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STUDENT COPY
Chapter 18
VOCABULARY
brash - aggressive; arrogant
browbeating - bullying; pestering
contorted - twisted out of shape
distilled - extracted the essence of
exodus - a mass exit or departure
involuntary - uncontrolled; spontaneous
lavations - washings, cleanings
mollified - soothed, calmed
neutrality - passivity; blandness
rove - to wander
serenely - calmly
stealthy - sly, sneaky
strenuous - hard; tiring
1.
0
What is Mayella's version of what happened? Which part of her testimony contradicts
that of her father's?
Why does Mayella think that Atticus is mocking her?
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To Kill a Mockingbird
3.
STUDENT COPY
Why does Atticus begin by asking Mayella a lot of questions about herself and her family?
Describe the way Tom Robinson looks as he stands up. What is unusual about his arms?
How is this information relevant to the beating and choking of Mayella?
5.
On what dramatic note does Atticus end his questioning of Mayella? What is her response?
Considering the evidence and testimony up to this point, do you think Tom Robinson is
guilty? Give reasons for your opinion.
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To Kill a Mockingbird
STUDENT COPY
Chapter 19
VOCABULARY
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candid - open, frank
ex cathedra - with the authority of one's position
expunge - to delete
impudent - cocky; disrespectful
unimpaired - functioning properly
volition - the exercising of one's own will
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When Tom Robinson takes the oath, what is made clear about his left hand? How does
this help Atticus's case?
2.^
Summarize Tom's testimony. According to him, what happened on the day of the
alleged crime?
3. | Where were the other Ewell children on that day? What does this fact suggest about
Mayella's motives concerning Tom?
4.
What does Tom's running away from the Ewell house suggest? What else could he have done?
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To Kill a Mockingbird
STUDENT COPY
5.
What does Link Deas say about Tom Robinson, and how does his statement show that
he is different from the majority of white people in Maycomb?
6.
How would you describe Mr. Gilmer's cross-examination of Tom Robinson? What is his
strategy? What is his tone?
When Tom admits that he felt sorry for Mayella Ewell, what is Gilmer's reaction? What
is the reaction of the majority of white people in the courtroom?
Why does Dill begin to cry?
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STUDENT COPY
Chapter 20
VOCABULARY
aridity - dryness
caliber - the quality or ability of
contraband - smuggled goods
cynical - distrusting of human nature
distaff- the female side of a family (in this case, referring to Eleanor Roosevelt)
idealist - one who has an unrealistically positive view of something
indicted - accused, charged
industrious - hardworking
integrity - decency, reliability
iota - a bit, a very small amount
pauper - an extremely poor person
temerity - nerve
unmitigated - pure; absolute
Why does Dolphus Raymond drink Coca-Cola and pretend it is liquor? What does
Scout think of him and the reasons his gives for his behavior?
(9
How does Dolphus Raymond explain Dill's crying?
Dolphus Raymond tells Scout, "You haven't even seen this town, but all you gotta do is
step back inside the courthouse." What does he mean by this statement? How will Scout
see what her town is truly like simply by stepping back into the courthouse?
4.
What does Jem think the verdict will be? Do you think he is right? Give reasons for
your opinion.
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To Kill a Mockingbird
5.
STUDENT COPY
During his closing argument, Atticus pauses and does something that astonishes Scout
and Jem. What does he do? Why do you think he does it?
Q>
1
At one point during his closing remarks, Atticus says to the jury, "This case is as simple
as black and white." What does he mean by this statement? How can it be interpreted
on more than one level?
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According to Atticus, what motivated Mayella Ewell to accuse Tom Robinson of raping her?
^8^
How is Atticus's closing statement in defense of Tom Robinson also an attack upon
racism?
0
Near the end of his closing statement, Atticus references the maxim, "All men are created
equal." According to him, what is the one institution in which this maxim is true?
10.
As Atticus finishes his statement, he says, "A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury
is only as sound as the men who make it up." What does he mean by this assertion?
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