To Kill a Mockingbird Reading Guide
Part 1, Chapter 1 - 11
1 Describe each of the following members of the Finch family:
(a) Atticus, (b) Scout, (c) Jem (d) Calpurnia.
2 What are the games that Jem and Scout play with Dill?
3 Describe each of the following neighbours:
(a) Mr Avery, (b) Mrs Dubose, (c) Miss Maudie Atkinson
4 What do we learn about the Cunninghams?
5 What are the really important things that Scout learned at school on her first day?
6 (a) List the episodes in the story so far which involve the Radley Place as they appear to Jem, Scout and Dill.
(b) What is the real significance of these episodes?
7 What is the significance of the fire which burnt down Miss Maudie Atkinson's house?
8 Describe the Christmas visit to Finch's Landing.
9 (a) Describe the episode involving Tim Johnson, the mad dog.
(b) What do we learn from this episode of Atticus's character?
10 Why does Mrs Dubose make Jem read to her?
PART 2, Chapters 12-31
11 Describe Jem and Scout's visit with Calpurnia to the Negro church service. What is the significance of this episode?
12 Explain the advantages and disadvantages, from Scout's point if view, of her Aunt's coming to stay in Maycomb.
13 Explain how Jem, Scout and Dill continue to think about Boo Radley throughout Part 2 of the novel.
14 What part is played in the story by Mr Underwood, editor of the Maycomb Tribune?
15 Outline the events of the Sunday evening when there is an attempt to break into the Maycomb jail.
16 Describe the home life of the Ewells.
17 (a) Explain the main points which Atticus establishes in his questioning of Bob and Mayella Ewell and Tom Robinson.
(b) Sumarise Atticus's speech to the jury.
18 Describe the different reactions to the jury's verdict of each of the following:
(a) Jem, (b) Miss Stephanie Crawford (c) Dill, (d) Miss Maudie Atkinson
19 (a) Describe the missionary circle tea-party at which Scout helps.
(b) What does Scout learn from it?
20 Describe the Current Events period during which Cecil Jacobs talks of Hitler. Why do Miss Gates's views puzzle Scout?
21 What is the significance of the practical joke played upon the Misses Barber?
22 How does Bob Ewell die?
23 Why does Sheriff Tate not want to make public Boo Radley's part in the events of the night?
24 What is the final lesson that Scout learns?

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