To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 10 and 11 questions to be answered thoughtfully and thoroughly J Your brain thanks you! It needs the exercise. J
Chapter 10 questions:
“Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
Right There Question
- In Scout’s eyes, what is Atticus’ chief fault?
Inference /Author and You Questions
- Why is it a sin to kill a mockingbird? What is the larger principle involved here?
- Consider vision symbols in the opening scene of this chapter and the shooting scene. Write a comment on your observations. You may want to consider the following questions: When does Atticus see well? What reason(s) can you think of that Harper Lee might have had for him break his glasses in the dog scene?
- Miss Maudie says, “I think maybe he put his gun down when he realized God had given him an unfair advantage over most living things. I guess he decided he wouldn’t shoot till he had to, and he had to today.” What other advantages does Atticus have? Does he use them when he doesn’t “have to”? Do you think it’s civilized to deny your gifts?
Chapter 11 questions:
“I wanted to see what courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.”
Right There Question
- Which two specific comments from Mrs. Dubose infuriate Jem to the point that he can’t control his temper?
Inference/ Author and You Questions
- What type of courage does Mrs. Dubose teach the children? What other events in the novel can you compare and contrast to this courage?
3. Why doesn’t Atticus tell the children about Mrs. Dubose’s motives before her death? How might Jem have behaved if he had known- and what would he have failed to learn as a result?