TKAM chapter 14 and 15 and 16

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Chapter 14: Growing up and making decisions (Jem)

“Jem…broke the remaining code of our childhood” Jem’s transition in puberty

and growing up is seen in this chapter .

Aunt Alexandra and Atticus quarrel about Calpurina’s position in the house.

1. How does Jem show in this chapter that he has become more mature and responsible than his younger sister? In what ways is he still a child? How does Scout prove to herself that they are “still equals”?

Chapter 15: The mob (good VS bad)

Why do Heck Tate, Link Deas, and others come to the Finches’ house? What
do they discuss with Atticus? What do they hope to avoid?

p.160 What does Scout mean when she says that “Do you really think so?” is Atticus’s “dangerous question”? When does he ask that question in this chapter? How do you imagine his tone of voice sounds when he asks it?

Why do you think Jem comes to the door to tell Atticus the phone is ringing, when he could have answered it himself? 

Why do the men “jump a little”? 

Does Jem understand the conversation the men are having? 

Why is he scared for Atticus?

When a group of men, led by Mr. Cunningham, shows up at the Maycomb jailhouse the night before the Tom Robinson trial, what have they come to do?  

Why is Atticus here waiting? 

How do you think the men’s ideas about justice differ from Atticus’s?

Chapter 16: Standing in someone’s shoes + Atticus and his role as a lawyer

profane = blasphemous or obscene.

elucidate= explain, make clear,

solicitor,= lawyer, legal representative,

amiable= friendly

page 173

When Scout asks if the Cunninghams are still their friends, Atticus responds, “Mr. Cunningham’s basically a good man, he just has his blind spots like the rest of us.” 

What does Atticus mean by “blind spot”? Do you agree with Atticus’s assessment of the Cunninghams?

Does the setting in which this story takes place make Mr. Cunningham’s “blind spot” understandable? What is the difference between understanding and excusing a point of view?

Based on what you have learned about the history of lynching, do you think Harper Lee’s portrayal of the lynch mob in this novel is realistic? 

Why or why not?

What is a “mixed child,” according to Jem? Why does he think they are “real sad”? Whose universe of obligation do they belong to?
page 177

Scout overhears the members of the “Idlers’ Club” ( page 180) discussing Atticus. What does she learn about Atticus and Tom Robinson that she did not know before? 

What is confusing to her about the revelation? Why, exactly, are so many townsfolk upset at Atticus?

Does Atticus have a choice about being Tom Robinson’s attorney?

Does he have a choice about how seriously he takes this role?