Ms. Gulitti Name______
English I Period______
To Kill A Mockingbird, chapters 4-8
More about “Boo” and the “Giving Tree”
Directions: As the novel progresses, the children begin to develop a greater sensitivity towards Boo. Answer the following questions to help you further understand an important theme of the novel.
BOO’S GIFTS
The oak tree on the Radley lot becomes a source of many gifts for the children. For each page listed, find the gift that the children receive.
1) p. 33 2) p. 34
3) p. 58 4) p. 59
5) p. 60
1) What do you notice about the nature of these gifts? How valuable are they?
2) How do Scout and Jem eventually realize that all of these gifts are meant for them? (see page 59 to include a quotation)
3) In what way do Scout and Jem try to show their appreciation for these gifts? What does that say about their character? (see page 62)
4) Why do the children stop receiving gifts? (page 62)
5) How can we be sure that the gifts were actually from Boo? Refer to Jem’s reaction at the end of chapter 7 on page 63—why does Jem cry?
BOO’S ACTIONS
Though Boo may seem a “phantom” or “ghost” of his society, he is able to make his presence known in very subtle ways to help the children.
1) How does he help Jem? (see page 58)
2) How does he help Scout during the night of the fire? (see pages 71-72)
3) Atticus wants to thank Boo for helping Scout, but Jem begs him not to. In his pleas, Jem states, “…Mr. Nathan put cement in that tree, Atticus, an’ he did to stop us findin’ things…but Atticus, I swear to God he ain’t ever harmed us, he ain’t ever hurt us, he coulda cut my throat from ear to ear that night but he tried to mend my pants instead…he ain’t ever hurt us, Atticus--” (page 72).
What has Jem come to realize about Boo and his life? How does this show maturation in his character?