To Kill a Mockingbird 1-3

Question 1

In what year was the novel published?

Answer 1

1960

Question 2

In what decade of the twentieth century is the book set?

Answer 2

the 30s

Question 3

What style/narrative does Harper Lee use to tell the story?

Answer 3

first person recollection

Question 4

In which state is the fictitious town of Maycomb set? What other piece of literature shared the same state?

Answer 4

Alabama

Question 5

What is Scout’s full name?

Answer 5

Jean Louise Finch

Question 6

What is Scout’s father’s name? His profession?

Answer 6

Atticus Finch; lawyer

Question 7

What is the name of the family homestead founded by the first family settler in America?

Answer 7

Finch’s Landing

Question 8

Who currently resides in this homestead and what is their family relationship to Scout?

Answer 8

Alexandra (aunt) and husband

Question 9

What is the very first event that Scout recollects in the opening line? How old was Jem when it occured?

Answer 9

Jem (13) broke his arm.

Question 10

“Maycomb was an __________ town, but it was a ____________ when I first knew it.”

Answer 10

old; tired old town

Question 11

Decribe one physical feature of Calpurnia.

Answer 11

bony, nearsighted, big hands

Question 12

“Our battles were epic…, but Calpurnia always won because…”

Answer 12

and one-sided; Atticus took her side.

Question 13

What is the nickname and real name of “malevolent phantom” three doors down from Finch family?

Answer 13

Arthur “Boo” Radley

Question 14

Why is the family shunned in Maycomb? What do they do wrong?

Answer 14

They kept to themselves and did not go to church.

Question 15

What is Maycomb’s principal form of recreation?

Answer 15

going to church

Question 16

What does the phrase “he bought cotton” mean to Jem?

Answer 16

do nothing

Question 17

What is the name of the local newspaper?

Answer 17

The Maycomb Tribune

Question 18

What is Dill’s full name?

Answer 18

Charles Baker Harris

Question 19

From where does he come?

Answer 19

Meridian, Mississippi

Question 20

What is it about Dill that makes an immediate impression on Jem?

Answer 20

short but old; Dill has seen “Dracula.”

Question 21

What is the name of the town busy-body or gossip?

Answer 21

Miss Stephanie Crawford

Question 22

How the three children keep themselves amused during Dill’s first visit (one example)?

Answer 22

reenact plays or stories, play in treehouse,

Question 23

“There goes the meanest man God ever blew breath into” (Calpurnia). Who died? Why does Calpurnia surprise the kids?

Answer 23

Mr. Radley; She rarely bothers with whites.

Question 24

What does the “malevolent phantom” look like according to Jem?

Answer 24

yellow and rotten teeth, popped out eyes, six 1/2 feet tall, blood-stained hands, scar on face

Question 25

How do you encourage “a turtle to come out”?

Answer 25

Strike a match under him.

Question 26

What confuses Scout about how Jem instructs her to behave towards him at school?

Answer 26

Scout should leave him alone.

Question 27

What is the first grade teacher’s name?

Answer 27

Miss Caroline Fisher

Question 28

What does she look and smell like (Scout)?

Answer 28

a peppermint drop

Question 29

Why is her first action of reading a story a disaster?

Answer 29

The story is ridiculous and made up.

Question 30

What TWO instructions does she give to Scout to take home to her father?

Answer 30

1) Don’t teach her anymore

2) It will interfere with her reading.

Question 31

What physical reaction does Scout notice of Walter Cunningham that communicates his embarrassment and discomfort regarding the lunch money?

Answer 31

a muscle jump in his skinny jaw

Question 32

Name one of the “repayments” that the Cunninghams give Scout’s family.

Answer 32

stovewood, hickory nuts, greens

Question 33

What does Scout say that her teacher is doing to Walter unintentionally? (quote)

Answer 33

“You’re shamin’ him, Miss Caroline.”

Question 34

What does Scout think her teacher is going to do when she asks her to hold out her hand?

Answer 34

spit in it

Question 35

What happens at the close of chapter that further increases this teacher’s humiliation?

Answer 35

Miss Blount (sixth grade teacher) tells Miss Caroline to keep the class quiet.

Question 36

What causes the embarrassment? Did the teacher deserve this?

Answer 36

No. She was just punishing Scout with her learned punishment.