kept himself clean, went to church and
all that, but when it comes down to the line the veneer’s mighty thin” (240).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 26 (241-247)
93. How old are Jem and Scout now?
94. How does Atticus fare in the next state election? What does the result imply?
95. What is the irony of Miss Gates’ lecture on democracy when compared to her comments at the
trial?
96. What are some signs that Scout is growing up? List two details from the text.
Chapter 26 Vocabulary:
“The rural children who could, usually brought clipping from what they call “The Grit Paper,” a
publication spurious in the eyes of Miss Gates, our teacher” (244).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 27 (247-254)
97. What happened to Bob Ewell’s WPA job? Who did he blame?
98. What happened at Judge Taylor’s house? Who is the suspect?
99. What problems did Helen Robinson have with the Ewells? List two examples.
100. Why is the town having a Halloween Pageant? Why did the town’s children wear their shoes
white the dogs were tracking the suspects of the Barber sisters missing furniture?
Chapter 27 Vocabulary:
“One Sunday night, lost in fruity metaphors and florid diction, Judge Taylor’s attention was
wrenched from the page by an irritating scratching noise” (248).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“Our classmates mercifully let us forget our father’s eccentricities” (250).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 28 (254-266)
101. What does Cecil Jacobs do before the pageant which helps set up later events?
102. Why are Scout and Jem among the last to leave the auditorium?
103. What do the children hear when they are walking?
104. What happens under the big oak tree? List at least three details from the text.
Chapter 28 Vocabulary:
“… Colonel Maycomb set out on a purposeful journey to rout the enemy an entangled his troops so
far northwest in the forest primeval that they were eventually rescued by settlers moving inland”
(258).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 29 (267-270)
105. Who attacked the children and why?
106. Who rescued Scout and Jem? How did he get involved?
107. Describe Boo. List three details from the text.
Chapter 29 Vocabulary:
“‘And don’t you fret yourself about anything’” (267).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
“…but brought my arm down quickly lest Atticus reprimand me for pointing” (270).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 30 (271-276)
108. Atticus moves everyone to the front porch to discuss the events. Why?
109. Atticus believes that Jem played a part in Ewell’s death. What is his biggest concern?
110. Heck Tate has a switch blade that he says he took off a drunken man. What is the significance
of the knife?
111. What killed Bob Ewell? What is Sheriff Tate going to do about it and why?
112. Why does Scout agree with Sheriff Tate?
Chapter 30 Vocabulary:
“If Atticus could blandly introduce me to Boo Radley at a time like this, well – that was Atticus”
(271).
( ______________________ ) _____________________________________________________
Chapter 31 (277-281)
113. Who takes Boo home?
114. What does Scout see from the Radley porch? List three details from the text.
115. What does Scout realize?
116. What does Atticus do the long night?
Chapter 31 Vocabulary:
“It must have been after midnight, and I was puzzled by his amiable acquiescence” (280).
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