To Kill a Mockingbird- Chapters 1-31 Questions and
Answers
Why did Jem cry? Correct Ans-Jem cried because he was shocked at the injustice of the
jury, people from his own town, whom he had always considered above such injustice.
What was "round the back steps" when Calpurnia came in on Monday morning? Correct
Ans-The black community had left all kinds of food "round the back steps" for Atticus and his
family as a gesture of thanks for all he had done to defend Tom Robinson.
What was the significance of Maudie's two little cakes and one large one? Correct Ans-
Maudie had two little cakes for Scout and Dill, but Jem got a slice from the big cake. This was
Maudie's symbolic way of saying that she accepted Jem as a young man instead of a boy.
Describe Bob Ewell's meeting with Atticus at the post office. Correct Ans-Bob Ewell wanted
to fight with Atticus when they met at the post office. Atticus just said he was too old to fight,
and he walked away. Bob Ewell then threatened to get even with Atticus.
What is Atticus's reaction to Ewell's threats? Correct Ans-Atticus rationally understands
that Bob Ewell is upset, but he does not believe that Bob would actually do any physical harm
to anyone.
Alexandra does not want Scout playing with Walter Cunningham. Why not? Correct Ans-
Alexandra thinks the Cunninghams are trash because they don't have the background of the
Finches.
, To Kill a Mockingbird- Chapters 1-31 Questions and
Answers
Jem said. "I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house
all this time ....it's because he wants to stay inside." Why does he say this? Correct Ans-
The world is starting to look complicated to Jem. The jury decision, all the talk about social
class and the problem of what exactly "background" means, and Mr. Raymond's false drinking
problem are all weighing on his mind, and he's trying to get things all sorted out with
understandable definitions. He is learning that things in the real world just aren't easy to sort
out and understand.
Mrs. Merriweather of the missionary circle complains about her cooks and field hands. What
does that tell us about her? Correct Ans-As a member of the missionary circle, she is very
concerned about the personal welfare of many Africans, but in her own back yard, Mrs.
Merriweather is as prejudiced as she could be. She is a hypocrite.
What did Dill dare Jem to do? Correct Ans-He dared him to go up and touch thhe Radley
house.
What was Scout's first "crime" in school? Correct Ans-Her "crime" was her abiltiy to read
and write.
What was Calpurnia's fault? Correct Ans-Calpurnia taught Scout to write.This caused
trouble for her at school, and Miss Caroline asked her to tell her father to stop teaching her.
Why did Scout rub Walter Cunningham's nose in the dirt? Correct Ans-Scout stood up for
Walter in class and tried to explain the Cunningham ways to Miss Caroline. For her
Answers
Why did Jem cry? Correct Ans-Jem cried because he was shocked at the injustice of the
jury, people from his own town, whom he had always considered above such injustice.
What was "round the back steps" when Calpurnia came in on Monday morning? Correct
Ans-The black community had left all kinds of food "round the back steps" for Atticus and his
family as a gesture of thanks for all he had done to defend Tom Robinson.
What was the significance of Maudie's two little cakes and one large one? Correct Ans-
Maudie had two little cakes for Scout and Dill, but Jem got a slice from the big cake. This was
Maudie's symbolic way of saying that she accepted Jem as a young man instead of a boy.
Describe Bob Ewell's meeting with Atticus at the post office. Correct Ans-Bob Ewell wanted
to fight with Atticus when they met at the post office. Atticus just said he was too old to fight,
and he walked away. Bob Ewell then threatened to get even with Atticus.
What is Atticus's reaction to Ewell's threats? Correct Ans-Atticus rationally understands
that Bob Ewell is upset, but he does not believe that Bob would actually do any physical harm
to anyone.
Alexandra does not want Scout playing with Walter Cunningham. Why not? Correct Ans-
Alexandra thinks the Cunninghams are trash because they don't have the background of the
Finches.
, To Kill a Mockingbird- Chapters 1-31 Questions and
Answers
Jem said. "I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house
all this time ....it's because he wants to stay inside." Why does he say this? Correct Ans-
The world is starting to look complicated to Jem. The jury decision, all the talk about social
class and the problem of what exactly "background" means, and Mr. Raymond's false drinking
problem are all weighing on his mind, and he's trying to get things all sorted out with
understandable definitions. He is learning that things in the real world just aren't easy to sort
out and understand.
Mrs. Merriweather of the missionary circle complains about her cooks and field hands. What
does that tell us about her? Correct Ans-As a member of the missionary circle, she is very
concerned about the personal welfare of many Africans, but in her own back yard, Mrs.
Merriweather is as prejudiced as she could be. She is a hypocrite.
What did Dill dare Jem to do? Correct Ans-He dared him to go up and touch thhe Radley
house.
What was Scout's first "crime" in school? Correct Ans-Her "crime" was her abiltiy to read
and write.
What was Calpurnia's fault? Correct Ans-Calpurnia taught Scout to write.This caused
trouble for her at school, and Miss Caroline asked her to tell her father to stop teaching her.
Why did Scout rub Walter Cunningham's nose in the dirt? Correct Ans-Scout stood up for
Walter in class and tried to explain the Cunningham ways to Miss Caroline. For her
