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Uneducated and coerced into lying by her disreputable father, Mayella gives testimony that is so unsustainable that Atticus easily challenges its credibility. While Mayella is on the witness stand, Atticus begins by asking her if the day of the alleged rape was the first time Tom had ever been inside the fence of her yard, and she replies "yes." Her answer raises some doubt, of course, because within the setting of the Jim Crow South, it would have been outrageously bold for a black man to have dared to commit rape without having had some prior close contact with a white woman.  When Atticus asks Mayella what occurred, she hesitates. So, he asks her specifically if she recalls Tom's having beaten her about the face. She replies, "No, I don't recollect if he hit me. I mean yes I do, he hit me." Atticus asks her to verify her last statement: "Huh? Yes, he hit--I just don't remember, I just don't remember...it all happened so quick." Then, she...

By the end of Chapter 14 of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird , Scout and Jem discover Dill , an intruder, hiding under Scout's bed. Jem and Scout clearly disagree about how to handle their unexpected visitor. Jem believes that adults should know, whereas Scout indicates she only wants to protect her own and Dill's interests.Dill had run away from Meridian, wanting to be in Maycomb, and had been hiding under Scout's bed,... By the end of Chapter 14 of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird , Scout and Jem discover Dill , an intruder, hiding under Scout's bed. Jem and Scout clearly disagree about how to handle their unexpected visitor. Jem believes that adults should know, whereas Scout indicates she only wants to protect her own and Dill's interests. Dill had run away from Meridian, wanting to be in Maycomb, and had been hiding under Scout's bed, filthy and hungry. When they finally discover him, Scout brings him a pan of leftover cornbread, and Dill relays...

One summer evening, Scout, Jem, and Dill decide to sneak into the Radley yard to spy on Boo.  They hope to catch a glimpse of the infamous figure.  Instead, Mr. Radley comes out and shoots his gun into the air.  The children escape through the fence, but Jem's pants get caught in the barbed wire.  His is unable to get them free, so he leaves them behind.   Jem knows that he needs to get... One summer evening, Scout, Jem, and Dill decide to sneak into the Radley yard to spy on Boo.  They hope to catch a glimpse of the infamous figure.  Instead, Mr. Radley comes out and shoots his gun into the air.  The children escape through the fence, but Jem's pants get caught in the barbed wire.  His is unable to get them free, so he leaves them behind.   Jem knows that he needs to get his pants back.  He is sure that he will get in trouble with his father if he does not get them back.  He had told Atticus that he lost his pants to Dill in a game of strip poker.  He decides to sneak back to ...

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is about a family living through the Depression in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. It is something of a coming-of-age story in which the narrator, six-year-old Scout Finch, learns about the realities of life from her father, Atticus Finch, and a host of other local characters. One of the most important characters in the book is the enigmatic recluse Boo Radley. This character is shrouded in mystery. This... Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is about a family living through the Depression in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. It is something of a coming-of-age story in which the narrator, six-year-old Scout Finch, learns about the realities of life from her father, Atticus Finch, and a host of other local characters. One of the most important characters in the book is the enigmatic recluse Boo Radley. This character is shrouded in mystery. This mysteriousness inspires Scout and her companions, brother Jem and friend (and six-yea...

Scout tells Calpurnia that her father referred to the Ewells as trash.   The Ewells are white, but they are also very poor.  Their ignorance and refusal to get an education annoys Atticus.  Atticus is usually very understanding of people, but he makes disparaging statements about the Ewells.  “Mr. Ewell?” My memory stirred. “Does he have anything to do with those Ewells that come every first day of school an‘ then go home? Why, Atticus said they... Scout tells Calpurnia that her father referred to the Ewells as trash.   The Ewells are white, but they are also very poor.  Their ignorance and refusal to get an education annoys Atticus.  Atticus is usually very understanding of people, but he makes disparaging statements about the Ewells.  “Mr. Ewell?” My memory stirred. “Does he have anything to do with those Ewells that come every first day of school an‘ then go home? Why, Atticus said they were absolute trash—I never heard Atticus talk about folks the way he talked about the Ewells. He...

Since the jury for the Tom Robinson trial is composed of twelve white men who reside in the town of Maycomb or in the county, choosing one man from the town and Mr. Walter Cunningham may provide an interesting debate.  With one of the townspeople, this juror should be acquainted with Bob Ewell, having probably heard about him, or even seen him in town. Mr. Cunningham can provide some counterarguments to the man from town, who like the other jurors will vote "guilty." If you have read the play Twelve Angry Men  by Reginal Rose [the script is available on the internet], you can organize your script as is done with this drama. There is also a Foreman of the jury, whose role is to ensure that the discussions are relevant and that no one bullies any other juror. Also, he ensures that any juror may be able to ask any question relevant to the trial. [http://definitions.uslegal.com/j/jury-foreman/] So, if it is all right with your teacher, you may want to have the foreman intervene i...

One evening, Atticus stands guard outside the jail where Tom Robinson is being held.  An angry mob of men approaches.  Jem, Scout, and Dill, who had sneaked out, also approach.  Scout speaks to Mr. Cunningham, one of the men in the mob.  She brings up casual topics of conversation, such as telling his son she says hello.  Mr. Cunningham softens and tells the mob to leave. The next morning, Jem and Scout bring up the... One evening, Atticus stands guard outside the jail where Tom Robinson is being held.  An angry mob of men approaches.  Jem, Scout, and Dill, who had sneaked out, also approach.  Scout speaks to Mr. Cunningham, one of the men in the mob.  She brings up casual topics of conversation, such as telling his son she says hello.  Mr. Cunningham softens and tells the mob to leave. The next morning, Jem and Scout bring up the mob from the previous evening.  Atticus gives his opinion on the topic: "A mob's always made up of people, no matter what.  Mr. Cunningham was part ...

According to Atticus, taking a stand for what is right is always worth doing. Not standing up for what is right only perpetuates problems. Standing up for oneself and for others is a major theme in  To Kill a Mockingbird , and there are many examples of characters doing just that. One character who stands up for herself is Mrs. Dubose. She's a mouthy old lady who doesn't filter her opinion around Jem and Scout, but Atticus tells the children that she is one of the bravest people he ever knew because of what she stood up to—her morphine addiction. Atticus believes Mrs. Dubose stood up for what was right for herself and showed courage at the same time. He describes what she did as follows: "It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do" (112). This quote also seems to pertain to Atticus when he takes the Tom Robinson case. Atticus knows he will lose the case, but...

Scout and Jem receive air rifles for Christmas in chapter nine. In chapter ten, as the kids start using the rifles, Atticus says the following: "I'd rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you'll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" (90). This is where the book's title comes from. Specific elements in this passage foreshadow a motif, or extended the metaphor that can be applied to characters and events that Scout encounters in the text. First, the children's rifles symbolize power and strength over birds who cannot defend themselves against them. The rifles can be compared to white privilege, prejudice, gossip, or anything that hurts a weaker person. Next, the symbolism from the title of the book and Atticus's rule create a repeated lesson capable of being applied to different characters and situations. For example, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley represent ...

Throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird , there are numerous tragic events that are caused by the community's prejudiced beliefs and attitudes. Harper Lee reveals that prejudice is a destructive force by examining how it negatively affects the lives of innocent individuals and divides a community. Maycomb's prejudiced jury wrongly convicts Tom Robinson simply because he is black. Tom eventually loses his life in prison after he attempts to escape, leaving his wife and... Throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird , there are numerous tragic events that are caused by the community's prejudiced beliefs and attitudes. Harper Lee reveals that prejudice is a destructive force by examining how it negatively affects the lives of innocent individuals and divides a community. Maycomb's prejudiced jury wrongly convicts Tom Robinson simply because he is black. Tom eventually loses his life in prison after he attempts to escape, leaving his wife and children behind. The Robins...

There is no question that Atticus Finch has been asked to take the Tom Robinson case because of his integrity. For, Judge Taylor knows that he is, indeed, as Miss Maudie has said, "...the same inside his house as he is on the public streets." Here are three reasons for his taking the case which involve his integrity: Atticus is assigned this case by Judge Taylor . Atticus tells his younger brother Jack in Chapter... There is no question that Atticus Finch has been asked to take the Tom Robinson case because of his integrity. For, Judge Taylor knows that he is, indeed, as Miss Maudie has said, "...the same inside his house as he is on the public streets." Here are three reasons for his taking the case which involve his integrity: Atticus is assigned this case by Judge Taylor . Atticus tells his younger brother Jack in Chapter 9 that he had hoped to get through life without having a controversial case involving racial issues. However, "John Taylor pointed at me a...

In multiple places throughout To Kill a Mockingbird , author Harper Lee uses Miss Maudie to reveal further background information about the characters through things Miss Maudie says about them, giving us a new perspective. One example can be seen in the information she relays to Scout concerning Arthur (Boo) Radley . In Chapter 5, author Lee uses Miss Maudie to quiet any rumors and myths surrounding Arthur Radley, particularly those told to the children... In multiple places throughout To Kill a Mockingbird , author Harper Lee uses Miss Maudie to reveal further background information about the characters through things Miss Maudie says about them, giving us a new perspective. One example can be seen in the information she relays to Scout concerning Arthur (Boo) Radley . In Chapter 5, author Lee uses Miss Maudie to quiet any rumors and myths surrounding Arthur Radley, particularly those told to the children by Miss Stephanie Crawford such as the notion that Arthur peeks in wind...

Granny is offended by the men from the county in “Blues Ain’t No Mockingbird” by Toni Cade Bambara. The first mistake the men make is filming Granny’s property without her permission. They hid in the trees surrounding the property while filming as the children played in the yard and Granny worked on her Christmas cakes. When the men from the county entered the property, they continued to film and patronized Granny by calling her “Aunty.” They did not greet her, instead they spoke about the “nice things” on her property, which angered Granny. “Nice things here,” said the man, buzzin his camera over the yard. The pecan barrels, the sled, me and Cathy, the flowers, the printed stones along the driveway, the trees, the twins, the toolshed. “I don’t know about the thing, the it, and the stuff,” said Granny, still talkin with her eyebrows. “Just people here is what I tend to consider." Being an independent woman, she did not appreciate their arrogant intrusion into her private family li...

Picking a song to match the mood, tone, or images in a particular section of a story is one interesting way to help that part of the story come alive for you, or to help yourself connect to it on a personal level. So, as we're thinking about how Ms. Maudie's house burns down in Chapter 8 of To Kill a Mockingbird , we're imagining how Scout feels. It's the middle of the night, it's... Picking a song to match the mood, tone, or images in a particular section of a story is one interesting way to help that part of the story come alive for you, or to help yourself connect to it on a personal level. So, as we're thinking about how Ms. Maudie's house burns down in Chapter 8 of To Kill a Mockingbird , we're imagining how Scout feels. It's the middle of the night, it's very cold outside, and the chaos of the fire and all the men scrambling to put it out combine to give Scout a feeling of both terror and excitement. You can also imagine how Ms. Maudie feel...

"I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley stayed shut up in the house all this time . . . it is because he  wants  to stay inside" (227). Jem says the above quote to his sister Scout in Chapter 23 of  To Kill a Mockingbird . He has witnessed the worst case of racism and prejudice in his whole life and he has been trying to come to grips with it. Jem watched the Tom Robinson trial with faith in the judicial system and in the facts of the case. Everything pointed to Tom's innocence, yet he was still convicted. Jem can't understand it at first, but after lengthy discussions with Miss Maudie and his father, he realizes that hundreds of years of prejudice, racism, and tradition were bigger than one attorney with truth on his side could fight. As a result, Jem is disillusioned and disappointed by the sad reality that people can be mean and ugly to each other. In fact, before Jem says the above-mentioned quote, he describes this disillusionment to his sister as...

Jem and Scout are close because they have no mother, and their small family consists of just the two children and their father.  However, there is also a large age gap between them.  Because of this, they do not always understand each other.  Also, since Jem is a boy and Scout is a girl, there is sometimes conflict.  For example, while Scout is thrilled to begin school now that she is in first grade, Jem... Jem and Scout are close because they have no mother, and their small family consists of just the two children and their father.  However, there is also a large age gap between them.  Because of this, they do not always understand each other.  Also, since Jem is a boy and Scout is a girl, there is sometimes conflict.  For example, while Scout is thrilled to begin school now that she is in first grade, Jem does not necessarily want to be seen with her.  They play together all summer, but she is just his annoying little sister while they are at school.  Jem condescended to take me to s...

The answer to this question can be found in Chapter 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird . Everyone is still very upset about Tom's conviction, and Jem makes the comment that the system would be more fair without juries. Atticus does not go this far, but he says that "people have a way of carrying their resentments right into a jury box." In other words, juries are reflections of the societies from which they draw... The answer to this question can be found in Chapter 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird . Everyone is still very upset about Tom's conviction, and Jem makes the comment that the system would be more fair without juries. Atticus does not go this far, but he says that "people have a way of carrying their resentments right into a jury box." In other words, juries are reflections of the societies from which they draw their members. Even though a courtroom is supposed to be a place where justice is blind, the reality is that they are prejudiced and sometimes unfair. ...

Yes. Harper Lee's resounding message concerning the treatment of others is that every individual deserves respect, justice, and equality regardless of race, class, or religion. Atticus is one of the main characters throughout the novel who displays tolerance towards everyone. He is a morally upright individual who courageously defends Tom Robinson in front of a prejudiced jury and town. He is also the perfect role model to his children and shares with them numerous lessons... Yes. Harper Lee's resounding message concerning the treatment of others is that every individual deserves respect, justice, and equality regardless of race, class, or religion. Atticus is one of the main characters throughout the novel who displays tolerance towards everyone. He is a morally upright individual who courageously defends Tom Robinson in front of a prejudiced jury and town. He is also the perfect role model to his children and shares with them numerous lessons concerning the proper treatment ...

It is unlikely that Tom Robinson is related to Calpurnia.  First, it seems likely that a blood relationship between Tom and Calpurnia would come up in the course of the novel. Calpurnia is involved in Tom's case through Atticus and through her own involvement in Maycomb's black community—if the two were related, it would be unusual not to encounter mention of it somewhere in the story. Also, Calpurnia is considerably older than Tom, possibly old... It is unlikely that Tom Robinson is related to Calpurnia.  First, it seems likely that a blood relationship between Tom and Calpurnia would come up in the course of the novel. Calpurnia is involved in Tom's case through Atticus and through her own involvement in Maycomb's black community—if the two were related, it would be unusual not to encounter mention of it somewhere in the story. Also, Calpurnia is considerably older than Tom, possibly old enough to be Tom's mother. After all, Tom's children are younger than Zee...

Atticus’s teachings to his children support the theme that everyone deserves equal treatment, regardless of race. Atticus’s view of race is quite different from the rest of Maycomb.  He treats Calpurnia with respect, even though she is his employee.  He lets her raise his children, and makes sure they are obedient to her.  Race has nothing to do with it.  When Atticus defends Tom Robinson, he is sending a message to his children.  It is... Atticus’s teachings to his children support the theme that everyone deserves equal treatment, regardless of race. Atticus’s view of race is quite different from the rest of Maycomb.  He treats Calpurnia with respect, even though she is his employee.  He lets her raise his children, and makes sure they are obedient to her.  Race has nothing to do with it.  When Atticus defends Tom Robinson, he is sending a message to his children.  It is the same message Lee is trying to impart to the reader.  Everyone deserves a chance, regardless of race, and it is ...