To Kill a Mockingbird Flashcards
Where and when is “To Kill a Mockingbird” set?
Maycomb, Alabama during a time called the Great Depression
Who is the narrator of the novel?
The story is narrated by a young girl named Scout Finch
What is the initial incident that starts the story?
Scout, Jem and Dill are really curious about their strange neighbor, Boo Radley.
What big event shakes up the quiet town of Maycomb?
Tom Robinson is accused of a crime and his trial starts.
What does Scout’s dad, Atticus Finch, do for work and why is it important?
He’s a lawyer and this matters a lot because he defends a man named Tom Robinson.
What crime is Tom Robinson blamed for?
He is accused of hurting/raping Mayella Ewell.
How do Scout and Jim react to their father defending Tom Robinson?
They are confused and sometimes have a tough time because of what others thing about their dad’s choice.
What do Scout and Jim originally think about Boo Radley (also known as ‘Arthur Radley’) ?
They are scared but really curious about him, thinking hes kind of a spooky ghost-like person.
What do most people in the Maycomb think about Atticus defending Tom Robinson?
They dont like it and show their unhappiness, which shows how unfair they treat people based on race (racial prejudice).
How does Atticus try to defend Tom Robinson?
He does his best to show that Tom is innocent, staying honest and fair even when others are not.
What is the most intense part of the book?
The trial of Tom Robinson and what the jury decides.
What does the jury decide about Tom Robinson?
They say hes guilty, even though it doesnt seem fair or true. This illustrates racial injustice.
How does the trial change things for Scout’s family?
They face some mean behavior from others like threats and hostility, but some people in town also show them kindness.
What sad thing happens to Tom Robinson after the trial?
He tries to escape from jail and is shot and killed.
What does Bob Ewell do after the trial?
He’s really angry and wants revenge to the people who he feels wronged him, including Atticus and others.
What scary thing does Bob Ewell do to the Finch children (Scout and Jem) ?
He attacks them, but they are saved by Boo Radley.
What does Scout and Jem learn about Boo Radley after he helps them?
They realize he’s actually nice and has just been misunderstood.
How does “To Kill a Mockingbird” end?
It ends with a sense of hope and Scout understanding more about people and life.
What does the mockingbird symbolize in the story?
It stands for innocence and how’s it’s wrong to hurt innocent people or things.
What big thing does Scout understand about people at the end of the book?
She sees that even though people can be mean and unfair, they can also be kind and understanding
What is the main conflict in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
The trial of Tom Robinson and the racial prejudices in Maycomb.
What does Tom Robinson symbolize in the novel?
He is a victim of racial injustice.
Who are the Ewells and what role do they play?
Bob and Magellan Ewell represent racism and social injustice. They falsely accuse Tom Robinson of Rape.
What lesson does Atticus try to teach his children?
Empathy and understanding, especially towards those who are different.
How does Jem change as a person during the story?
Jem grows up a lot. He starts to really think about what’s fair and what’s not, and how people treat each other differently because of their race.
What does the friendship between Scout and Boo Radley teach us?
It shows us how sometimes we might get the wrong idea about someone, but when we get to know them, we can really start to care about how they feel.
Who is Atticus Finch?
He’s Scout’s dad and a lawyer who believes in doing what’s right and fair.
Who is Jem Finch?
Jem is Scout’s older brother who grows up and starts understanding more about the world
What is Tom Robinson’s role in the story?
He’s a black man that Atticus defends’ -he’s accused of a crime he didn’t commit which symbolizes racial injustice.
Who is Bob Ewell?
He is the villain in the story (the main antagonist), causing lots of problems and being unfair to others. He represents racism and hatred.
What role does Mayella Ewell play?
She’s Bob Ewell’s daughter who falsely accuses Tom Robinson and sparks the main conflict of the book.
Who is Dill Harris?
A friend of Scout and Jem, he has a big imagination and loves adventures. He represents childhood innocence.
What is Calpurnia’s role in the Finch Family?
The Finch’s housekeeper, she acts as a mother figure and a bridge between black and white communities.
Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson
A kind neighbor who treats the kids well and has a positive outlook. She represents a moral and progressive viewpoint.