To Kill a Mockingbird

Study Questions — Chapters 16 – 21

1. On her way to the courtroom in Chapter 16, what does Scout learn from the “Idler’s Club” about her father’s role as defense lawyer? She learns he was assigned the case and did not volunteer for it

2. Where do the children sit in the courtroom, and why do they sit there? In the front row of the balcony with the blacks. The white section is too crowded.

3. In what sense does the children’s position in the courtroom reflect their position in the town of Maycomb for the past months? They have been isolated from most of the whites in the town as allies of the blacks.

4. What two matters does Atticus take pains to clarify during Sheriff Tate’s testimony?
That no doctor examined Mayella and that her injuries seem to be concentrated on the right side.

5. What does Bob Ewell reveal when he signs his name? According to Scout, what is Atticus trying to prove? That he is left handed; that he could have beat up Mayella.

6. What discovery does Scout make when Tom Robinson stands up? That his left arm is withered.

7. What is Tom Robinson’s version of the incident? Tom’s story is that Mayella asked him in and then tried to kiss him, that he saw herfather coming and ran away

8. Why does Tom and Atticus’ version of the incident make more sense than Mayella and Bob's? Tom’s arm is withered; Mayella has hinted to Tom that her father has beaten her before; Bob Ewell seems tohave a violent temper.

9. Why do Dill and Scout leave the courtroom near the end of Chapter 19? Dill is sickened by the prosecutor’s treatment of Tom Robinson.

10. What happens in the balcony as Atticus walks down the aisle? Why do the people in the balcony react to Atticus as they do? The black people stand up. They treat him as a hero because of his courage and honor in defending Tom.

11. Do you think the jury’s verdict proves or disproves Atticus’ statement about equality?

Most students will say the jury has not treated Tom justly but that he did receive a fair hearing because of the judge’s fairness and Atticus’ superb defense.