To Kill a Mockingbird: chapter 8 quotes

Question 1

‘Soft taffeta-like sounds and muffled scurrying sounds filled me with helpless dread’

Answer 1

reveals Scouts immediate feeling that there is a fire (Maycomb is a hot, dry place so fires were probably common)

Question 2

‘Whose is it’

Answer 2

the question Atticus asks Scout when he sees a linen blanket wrapped around her. Then suggests Boo gave it to her in the drama of the fire when she was not paying attention

Question 3

‘Then Mr Avery’s face appeared in an upstairs window’

Answer 3

creates a contrast with the person Scout and Jem pictured Mr Avery as (someone who is lazy and pees off his balcony), putting emphasis upon his bravery and determination

Question 4

‘Someday, maybe, Scout can thank him for covering her up’

Answer 4

Atticus’ words when he discovers that the mystery hero who gave Scout the blanket during the fire was none other than Boo Radley himself

Question 5

‘Grieving, child? Why, I hated that old cow barn’

Answer 5

Mrs Maudie displays an unexpected lack of despair and sadness after her home and all of her possessions are burned to the ground

Question 6

‘I’ll build me a little house

Answer 6

highlights her optimistic virtues as she sees the incident as a chance to start over