To Kill A Mockingbird
Chapter 11 Focus Questions
1. What is offensive in what Mrs. Dubose says to Jem and Scout? Do you think Atticus is showing good sense in his treatment of her and in demanding that his children behave toward her as he suggests?
2. Do you agree with Atticus that people are entitled to respect for their opinions, even when they’re racist and biased and nasty? Explain.
3. Do you agree with Atticus that name-calling doesn’t hurt a person? Explain.
Chapter 12 Focus Questions
1. Who was Shadrach? (Check the Bible) What do you think is the connection with Eunice Ann?
2. Why does Calpurnia change her language when speaking to different groups? Look at her explanation of speaking two different ways. Do you agree? Describe two situations in your life in which you speak differently and the changes you make in your use of language to fit each situation.
Chapter 13 Focus Questions
1. What does Atticus mean by “the summer’s going to be a hot one”?
2. The narrator says, “It was a sad thing that my father had neglected to tell me about the Finch Family, or to install any pride into his children.” Explain whose point of view is being communicated and how you know.
Chapter 14 Focus Questions
1. Why are Jem and Scout getting public attention?
2. Why does Scout get so angry with Jem in this chapter?
On the test
(Ch. 11) Why do Jem and Scout hate Mrs. Dubose?
(Ch.11) Why do the biscuit and butter taste “like cotton”?
(Ch. 11) What does Atticus mean when he says, “The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience”?
(Ch. 12) What is the significance of Calpurnia referring to Jem as “Mister Jem”?
(Ch. 13) What change does Atticus undergo during the conversation with Jem and Scout?