9^th Honors
Summer Reading 2008

To Kill a Mockingbird
     by Harper Lee    

Chapter One

1. What is the function of relating the Finch family history at the outset of the novel?

2. What techniques are used to establish a feeling of mystery in the first chapter?

3. Explain the manner of narration.

4. Cite details which establish the setting of the novel.

5. What attitudes seem prevalent as a result of elements of setting?

6. Contrast Dill's family situation with the Finches'.

Chapter Two

1. What satirical points are being made about education through Scout's experiences in school?

2. Why does Scout explain Walter Cunningham's situation to Miss Caroline?

Chapter Three

1. Cite examples of contrast in Jem and Scout.

2. Contrast Burris Ewell with the other children.  What is the reason for the description?

3. What is the thematic significance of the advice Atticus gives Scout?

Chapter Four

1. What is learned about Jem and Scout from their diverse reaction to the pennies in the knot-hole?

2. What characteristics of children in general are revealed through the Boo Radley game?  Why doesn't Scout enjoy the games as much as the boys do?

Chapter Five

1. What functions does Miss Maudie Atkinson serve in the novel?

Chapter Six

1. What is significant about Jem's decision to make a lone, nocturnal return to the Radley Place? What is the significant outcome of the return?

2. What is significant about the town's conclusion regarding the disturbance at the Radley Place?

Chapter Seven

1. What bewildering incidents occur to Jem and Scout?

2. Why is it significant that Jem had been crying?

Chapter Eight

1. How do people react to the fire at Miss Maude's house?

2. What characteristics does Miss Maude show following the fire?

Chapter Nine

1. What can be deduced about the character of Atticus from his defense of Tom Robinson?

2. Contrast Aunt Alexandra and Atticus.

3. How does Atticus hope to prevent Jem and Scout from catching the disease of most people in Maycomb?

Chapter Ten

1. Explain the symbolic meaning of the mockingbird.

2. What are the effect's of the chapter/s main events on Atticus, Jem, and Scout?

Chapter Eleven

1. What causes Jem to strike out against Mrs. Dubose?

2. As the nature of Mrs. Dubose's affliction is discovered, what is learned about her character?

3. What does Jem gain from his experience with Mrs. Dubose?

Chapter Twelve

1. What accounts for the changed relationship between Jem and Scout?

2. What insights do Jem and Scout gain from attending church with Calpurnia?

Chapter Thirteen

1. What elements heighten the contrast between Atticus and Aunt Alexandria?

Chapter Fourteen

1. Cite examples of prejudice and lack of human understanding.

2. In what way does Jem break the one remaining code of the childhood?

3. Further contrast Dill's home life with Scout's.

Chapter Fifteen

1. Contrast the two groups of men Atticus faces.

2. Explain Jem's reason for following Atticus to town.

3. Why does the group at the jail disperse after Scout's talk?

Chapter Sixteen

1. Why does Scout cry after returning home from the jail? How does Jem's treatment of Scout show his maturity?

2. Why is Scout confused after overhearing remarks about her father's defense of Tom Robinson?

Chapter Seventeen

1. What does Atticus attempt to establish through Heck Tate's testimony?

2. What devices does the author use in Chapter Seventeen to characterize the Ewells, especially Bob Ewell?

3. What does Atticus attempt to establish through Bob Ewell's testimony?

Chapter Eighteen

1. What does Mayella's testimony add to the case?

2. What startling revelation is made about Tom?

Chapter Nineteen

1. Scout acquires an important realization during Tom's testimony.  Discuss the realization and its significance.

2. What tragic racial situation is illustrated in this chapter?  How does it apply to the theme?

3. Why is it significant that Dill should be the one to get sick in the courtroom?

Chapter Twenty

1. What thematically related insights do Scout and Dill receive outside the courtroom?

2. In reference to Dill, what pessimistic note does Dolphus Raymond cast?  What is the implication of the remark?

3. What is Atticus actually condemning in his closing remarks to the jury?  What is the target of Atticus; final plea?

Chapter Twenty-One

1. How does Scout know the verdict before it is read? What is the broader implication of the jury's behavior?

Chapter Twenty-Two

1. What finally forces Jem over the threshold toward adulthood?  What symbolic incident occurs that testifies to Jem's move toward adulthood?

2. What hope and what fear are expressed at the end of the chapter?

Chapter Twenty-Three

1. Give Atticus's interpretation of recent events.

2. Cite examples which demonstrate Jem's continuing maturity.

Chapter Twenty-Four

1. What is ironic about the missionary circle's conversation?

2. Why did Tom try to escape?

3. What insight is gained into Aunt Alexandra's character?

Chapter Twenty-Five

1. Discuss the mockingbird symbol in relation to Tom Robinson.

2. How is the feeling of apprehension conveyed at the end of the chapter?

Chapter Twenty-Six

1. What satirical points are made on the subject of education?

2. Why is Jem unable to speak about the trial without becoming angered?

Chapter Twenty-Seven

1. What three incidents concerning Ewell occur? From these incidents and from Atticus what doe we learn about Bob Ewell?

2. What comic incident is related in this chapter and what function does it serve in the novel?

Chapter Twenty-Eight

1. What details in this chapter and the last add to mounting tension before Jem and Scout are attacked?

2. Discuss the attack and the events that follow

3. Discuss the credibility of Boo's defense of Jem and Scout.

Chapter Thirty

1. What insight is gained into Heck Tate's character?

2. What situation do both Atticus and Scout recognize?

3. Discuss Scout's comment about the mockingbird in relation to Boo Radley.

Chapter Thirty-One

1. In what way does Scout demonstrate sensitivity and compassion in the previous and final chapter?