Chapter 18-19 Why does Dill Cry? Explain the situation in detail. How does this relate back Atticus's comment about having a police force of children? (Kate)

c)     Why does Dill cry? Explain the situation in detail. How does this relate back to Atticus’s comment about having a police force of children? (210). 

During the trial, Dill cries because of the way that Mr. Gilmer is treating Tom Robinson. While cross-examining Robinson Mr. Gilmer kept "calling him 'boy' all the time and sneering at him" (Lee 226). Mr. Gilmore doesn't treat him like the other witnesses. He speaks to Robinson as if he was already guilty and because he is a Negro nobody else seems to care all that much. However, Dill doesn't feel that way, he thinks that "it ain't right to do them that way. Hasn't anybody got any business talkin' like that–it just makes me sick" (Lee 226). Dill sees the difference in how people are being treated based on their race and doesn't believe that it is just because of the courtroom.

What do you make of Mayella Ewell's testimony? Pay close attention to her physical appearance, speech, and attitude. (Thomas)

Mayella Ewell starts off by answering questions with short straight forward answers. She seemed to be giving her answers quickly and they didn't have any detail. After she started feeling pressured she just started crying. This made the judge feel sorry for her, so she could get the judge on her side. Jem noticed what Mayella was doing as well, so he had said "She's got enough sense to get the judge sorry for her, but she might just-oh, I don't know." Once Aticcus started asking questions Mayella gave short and unclear answers again. She was acting like she couldn't remember what had really happened. Her tone of voice and her answers gave off the sign that she was lying. As Atticus asked more questions Mayella started to act like things were getting more clear to her. She agreed with everything he was saying making it seem like she didn't know what she was talking about and making it seem like she was making everything up. Atticus then asked more serious questions and Mayella started stuttering and she kept repeating the sentence that she was gonna say. It was almost like she was thinking of what to say while saying it. Then Atticus had asked if Bob Ewell had raped her and it took her way to long to answer. She really gave off a feeling she was lying the whole time.

Chapter 16&17: What is revealed that is confusing about Mr. Underwood in chapter 16? How does this relate to one of the themes of the novel? (Charlotte)

In the beginning of chapter 16, it is revealed that Mr.Underwood highly dislikes Negroes. In the town of Maycomb, it is not completely unusual for the white people of the town to not like people of color, but Mr.Underwood dislikes them more that most of the citizens. While at breakfast with Aunt Alexandra, Jem, and Atticus, Scout hears her father say “‘You know what’s a funny thing about Braxton,’ says Atticus. ‘He despises Negroes, he won’t have one near him.”’ (Lee 178). This statement relates to other key topics of the book, one of the more important ones being racism. Most of the white population in Maycomb will disrespect, abuse, and mistreat the colored people in the town. For example, while the white people have an extravagant church with many pews and song books to read from, the colored people have an old, rundown church with no books, tattered walls and pews, and they can barely raise ten dollars to help out Tom Robinson. Another example of the white people taking advantage of the colored people is when Scout, Jem and Dill go watch Atticus in court and don’t have a seat so when they come over to find a seat, the colored people immediately stand up without saying a word about it. Although the people of Maycomb don't entirely enjoy the presence of colored people, Mr.Underwood despises them.

Chapter 16/17: How is the relationship between Aunty and Atticus changing? In what ways is this important to our understanding of the novel? (Katherine)

   The relationship between Aunt Alexandra and Atticus is changing in that Atticus is pushing back against Aunty, now that she lives with the family. When Atticus talks about Mr. Underwood, who hates Negros, Aunt Alexandra says not to mention that in front of Caplurnia. Atticus snaps back, “Everyone in Maycomb knows it,” (Lee 178). Scout notices a difference in her father around Aunt Alexandra. She notes that there was a “quiet digging in, never outright irritation” (Lee 178). As true to his character, Atticus doesn’t say anything outright, but is obviously annoyed. This is important to our understanding of the novel because this scene helps us understand Atticus’ determination when he believes in something. He is determined in everything he does, from something as small as what he wants to talk about in his home, to something as large as fighting for Tom Robinson, even though Atticus knows it is a losing battle. When Aunt Alexandra says something that Atticus disagrees with, he quietly but determinedly fights for what he thinks is right, just like he does in the Tom Robinson trial.

Chapters 14 & 15: What happens in this chapter that causes a fight between Jem and Scout? What does this reveal about their relationship? How is this furthered later in the chapter when Dill arrives? (Rhys Polcari)

Scout’s inability to adjust to Aunt Alexandra’s decisions for what is best for the family eventually creates a fight between Scout and Jem. After Aunt Alexandra hears about Atticus allowing them to go to church with Calpurnia, she questions Atticus’ parenting skills. Later on, Jem claims that Scout should “try not to antagonize Aunty” (Lee 156) because Atticus has “got a lot on his mind now, without us worrying him” (Lee 156). Jem feels that Scout should obey Aunt Alexandra’s requests to take pressure off of Atticus. Scout then takes Jem’s suggestion as offensive as she feel she shouldn’t have to change what she does on a regular basis because of Aunt Alexandra’s presence. Scout and Jem result in fighting. This reveals that as Jem is growing up, he becomes embarrassed of Scout based on the people around him. For example, when Jem is around his friends at school with Scout dressed dirtily, he is embarrassed. The same instance connects to Scouts' normal behavior with Aunt Alexandra. Jem’s maturity makes a great change in their relationship. Their relationship has further parted when Dill arrives as Jem branches off from the group, while Scout and Dill go play. Perhaps Jem no longer feels welcome in their childish games. Overall, Scout and Jem result in fighting because Scout refuses to change her natural self with the residence of Aunt Alexandra.

Chapters 14 and 15: Explain what Dill means in the last line of chapter 14. Is this surprising to you? (Daisy)

At the end of Chapter 14 Dill mentions that Boo Radley does not have anywhere to run off to implying that he may not have any friends or family. During the chapter Dill arrives to the Finches house after he had run away from home. Scout and him were talking about family and how people need someone who cares for them. As Dill was talking he says, "The thing is, what I'm tryin' to say is-they do get on a lot better without me"(162). This quote explains part of why Dill ran off because didn't have anyone who cares about him. When Scout ask why Boo didn't leave Dill responds and is trying to say he doesn't have anyone to run off too. Dill thinks nobody would want to be alone so that would be the only reason why he didn't leave Maycomb.

Chapters 12 - 13: Explain what Scout means when she says, “There was indeed a caste system in Maycomb” (175). What is a caste system, and how does it work in Maycomb, according to Scout? (Nicolas Matosic)

When Scout says that “There was indeed a caste system in Maycomb,'' she means that some people are born into a higher social status than others. Aunt Alexandra talking about heritage and families just further support Scout’s claim. Aunt Alexandra thinks that the Finch’s heritage is what makes them a great family, but that’s not true, it’s actually their hard work and dedication that makes them the great family that they are. Also, by this logic, a family like the Robinson's would rank lower than a family like the Ewell's, just because the Robinson's are black. As Scout says “I never understood her preoccupation with heredity. Somewhere, I had received the impression the Fine Folks were people who did the best they could with the sense they had.” (Lee 147). A caste system is a hierarchy that is based off of mostly heritage and family legacy. In Maycomb, a successful white family, such as the Finches, are going to be at the top of the hierarchy while a poor black family would be at the very bottom, such as the Robinsons. Caste systems do not exist in modern day America, but back in the segregated south, they were very common, and even existed in Maycomb.

Chapter 12/13: What do you learn about Calpurnia in chapter 12? What does Scout realize about her? (Julio)

In chapter twelve I realize Calpurnia acts different around her African American friends. With the Finches she talks properly and is formal but with her other friends she “acts black” as Scout referred to it as. He understands this after Miss Cal brings them to a black church with her. The text states, “ You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here...” (Lee 158) followed by Miss Cal’s response, “It's the same god ain’t it?” (Lee 158). This shows the difference between the type of dialogue she has with her African American friends and how she talks when she's around Atticus and the kids. These events help Scout realize Miss Cal has her own life and that not everything about her revolves around him and his time with her back home. 

Chapters 12/13: What does Scout learn (and the reader) through the trip to the church about the divisions in Maycomb County? (Graham

Through visiting the First Purchase Church, both Scout and the reader learn that the divisions in Maycomb are deeply influenced by race. The lifestyles of the people in Maycomb can be drastically different depending on what color their skin is. The best example of this would be comparing the church that the Finches go to and the First Purchase Church. While the Church that the Finches usually go to has songbooks that people can read lyrics off of, the First Purchase church does not have anything like that. Instead, the First Purchase Church uses a singing technique called lining, which is where the audience repeats what the main singer is singing. The reason they use lining instead of reading off of songbooks is because many of the people in the audience of the First Purchase Church cannot read. On the other hand, songbooks are provided at the Finches Church because everybody there is expected to know how to read. A person who represents the division between race is Lula. Lula tells Calpurnia, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white children here - they got their church, we got our’n.”(Lee, 136) As the quote shows, Lula thinks strongly about how people should be separated in Maycomb. Her opinion is that the church should be divided by race, like many other things in Maycomb are. She probably thinks about it this way because she has been influenced strongly by the Maycomb way of life. If she were to grow up in a society without things being divided by race, her opinion would probably be different.

Chapter 10/11: Explain Atticus’s definition of courage (end of Chap. 11). (Tyler)

At the end of chapter 11, Atticus tried to get Jem to witness Mrs. Dubose and how she portrayed real courage.  He doesn't want Jem to think that someone with power has courage but that someone who always fought for there side has courage.  Atticus states "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do”(Lee 128). This quote is a very important one.  Atticus explains that courage is a mental decision. Without mental and emotional strength, it is impossible to show courage at the right moment and time.  Atticus wanted Jem to distinguish between true courage and someone appearing that they have courage. That's why he always admired Mrs. Dubose’s courage, she always fought for her point even if she knew she had no chance of winning.  Atticus is a very smart man and Jem can take away a very impactful lesson. 

Chapters 10/11: Why do you think Atticus never revealed he was an expert marksman? (Antrias)

Atticus never revealed that he was an expert marksman because he has become a very simple and calm person, he never looses his temper and always makes sure his children are doing both the right and smart thing. In addition, Atticus has grown older and does not enjoy violence as he used to. For example, when Scout was explaining how feeble Atticus was during football, she says "but when Jem wanted to tackle him Atticus would say I'm too old for that son" (Lee 102). This quote supports the notion that Atticus has grown old for violence and horseplay and does not enjoy it anymore. Atticus might not have wanted to reveal his shooting skills because he has matured to see how violent and horrible guns are. As stated earlier, Atticus wants the best for his children and he does not want them to follow in his violent footsteps.

Chapter 10/11: Why is it appropriate to kill a mad dog but not a mockingbird? Explain. (Keira)

During chapter 10, Aticus tells Scout and Jem that they can use their rifles to shoot tin cans in the yard, but that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird because of the songs they sing for us. Atticus states “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing to make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people's gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 103). What he means by this is that all mockingbirds do is sing for us, they don’t do anything bad, unlike a mad dog. This statement does not only apply to their air rifles, it applies to their lives, and the lesson that Harper Lee is trying to teach is not to do anything bad to something that has not done anything bad to you.

Chapter 8/9 How did Scout end up with a blanket across her shoulders? Why would Harper Lee include this moment in the book? (Antonella)

Boo Radley put the blanket on Scout’s shoulders when he saw that she was cold. Harper Lee included this moment because it shows how Boo is a shadow. During the fire Scout narrates “ … I became aware that I was slowly freezing where I stood… By dancing a little I could feel my feet”(80). It can be inferred that when Boo saw her dancing to keep warm, he went outside and quietly but a blanket around her shoulders. He did it so quietly that Scout did not realize she had a blanket until Atticus pointed it out. This quietness and subtlety shows his role as a shadow in the town of Maycomb. Throughout the mayhem to come, he will make rare and quiet moves, striking only when necessary. 

Do you agree with my prediction? Why or why not? 

Chapter 8/9: Discuss Atticus’ explanation of the case to Scout. What does Atticus mean by “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win?”(Spiros)

During chapter nine, when Atticus explains to Scout why he must take on this trial for Tom Robinson, he says “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win?”(Lee 87). What he means is that even though people have made it harder for him to defend this man in the past, that doesn’t mean that he should back down and not give Tom Robinson his fair trial, even if the odds are against him. The past hundreds of years have been against African Americans, which makes Atticus’s trial a lot harder for him. But even if Tom Robinson is guilty, he deserves a fair trial and a lawyer to defend him. Although this task is really difficult and most likely will result in failure, Atticus must step up to the challenge and be courageous enough to try his best. Although that Scout is still really young and won’t understand much of this, it is a really good lesson to learn, no matter what age she is, so that she can apply it in her life as well.

How do you think that Scout will use her father’s advice. Do you think it even makes sense to her? Do you agree or disagree with Atticus’s logic?

Chapters 8-9: Explore Scout's relationship with Uncle Jack and what Scout teaches Uncle Jack. (Alexsa)

Scout and Uncle Jack's relationship is very tight and he realizes something that he never was taught, that children have a side of a story; that they know what happened to them. Every Christmas the Finch family gathers together as, one except the cousins. As Uncle jack is introduced, right from the start he has Scout's back. He's always making her laugh during good and bad times. He may be the youngest Finch, but he sure acts like another older brother to Scout. For example, "I'll be here a week, and I don't want to hear any words like that while I'm here. Scout, you'll get in trouble if you go around saying things like that. You want to grow up to be a lady, don't you?" (Lee 90). Every kid goes through a cursing phase, but when they have a real, funny, grown up to watch over them they won't worry about that. At some points in the chapter, Scout starts saying she never wants to talk or see Uncle Jack again, but a conversation later, leads her to hugging and her teaching him a lesson. He soon learns that children have their own side of a story and/or life. They know what happened to them, not someone else, but adults need to be able to hear them out. As Christmas starts to die down for the Finch family this year, Atticus and Uncle Jack talk about racism and discrimination against black people in their community, but Scout hears all of it. The words, the way people act, but she knows it's not right. As you can see, Scout and Uncle Jack have a very strong relationship and bond, but sometimes the smaller person has to be the bigger one.

Why Do The Children Play The "Radley Game" What does It Reveal About Them (Together and Individualy)

There are multiple reasons the children may play the Radley game, but we don't exactly know what those reasons are for sure. From what the book has shown so far it seems like these kids are very curious. The Radleys are these people in their neighborhood who appear very mysterious to everyone, and the children are always wanting to know more and see more. Not many people or maybe possibly no one has actually seen the Radleys and what they look like. In chapter six the children want to do just that. They are snooping around the outside of the house finding ways to look in. They wanted to find a window where they could look in and see someone. What it shows about the kids is that they are just so curious to find out what these people are like. Its come to the point where they are so invested in the Radleys because they have been hiding away for years. I also kind of think that playing this game entertains them but thats not the main reason they play it. They play because of their curiosity.

Chapter 6-7: Explain Jem’s statement: “When I went back they were folded across the fence . . . like they were expectin’ me.” (Kate)

When Jem says “... they were folded across the fence . . . like they were expectin’ me” he means that after he lost his pants in the Radley's lawn they were better off than when he left them.  While following through on another crazy objective Scout, Jem, and Dill venture inside the Radley's lawn to try to see if anyone is inside. After the first window was a failure because there were curtains, Jem reluctantly went to the back porch and looked in the window. There was a shadow that you could just see inside and walking around but it seemed as if the shadow saw them and was headed for the door. Dill and Scout raced out of there as fast as they could, however, Jem's pants were stuck and ripped in the fence so he had to wiggle out and leave them behind. 

Later that day however Jem went back to the Radley's house to retrieve his pants so that he could avoid a beating, however, instead of finding them in tangles how he left them they were folded and mended. Jem notices that “they had been sewed up... all crooked” (Lee 66). Boo Radley who was likely not a skilled sower knew that Jem would be back for his pants and was ready when he did.

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