Chapter 6

24. Why does Scout disapprove of Jem’s and Dill’s plan of looking in at one of the Radleys’
windows?

Scout disapproves because she is scared of Boo Radley and believes it is dangerous to
trespass. She also fears they might get caught and punished.

25. What does Mr. Nathan Radley know about the intruders in his garden? Why does Miss
Stephanie refer to a “negro” over whose head Mr. Nathan has fired?

Mr. Nathan Radley knows someone was on his property, but he doesn’t know who. Miss
Stephanie refers to a “negro” because racial prejudice in Maycomb leads people to assume
any trouble is caused by a black person.

26. Why does Dill’s explanation of Jem’s state of dress almost land him in trouble?

Dill says they were playing strip poker, which was considered inappropriate. Playing with
cards especially was scandalous, but Dill covers by claiming they used matches instead.

Chapter 7

27. When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange.
What is this?

Jem explains that his pants were not only mended but folded and left on the fence, as if
someone was expecting him to return.

28. Can you find any evidence that Jem is beginning to understand more than Scout about
Boo Radley? What do you think this is?

Yes, Jem starts to realize Boo Radley might be kind and protective, especially after finding
his mended pants and the thoughtful gifts in the knothole. Scout, however, is still frightened
of Boo.

29. Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer.

No, Jem no longer fears the gifts. Instead, he sees them as friendly gestures and feels sad
when the knothole is sealed, as he believes Boo was reaching out to them.

30. When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are
prevented. How does this happen? Who does it, and why might he do so?

Nathan Radley fills the knothole with cement, claiming the tree is dying. He likely does this to
prevent Boo from communicating with the children.

Chapter 8

31. Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does
Atticus tell her?
Scout is curious about Atticus’s visit after Mrs. Radley’s death. Atticus tells her only that he
offered his condolences and that Boo didn’t come outside.

32. What is the “near libel” which Jem puts in the front yard? How do Miss Maudie and
Atticus react to it?

Jem builds a snowman resembling Mr. Avery. Miss Maudie finds it funny, but Atticus warns
him to disguise it better to avoid offending their neighbor.

33. Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie’s oak rocking chair?

Atticus knows the chair is Miss Maudie’s most treasured possession, so he prioritizes saving
it during the fire.

34. When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem
realize?

Jem realizes Boo Radley put the blanket on Scout while they were watching the fire,
showing Boo’s quiet kindness and proximity.

35. Explain what Atticus means by telling Jem not to let his discovery “inspire” him to “further
glory”? Is there any reason why Jem might now do as his father says?

Atticus warns Jem not to bother Boo further or seek more adventures. Jem might listen
because he is beginning to respect Boo as a person rather than viewing him as a curiosity.

Chapter 9

36. How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? Is it usual for (white)
lawyers to do their best for black clients in Alabama at this time?

Atticus believes in giving Tom Robinson the best possible defense, even though it is
uncommon for white lawyers in Alabama to fully defend black clients due to racial prejudice.

37. Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas? What are these feelings and
why?

They enjoy Christmas at Finch’s Landing and seeing Uncle Jack, but they dislike Aunt
Alexandra’s strictness and Francis’s insults.

38. Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants. What does this mean
and why might he say it?

It means Scout is acting improperly or rebelliously. Uncle Jack likely says it because of her
habit of cursing and fighting.

39. When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra. What
is this?

Francis reveals Aunt Alexandra’s deep-seated prejudice and disapproval of Atticus

defending Tom Robinson, reflecting her narrow-mindedness.
40. Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus’s conversation with Uncle Jack?
What might this be?

Scout learns that Atticus knows the case will be difficult but feels morally obligated to defend
Tom. She also realizes Atticus hopes the children can navigate the upcoming challenges
without becoming bitter.

41. Read the final sentence of this chapter. Explain in your own words what it means and
why it might be important in the story.

The final sentence reflects Atticus’s hope that his children will trust his example during
difficult times. This is important as it highlights his role as a moral guide in a racially unjust
society.

Chapter 10

42. Scout says, “Atticus was feeble”. Do you think that this is her view as she tells the story
or her view when she was younger? Does she still think this after the events recorded in this
chapter?

This reflects Scout’s view as a child, when she saw Atticus as old and unexciting. After he
shoots the rabid dog, her perspective changes, and she sees him with newfound respect.

43. In this chapter Atticus tells his children “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”. What reason does
he give for saying this?

Atticus explains that mockingbirds do nothing but provide music and joy, so harming them is
unnecessary and wrong.

44. Why does Heck Tate not want to shoot Tim Johnson?

Heck Tate admits he is not a good shot and doesn’t want to risk missing and putting others in
danger. He insists Atticus shoot instead.

45. Near the end of this chapter Atticus cuts off Heck Tate as he is speaking to Jem. What
might Heck have been about to say, and why would Atticus want to stop him from saying it?

Heck might have been about to praise Atticus’s shooting skills, but Atticus likely cuts him off
to avoid bragging or encouraging violence.

46. Jem and Scout have different views about telling people at school how well Atticus can
shoot. Explain this difference. Which view is closer to your own?

Scout wants to brag about Atticus’s skill, while Jem respects Atticus’s humility and believes it
should remain private. Jem’s view reflects maturity and is closer to my own.

Chapter 11

47. What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children’s mother? How does Jem feel about
this?
Mrs. Dubose insults the children’s mother, claiming she was better than Atticus. Jem is
deeply hurt and angry.

48. What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem? Is this a fair punishment for his “crime”?

She asks Jem to read to her daily as punishment for destroying her camellias. While harsh, it
teaches Jem lessons about patience and courage.

49. Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of insults like “nigger-lover”. How far do
you agree with him?

Atticus believes such insults reflect the speaker’s ignorance and shouldn’t be taken
personally. This reflects his moral strength and wisdom, and I agree with his perspective.

50. Why, in Atticus’s view, was Mrs. Dubose “a great lady”?

Atticus admires Mrs. Dubose’s determination to overcome her morphine addiction despite
her flaws, seeing her as an example of real courage.

51. Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real courage rather than “a man with a gun
in his hand”. What does he mean? Do you think he is right?

Atticus believes true courage is facing difficult challenges despite the likelihood of failure, as
Mrs. Dubose did with her addiction. This definition aligns with his own values and is
compelling.

52. Chapters ten and eleven are the last two chapters in the first part of the book. Explain
why Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here.

These chapters mark the end of the children’s innocent view of the world. The lessons from
the rabid dog and Mrs. Dubose prepare them for the moral complexities of the trial in the
second part.