To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 10 quotes

Question 1

‘There was nothing Jem or I could say about him’
‘Our father didn’t do anything’
‘He never went hunting’
‘He sat in the living room and read’

Answer 1

Highlights the hypercritical attitude Jem and Scout have adopted towards Atticus over the years. Suggests they believe he is boring because he doesn’t engage with them much.

Question 2

‘Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird’

Answer 2

Atticus tells Jem that he can shoot all the birds he wants, but that killing a Mockingbird is a sin because they don’t bother human beings, but sing their hearts out tirelessly. This is literal advice but also undertakes a metaphor form which justifies the outcome of the novel.

Question 3

‘You’d be surprised, there’s life in him yet’
‘Did you know he can play a Jew’s harp?’
‘Mr Finch, why he can do lots of things’

Answer 3

Mrs Maudie knocks some sense into Jem and Scout after they start to wonder if Atticus is completely useless.

Question 4

‘Nothing is more deadly than a deserted, waiting street’

‘The mockingbirds were silent

Answer 4

Lee creates a chilling atmosphere around the scene in which Tim Johnson (the rabid dog) is spotted.

Question 5

‘I saw that, One-Shot Finch’

Answer 5

Mrs Maudie openly eludes to Atticus’ past of being a sharp shooter in his early years after he shoots the Tim Johnson with pinpoint accuracy.

Question 6

‘Atticus is a gentleman, just like me!’

Answer 6

Jem runs down the street hollering after he finally realises that Atticus is someone to admire for his positive qualities.