Name: _____________________________________
To Kill a Mockingbird
Chapter 18-23
Ms. Massey
Chapter 18
1. Why does Mayella think Atticus is mocking her?
2. What more do we learn about the Ewell family from Atticus cross examination?
3. Describe the incident, according to Mayellas testimony.
4. What is wrong with Tom Robinsons left arm? How did it get this way?
Chapter 19
1. Why does Atticus bring up the fact that Tom Robinson had been in trouble before?
2. Who does Tom work for? What does he do for him?
3. How does Toms story immediately contradict Mayellas testimony?
4. How did Mayella get Tom to come inside the house?
5. How did Mayella get rid of the children that particular day?
6. What did Mayella do to Tom, according to his testimony?
7. Why did Tom run away from the Ewell place? What was his predicament?
8. Who came to Toms defence in the courtroom? What did he say?
9. Why do you think Tom was so scared of being accused of hurting Mayella?
10.Why does Dill get so upset at Mr. Gilmer that it makes him sick?
Chapter 20
1. Who do Dill and Scout meet outside? What do they learn about him? Why does he go
through such trouble to pretend?
2. What does Atticus do that horrifies Scout and Jem?
3. What do you think Atticus means by, This case is as simple as black and white?
4. How does Atticus explain that the case is not about Tom, but actually about Mayella and
society?
5. What is the lie Atticus talks about? What is the reality that he is hoping the jury will
see?
6. How does Atticus claim that we are not all created equal?
7. Ideally, in what realm is every citizen of the United States truly equal? How is this the
greatest leveler?
Chapter 21
1. Why does Calpurnia come to the courthouse?
2. Why do you think Atticus avoids answering Jems question, You think theyll acquit him
that fast?
3. Other than the fact that they didnt know where the children were, why do you think
Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra were so upset that the children were watching the trial?
4. About how long does it take for the jury to come up with their verdict?
5. How does Scout know the verdict before it is announced?
Chapter 22
1. What is Jems reaction to they verdict?
2. What does Atticus mean when he says, Theyve done it before and they did it tonight
and theyll do it again and when they do itseems that only children weep?
3. How does the black community show its appreciation for what Atticus did?
4. Why does Miss Maudie believe that appointing Atticus was no accident?
5. What did Bob Ewell do and say to Atticus?
Chapter 23
1. How does Miss Stephanie embellish what happened to Atticus?
2. Why does Atticus defend Bobs actions to Jem? What is Atticuss s hope?
3. What does Aunt Alexandra mean when she says that Ewell could do something furtive
to Atticus?
4. Why was Tom given a death sentence?
5. What are jems suggestions for change in the court system and laws?
6. Why did Atticus put a Cunningham on the jury?
7. Why does Aunt Alexandra object to Scout inviting Walter Cunningham to the house?
8. How does Jem try to make Scout feel better after her conversation with Aunt Alexandra?
9. According to Jem, who are the four kinds of folks in Maycomb? Explain how this theory
works. Why are the Finches at the top of this chain?
10.What is the reason Boo Radley doesnt come out of his house, according to Jem? What
does he mean by this?
