To Kill a Mockingbird - Questions Chapter 24-31

Chapter 24

1. Find two examples of irony in this chapter.

2. Compare the reactions of Miss Maudie and the other ladies when Scout says she is

wearing her “britches” under her dress.

3. What are Mrs. Merriweather’s and Mrs. Farrow’s opinion concerning blacks?

4. What role do they feel Christianity should play in the black people’s lives?

5. Explain briefly how Tom is killed. What is Atticus’s explanation for Tom’s attempted

escape?

6. We see Aunt Alexandra in a new light in this chapter. How does she influence Scout?

Chapter 25

1. Why did Jem prevent Scout from killing the roly-poly bug? Explain the significance of this

incident in the context of the novel as a whole.

2. Why was Tom’s death “typical”?

3. Explain the contrast Scout draws between the court where Tom was tried and the

“secret courts of men’s hearts”. In what way are hearts like courts?

4. Why did the children decide not to tell Atticus about Bob Ewell? Was it wise?

5. Do you think that Mr. Underwood is heroic? Why or why not? HINT: You may want to

define what a hero or heroic moment is.

Chapter 26

1. List at least two pieces of evidence that indicate Scout is growing up.

2. Describe the irony of Miss Gates’ lesson on democracy.

3. Why did rural students, in particular, have difficulty in the Current Events class?

Chapter 27

1. Describe what Bob Ewell’s life was like before and after the trial.

2. Why was Bob Ewell suspected to be in Judge Taylor’s backyard?

3. Why did the ladies of Maycomb decide to organize activities for Halloween this particular

year?

4. After her husband’s death, explain the difficulties that Helen Robinson had to face.

Chapter 28

1. How does Scout manage to “ruin” Mrs. Merriweather’s pageant?

2. In your own words, describe the events that occur as Jem and Scout walk home after

the pageant.

Chapter 29

1. What events have foreshadowed Bob Ewell’s attack on the Finch children?

2. How does Mr. Tate know that “Bob Ewell meant business”? (p. 269)

3. a) Describe Boo Radley’s appearance.

b) How does Scout know just by looking at the man in the corner that it is Boo?

c) Why is Scout’s comment to Boo a perfect moment in this novel?

Chapter 30

1. Why does Atticus invite everyone to the front porch instead of the living room?

2. Cite three reasons why Mr. Tate does not want Boo Radley involved in the police

investigation.

3. Explain the comparison that Scout makes between a mockingbird and Boo.

Chapter 31

1) How does Boo Radley communicate to Scout?

2) Describe the new perspective that Scout gains by standing on Boo Radley’s porch?

3) Scout suggests that Boo Radley has given them a great deal but that “we had given him

nothing, and it made me sad” (278). It may be that Scout’s assessment is not accurate

here – suggest what the children may have given Boo.

4) How does Atticus show his love for Scout and Jem at the end of the novel?