Mrs. Burkett
English
Chapters 18-23
Chapter 18
1. What is Mayella’s version of what happened?
She confirms what her father had said and adds that she invited Robinson in to break up a piece of furniture. (239)
2. Why does Mayella think that Atticus is mocking her?
She is not used to people calling her “Miss” or “Ma’am.” (242)
3. What is Atticus’ strategy in questioning Mayella?
He attempts to point out her pathetic, lonely home life. (248)
4. What is wrong with Tom Robinson’s arm?
His left arm is much shorter than his right arm because the left had been caught in a cotton gin. (249)
5. What question is the key to Tom’s defense?
“Who beat you up? Tom Robinson or your father?” (252)
Chapter 19
1. What did Mayella do to get …show more content…
How does Dolphus Raymond explain Dill’s crying?
He says that because things haven’t caught up to Dill’s instincts yet, the boy still cries “about the simple hell people give other people – without even thinking. Cry about the hell white people give colored folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people, too.” (269)
3. How is Atticus’ closing statement in defense of Tom Robinson also an attack upon racism?
He makes the point that in all races there are both good and bad people. (274)
Chapter 21
1. What does Calpurnia’s note say?
It says that Jem and Scout were missing. (277)
2. Why is Jem so certain that Tom Robinson would be acquitted?
He thinks that the jury would decide the case on the evidence, not on their prejudices. (281)
3. What does Reverend Sykes say about his experiences in court?
He says that he has never seen a jury take the word of a black man over a white man. (283)
Chapter 22
1. What does Atticus mean when he says, it “seems that only children weep”?
He means the jury acted unjustly and will continue to do so; only children will weep at the injustice, however. (286)
2. Why do the African-American folks in town bring food to Atticus and how does Atticus …show more content…
(289)
4. How does Jem use a metaphor of a cocoon to describe himself?
He had always felt warm and safe in Maycomb because he thought all the people were good people. As a result of the trial, though, he no longer feels the same. (289)
Chapter 23
1. How does Atticus take the threat that Bob Ewell makes?
He is not worried at all. He thinks Ewell had to do something to get some of his dignity back. (294)
2. If Tom is found guilty on appeal, what will his punishment be? Why?
He will be sentenced to death if he is found guilty on appeal because the penalty for rape was death and the jury would not give him a lighter sentence. (298)
3. Atticus says, “…it’s all adding up and one of these days we’re going to pay the bill for it.” What is he referring to?
He means that as the injustices mount, the African-Americans will demand a change, and sooner or later the South will have to pay for the injustices it committed against them. (299)
4. At the end of this chapter, what conclusion does Jem draw about Boo? What led him to this conclusion?
He has decided that Boo Radley stays in the house because he doesn’t want to come out. At this point, Jem believes on people are bad.