Chapter 28-31: Has justice been served in this novel? (Think about this) Why or why not? To answer this, you must define what ‘justice” is and then provide specific examples to support your stand on this. (Mali)

At the end of the book, Justice was served for Tom Robinson's innocent death. In the dictionary, justice is described as “just behavior or treatment.” Harper Lee serves justice in this book when Bob Ewell dies. Her definition was to make something acceptable, Tom Robinson got the justice he deserved. In the text, it says “Bob Ewell’s lyin’ on the ground under that tree down yonder with a kitchen knife stuck under his ribs. He’s dead, Mr. Finch” (Lee, 357). Bob Ewell is responsible for Tom’s death. He falsely accused Tom of raping Mayella and landed him in jail. In jail, Tom was shot and murdered. Bob was the one raping his daughter and is accountable for hurting Mayella and killing Tom. Bob’s death can be seen as payback for killing Tom. It in a sense was karma. He was trying to hurt Atticus by attacking his kids and was killed in the act. His death is justified because of all the harm he caused and lives he took. Tom’s death cannot be forgiven but Bob’s death acts as punishment, the ultimate punishment for taking another man’s life and hurting his children. Justice was served in the book when Bob died because it “justified” Tom’s death and although two lives cannot make up for two, we know that Helen, Atticus and other people involved with the trial will be safe and that Tom’s death was not all worthless. His death was a step towards equality and Bob’s death served Tom justice.

Chapter 28-End: Look closely at the description of Boo. Why has Harper Lee included these details and why here? (Maclin Stover)

You learn a lot about how isolated Boo was when Scout points him out to Mr. Tate. Up to this point in the book, there had been no description of Boo and we had really no idea what he looked like. However, when Harper Lee describes him after Scout points him out, we learn about him as a person and also the type of environment he is living in right now. The kids have never seen Boo out of the house during the day and this is supported when it describes his hands as “sickly white hands that had never seen the sun” (Lee 362). This shows how badly Boo was treated in the Radley household and also the environment he grew up in. Harper Lee also describes his cheeks as “thin to hollowness” (Lee 362) and his “gray eyes were so colorless I thought he was blind.” (Lee 362). She goes on to describe his hair as “dead and thin” (Lee 362) and “Feathery” (Lee 362). All these descriptions show just how tough Boo Radley has had it and how poorly he was treated; if anyone even paid any attention to him. Also, throughout the conversation, Boo has some nervous reactions as he is not used to talking and interacting with multiple people in a public space. Scout realizes this at one point saying “Boo would feel more comfortable in the dark.” (Lee 364). She says this when they are sitting down in the chairs and Scout refers for Boo to sit in the chair in the dark because that's where he feels the most comfortable. This says a lot about Boo as a person as he feels more comfortable in the dark, the opposite of most people. But this is just the way Boo has been forced to live: isolated.

Chapters 28-31: Look closely at the description of Boo. Why has Harper Lee included these details and why here? (Julia)

Harper Lee included a detailed description of Boo to emphasize the fact that instead of a terrifying legend, he is a lost soul. Scout meets Arthur “Boo” Radley, after Jem has broken his arm and Bob Ewell has been found dead. Scout describes Boo Radley as having “sickly white hands that had never seen the sun… his face was as white as his hands,” (Lee 362). This part of the description brings to mind a ghost, which is why Arthur has earned the nickname ‘Boo’. He hasn’t been outside in sunlight in a long time, and this makes him uncomfortable and wary of light. Scout also says that Boo’s “cheeks were thin to hollowness… and his gray eyes were so colorless I thought he was blind,” (362). Boo is thin and ragged, and indistinct. This shows two things. The first is that Harper Lee is trying to show that Boo Radley is someone very lost and almost a prisoner of his own home. The second is that his identity has been drained away from him, and he has become nothing more than a whispered legend.  When seeing Scout, Boo’s “lips parted into a timid smile,” (Lee 362). Boo Radley was the one who left gifts in the tree hollow for Scout and Jem, and he feels familiar with the duo. This is further evidenced because page 374 is devoted to describing ‘Boo’s children,’ and everything they did. Boo’s ‘children’ are Scout and Jem, so he feels familiar with them, which is why he smiles. At the same time, he has not had human contact save his brother for at least ten years. This means that he is uncomfortable with talking to people, especially as the center of attention. Throughout the book, Boo’s legend has been built up to resemble someone terrifying. Everyone is scared of him, and he has been made into more of a myth than a man. However, Boo is actually timid, scared of light and the humans around him.

Chapter 26/27: Explain the idea of hypocrisy. In thinking about the tea party and the incident with Miss Gates, how are Miss Gates and Mrs. Merriweather hypocrites? Why does Harper Lee do this? (Jack)

     The two women are hypocritical because they are different in their house than they are on public streets. In chapter 26, Miss Gates lectures the children on Hitler and his ways saying, "Over here we don't believe in persecuting anybody." (Lee 329) Scout wonders how Miss Gates can preach equality when she came out of the courthouse after the trial and told Miss Stephanie Crawford that it was about time that someone taught the blacks in town a lesson. This is a prime example of her being a hypocrite. This also relates back to when Miss Maudie said Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on public streets. This shows that Atticus is not a hypocrite and he is not two-faced. He respects everyone in the community and is shown when he fights for Tom Robinson during the trial. On the other hand, Miss Gates is two-faced because in the classroom she is pro equality but when she is leaving the courtroom she is pro racism.
     During the ladies tea party, Mrs. Marriweather calls the people who live up north hypocrites. She calls these people hypocrites for the way they treat black people. She says, "At least we don't have the  deceit to say to 'em yes you're as good as we are but stay away from us." (Lee 313) The ladies prejudice is what leads them to call Mrs. Roosevelt a hypocrite. They are being hypocritical by trying to love with black people as well. The ladies are so blinded by their prejudice that they don't see what Mrs. Roosevelt is trying to do is good. Harper Lee puts this in the novel to show that even if you mean well, your prejudice towards people can turn you into a hypocrite.

     

Chapter 26/27: Explore Scout's confusion in class. What is the root of Scout's confusion about Miss Gates? How is Miss Gates being a hypocrite? Why does Harper Lee include this? What is the purpose? (Anna M)

As a discussion about Adolf Hitler arises in class, it sparks confusion in Scout about Miss Gates’ views on Hitler and how those views contrast her behaviors after the trial. In class, Scout is confused to how Hitler could possibly be getting away with what he is doing. This question begins a lesson about democracy. Miss Gates shares her opinion on Hitler when she says, “‘I don’t know Henry. They contribute to every society they live in, and most of all they are deeply religious people. Hitler’s trying to do away with religion, so maybe he doesn’t like them for that reason,’”(Lee 329). Miss Gates thinks that Hitler is not doing good for his country. And in her opinion Jews should not be persecuted. But Scouts then says to Jem when they are at home, “‘I heard her say it's time everybody taught ‘em a lesson, they were gettin’ way above themselves, an’ the next thing they think they can do is marry us. Jem, how can you hate Hitler so bad an’ then turn around and be ugly about folks right at home--’”(Lee 331). Scouts confusion derives from why Miss Gates could be talking so kindly about the Jews and how she thinks it's bad what Hitler is doing. But make racist remarks about the black people in their community so easily. In the text it says, “‘they’re supposed to change money or somethin’, but that ain’t no cause to persecute ‘em. They’re white, ain’t they?’”(Lee 329). This comes to show that skin color plays a huge role in how people think of each other in Maycomb. This also shows Miss Gates is a hypocrite. She has no problem defending the Jews who do not belong to her community because they are white, even though they do not practice the same religion or have the same religious beliefs as she does. But when it comes to people of color in her own community she is quick to say bad things about them. Harper Lee includes this to show how truly racist people can be when it comes to skin color. This part of the story is very purposeful because Harper Lee can say 1000 times how racist people in Maycomb are. But situations such as this and Tom Robinson's trial really help us to grasp the sheer amount of racism in Maycomb.

Overall, Scout does not understand how Miss Gates could be such a hypocrite. Miss Gates talks so keenly about how she is against the Holocaust. But when it comes to black people in her own community she only keenly talks about the bad things. A discussion about Adolf Hitler in class sparks confusion in Scout about Miss Gates’ views on Hitler and how those views contrast her behaviors after the trial.

Chapter 26/27: Explore the quote "The events of the summer hung over us like smoke in a closed room". What does this mean? Why does Harper Lee include this? (Jack)

       The quote shows that although the trial is over, it will never be forgotten by the people of Maycomb. After school starts again for Scout and things start to go back to normal, Scout tells us that Atticus said, "Things had a way of settling down, and after enough time passed people would forget that Tom Robinson's existence was ever brought to their attention." (Lee 326) This shows that Atticus is trying to erase these events from the children's minds and have them go back to the families normal lifestyle. He doesn't want them to be stuck in the past dwelling on the trial and its outcome.
     
       Scout understands her father's point of view, but sees a different thing happening in Maycomb. She says, "The events of the summer hung over us like smoke in a closed room." (Lee 326) This shows how the events of the trial haven't been forgotten by anyone in Maycomb. This shows the significance of the trial and the overwhelming impact it had on the people. The quote also has a lot of meaning and is a very powerful metaphor. The events of the trial are the trial. The smoke trapped in a closed room is like the memories of the trial trapped in Maycomb. Atticus wants people to forget about these events and let the events "leave the trapped room" so they can move on with their normal lives.

       Although Atticus wants to move on and forget about the trial, the people of Maycomb will always remember the events that happened over the summer.

Chapter 26/27: Explore Scout's confusion in class. What is the root of Scout's confusion about Miss Gates? How is Miss Gates being a hypocrite? Why does Harper Lee include this? What is the purpose? (Mario P)

Scout was confused in class because of Hitler, she did not understand how he was able to do these terrible things without being stopped “I mean how can Hitler just put a lot of folks in a pen like that, looks like the govamint’d stop him” (Lee 328). Scout gets confused about Miss Gates when she asks Atticus if it is ok to hate Hitler, he replies with a no which leads to Scout thinking that Miss Gates might be a bad person because she hates Hitler. Scout is confused by Miss Gates' hyopcrisy when she  was teaching the class about the government, she congratulated Scout when she said “Equal rights for all, special privileges for none” (Lee 328), this suggests that she believes that white and black people should equal. Although after the Tom Robinson case Scout hears Miss Gates talking about what happened and saying how it was time to teach African-Americans a lesson, we know this because Scout says “ I heard her say it was time somebody taught ‘em a lesson, they were gettin’ way above themselves, an’ next thing you know they will be marrying us” (Lee 331). Harper Lee includes this in the text to show how unfair  and racist white people were to the African-American community. Miss Gates talks about how it was terrible what Hitler did to the jewish people and says that America is a democracy, but really in the south the same thing was happening with African-American people. They are treating them the same way Hitler was treating jews.

Chapter 26 and 27: The Radley Place had ceased to terrify me, but it was no less gloomy, no less chilly under its great oaks, and no less uninviting, Explore this with reference to Scout's development. (Phoebe S)

Scout, Jem, and Atticus have been through intense emotional stress in the last year, so fears of Boo Radley are no longer meaningful to them. Scout and Jem have now begun school again and must walk by the Radley place every day. As Scout thinks "So many things had happened to us, Boo Radley was the least of our fears but it was no less gloomy, no less chilly under its great oaks, and no less uninviting” (Lee 326). In this quote, Scout means that it is not the house that has changed, but herself. She and Jem have both grown up and are not as close as they were before. As Jem is growing older, he thinks he is much more mature than Scout and can't be bothered with her childlike games. Because of this, Scout has had to face the past year alone. With Bob Ewell's threats and the trial, Scout has had to grow and be able to rely on herself more than ever. The town also treats the children as if they were made of glass. They all feel that Jem and Scout cannot help the Atticus is their father so in turn, the community pities the children. When saying "It was no less gloomy, no less chilly under its great oaks, and no less uninviting” (Lee 326) Scout is relating to the house by saying that her new world that she has been thrown into is not any different physically, but her behavior must be different so that she is accepted. In school one day, Scout's teacher, Miss Gates, teaches her class about Adolf Hitler and the prosecution of the Jewish people. Later, Scout asks Jem how Miss Gates can pretend to be unopposed to equality. After the trial, Scout heard that Ms.Gates was coming out of the courthouse and told Miss Stephanie Crawford "It's time somebody taught 'em a lesson, they were gettin' way above themselves" (Lee 331). A younger Scout would not have noticed this hypocrisy and would have believed Ms. Gates. However as Scout has matured she now realizes that Ms. Gates may appear to be a Democrat, but she is a racist. Scout has grown since last summer in two ways, she is learning her forced role in the women's society of Maycomb and Scout is learning about herself and her own views.

Chapter 24 and 25: What is the content of the editorial published in the paper? Why is this confusing to Scout? What is the significance of this? (William K)

Mr. Underwood's editorial talks about his views about people who are crippled, and race, which is especially confusing to Scout because she does not understand his views on injustice, but is lead to a greater understanding. Mr. Underwood writes about his views on people who have been crippled, and the men who had convicted Tom Robinson. First, Mr. Underwood equates the murder of Tom to "a senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters"(Lee 323), which shows his distaste for those that hurt others who cannot defend themselves. He later goes on to talk about the jurors, and their inability to side with a black man's word when confronted with an opposing white woman's. The idea of someone's race playing more of a role in court than evidence perplexed her since she still does not understand how much race plays a difference in Maycomb. This is significant because it shows her voyage to adulthood, and marks a pivotal point in her understanding. This information will help her get a handle on what people in Maycomb think. Since the writing is written from his beliefs, it is as close as she can get to "climb[ing] into his skin and walk[ing] around in it"(Lee 39), which leads to a greater understanding of him and possibly others. Scout is being subjected to a lot of new information and is quickly being forced to come to terms with new ideas, and this editorial about Mr. Underwood's views on race, and people who are crippled, is an important step into understanding more about her world.

Chapters 24-25 Explain the Mrs. Merriweather's quote, "I tell you there are some good but misguided people in this town." What is she talking about? (Tyler M)

Mrs. Merriweather makes the comment, “I tell you there are some good but misguided people in this town” (Lee 311) at a Missionary Circle meeting hosted by Aunt Alexandra in Atticus’ home.  Mrs. Merriweather’s indirect implication is that Atticus Finch’s choice to defend Tom Robinson has stirred the Negro population in Maycomb, and further insinuates that despite seeming like the morally right thing to do, defending Tom Robinson was actually a bad decision by Atticus.  Mrs. Merriweather’s comment was made after she and other “Christian” women complained at the Missionary Circle meeting about how the trial and verdict in the Tom Robinson case stirred the Negro population in Maycomb.  When Scout asks clarifying questions regarding her comments, Mrs. Merriweather says, “the cooks and field hands are just dissatisfied, but they’re settling down now--they grumbled all next day after that trial” (Lee 310). Mrs. Merriweather further complains to Mrs. Farrow “I tell you there’s nothing more distracting than a sulky darky.  Their mouths go down to here. Just ruins your day to have one of ‘em in the kitchen” (Lee 310).  Mrs. Merriweather describes her annoyance by the behavior of her servant Sophy, and how Sophy needed to be set straight regarding her reaction to the plight of Tom Robinson. It seems that Mrs. Merriweather needs to blame someone for Sophy’s lack of productivity and sulking, and her target, despite sitting in his home, and eating his food, in front of his sister and daughter, is Atticus Finch, the defense attorney for Tom Robinson.

Mrs. Merriweather’s claim is that despite it seeming like a good idea for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson because of his high morals, the outcome of the trial and the subsequent behavior of Negroes in Maycomb County as a result of the guilty verdict actually caused more problems for the town.  Mrs. Merriweather continues to drive home her point at the meeting by saying, “folks in this town who think they’re doing right, I mean. Now far be it from me to say who, but some of ‘em in this town thought they were doing the right thing a while back, but all they did was stir ‘em up. That’s all they did” (Lee 311).  The conversation in the meeting is halted by the Finch’s neighbor Miss Maudie who quickly and indirectly, calls out Mrs. Merriweather on her hypocrisy of sitting in Atticus’ house and eating his food, while questioning his decision to represent Tom Robinson, “His food doesn’t stick going down, does it?” (Lee 312). The comments by both women are strong indicators of just how difficult the Tom Robinson trial has been for the town, and just how high racial tension is in Maycomb, Alabama.

Chapter 24/25: What is the significance of the “roly-poly”? What does this incident tell you about Scout and Jem? (Dylan)

Towards the end of the novel, the reader begins to see Scout and Jem’s relationship grow worse, and in chapter 25, the “roly-poly” provides an example. The morning after Scout talks with Aunty about Walter Cunningham, a little “roly-poly” appears in Scout’s room. Scout plays with the bug, causing it to curl up into a ball. Eventually, Scout gets tired, and tries to kill the bug, at which point Jem objects and says “don’t do that Scout. Set him out on the back steps,” (Lee 319). Scout feels confused in this situation because in her past experiences, Jem has been ready to smash bugs with her. However, since now Jem does not like the idea of killing a bug, and thinks it is wrong, the reader continues to see the difference in the two siblings’ values. A couple days before, Scout mentions some new changes physically in Jem. “I noticed a new slimness about his body. He was growing taller,” (Lee 301). During the last few weeks in the novel, Scout has been mentioning physical changes about Jem, but Jem has also been changing in his attitude, and growing farther and farther apart from Scout. Jem is going through a stage of  moral development, and maturing very quickly, which is challenging his relationship with his sister. Their interests have changed significantly, and now, Jem’s idea of a good day is a couple of football magazines and solitude, while Scout is eager for a day running outside with her favorite play - mate, Jem. Because of these new differences, Jem has been blocking out Scout from his world. To him, doing different things now seems right, but at the end of the day it only hurts their once seemingly unbreakable relationship. Overall, Harper Lee used the “roly-poly” to portray the major change in Scout and Jem’s relationship occurring throughout the past chapters, and how moral development played a role.

What is the significance of the "roly-poly"? What does this incident tell you about Scout and Jem? (sanya)

The significance of the roly-poly is to portray the story of Tom Robinson, and his case. In early September Scout spots a roly-poly inside. Her first instinct is to end the roly-polys life, but Jem says otherwise, “Why couldn’t I mash him? I asked. Because they don’t bother you, Jem answered… Jem was getting more like a girl every day, not I,” (Lee 320). Jem feels that the best way to solve the problem is to let the roly poly outside. Jem explains to Scout that “they don’t bother you.” In this situation Jem comes up with a fair solution to the problem, just like Atticus in the case. Jem explains why the roly-poly is “innocent” and should be let free. On the other hand, Scout simply wants to take away the roly-poly’s life. This represents the majority of the jury, and the gang, but more so, the guards at the prison. At the jail Tom was just a prisoner. The guards didn’t take into consideration that he had a family he was trying to reach, and quickly shot him down. The gang had the same goal, of ending Tom’s life. Obviously Scout isn’t as cruel the examples stated, but Lee used Scout to symbolize these people. Scout wouldn’t have tried to kill the roly-poly if it was a butterfly. Scout quickly judged the creature on its physical appearance. This is similar to how, Tom Robinson lost the case because of his race. Tom was “guilty” because of a factor he couldn’t control.

Overall, the scene including the roly-poly was used by Lee to portray Tom Robinson's story. Lee also shows how Jem is starting to become more like Atticus, and explains why the harsh decisions in the court were made.

Chapter 22/23: Explain Jem’s discussion of “Background” and different kinds of folks. How does that help you understand Jem’s feelings expressed at the end of chapter 23 (302). Why did Harper Lee put this here? (Tushar)

Harper Lee uses Jem’s feelings to convey that he is maturing and is beginning to have a larger view of the community of Maycomb. For example, when Jem is talking to Scout, he says that there are four types of people in Maycomb County. According to him, they are “the ordinary kind… the kind like the Cunninghams… the kind like the Ewells… and the Negroes” (Lee 302). When he says this, Scout counters him by saying that all people are the same. However, Jem replies by saying, “If there’s just one kind of folks, why can’t they all get along with each other?” (Lee 304). Jem saying this shows that being in the court really affected him, so he was able to realize that if everyone was the same, then Tom Robinson wouldn’t have been guilty. Also, this moment shows that Jem is really growing up and is taking these kind of things more seriously now. Ultimately, Jem shows that he is able to understand what is going on in Maycomb now that he is getting older.

Chapter 22-23: How is Jem maturing physically and emotionally in these chapters? (Cam)

In these chapters, Jem matures physically by sprouting chest hair and emotionally by taking a stand to be the man of the house. Earlier in the book, Calpurnia recognized that Jem was growing up. She calls Jem "Mister Jem" (Lee 153) and acknowledges him as a man instead of a child. In chapter 23, Jem shows Scout that he has entered puberty by saying to Scout, "Show you something if you won't tell anybody. Well, it's hair." (Lee 301). His body changes in other ways as well. As described by Scout, "His eyebrows were becoming heavier, and I noticed a new slimness about his body. He was growing taller." (Lee 301). While Jem's body is growing, his mind is also stirring with new emotions. He acts like the man of the house when he steps in to prevent Scout from attacking Aunt Alexandra. After Aunt Alexandra calls Walter Cunningham "... trash" (Lee 301), Jem "... put his arm around me (Scout), and led me sobbing in fury to his room." (Lee 301). Jem is also beginning to make connections between people in the community. He figures out that there are different groups of people in Maycomb County that are treated differently, and he thinks it’s because of whether they can read and write. Scout disagrees and thinks that there is only one kind of person. Jem admits that he used to think like Scout at her age, but he has figured out that she’s wrong about there being only one kind of person. Jem has grown in his thinking and has more complex ideas than he did when he was Scout’s age. Before this, Atticus would be the one to explain things to Scout. Jem now acts like the man of the house by teaching Scout about life, which shows how he has matured emotionally.

Chapter 22/23: Explain Maudie’s two important quotes about Atticus in Chapter 22. How is she showing her support? (CC)

Miss Maudie Atkinson is one of the few people in Maycomb County who can see the world how it is, and judges people on their personalities. The day after Tom Robinson’s trial, news about the case is buzzing all over the neighborhood. Miss Maudie invites the children to her house to sample her newest cake, but doesn't mention the trial. The children eat in silence but Miss Maudie breaks it when she states “that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father’s one of them” (Lee 288). Miss Maudie understands that there is dirty work in the world, and someone has to do it, even if they don’t want to. That someone is Atticus, who takes it upon himself because he knows no one else will.

Everyone in Maycomb County looked down upon the Finches after Atticus began defending an African American. However, they don’t disapprove of them because of who they are, it’s because Atticus was given the case, and they can’t see past that, save for Miss Maudie. Miss Maudie continued to treat the Finches the same way she always did, and barely batted an eye when she found out about the trial. As the children were invited to her house, the children “sensed that this was Miss Maudie’s way of saying that as far as she was concerned, nothing had changed” (Lee 288). Miss Maudie knows that the Finches’ personality and values haven’t changed because of this case.

While Maycomb County once revered the Finches, and now disapproves of them, Miss Maudie hasn’t changed her views. She looks past the obvious facts and into the more complicated details of people’s lives where the true story lies.

Chapter 22/23: What are Aunt Alexandra’s and Atticus’ definitions of “trash.” How do they differ? (Gillian)

Though Aunt Alexandra and Atticus are siblings, they have very different views on what makes someone “trash,” shown by how each of them explains their view on different men in Maycomb. Scout is talking with Aunt Alexandra about how she wants to invite Walter Cunningham over once the school year begins, but Aunt Alexandra shuts her down. “‘The thing is, you can scrub Walter Cunningham till he shines, you can put him in shows and a new suit, but he’ll never be like Jem’”(Lee 300). Later in the conversation, she explains that they cannot have Walter over because he is “trash.” Aunt Alexandra’s definition of “trash,” is someone who does not come from a respected family. The Finches are a richer family that has a long, rich history in Maycomb, while the Cunninghams are known for being poor. Aunt Alexandra defines someone based on where they come from, not their character. On the other hand, Atticus judges based solely on character. Atticus explains to Scout why Bob Ewell is his definition of “trash.” “‘Whenever a white man does that [cheats] to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine of a family he comes from, he is trash’” (Lee 295). Even though Bob doesn’t come from a wealthy family, that is not what Atticus judges him based on. Atticus instead pays attention to how Mr. Ewell treats others. He used the overpowering racism in Maycomb to hide his own crimes, and that is what Atticus thinks is “trash.” Both Aunt Alexandra and Atticus have their own separate views on what defines someone as “trash,” Aunt Alexandra judging based on a family name, and Atticus judging based on real character.

Chapter 20/21 What do Scout and Dill learn about Dolphus Raymond? What does this tell you about his character? (Mario P)

On this chapter we learn a lot about Mr. Dolphus Raymond and we get a better understanding about who he is as a person and about his secret. In scouts point of view Mr.Dolphus Raymond is an evil man that pretends that he is drinking alcohol out of a paper bag when he is really drinking Coca Cola.We know that scout does not like him because at the start of the chapter she says "Mr.Dolphus Raymond is and evil man"( Lee 267). Scout and Dill learn Mr.Dolphu's huge secret. This tells us that he has an immature character. After telling this to Scout and Dill they were both fascinated by him because they had never met a man that "deliberately perpetrated fraud against himself" (Lee 268). After hearing these news Scout asks why he does it, Mr.Dolphus say that he does it to for the town to know and have a reason why he acts the way he does. He also does it to hide his love for a black woman and his multiracial children, which is completely going against the southern way of life in Maycomb county, like he says on page 268 "some folks don't like the way i live. Now i could stay the hell with em i don't care if they don't like it". Mr.Dolphus thinks that Scout and Dill understand why he does the fake drinking, although i believe that they will not understand and just spread his secret around Maycomb county so then everyone knows about his secret.  

Chapter 18/19: Why does Dill cry? Explain the situation in detail. How does this relate back to Atticus’s comment about having a police force of children? (210) (Jack)

       Dill cries because he feels that Mr. Gilmer is being racially unjust to Tom Robinson during his prosecution. In Chapters 18 and 19, the reader learns more about what happened on the night of November 21st of the last year. Mr. Gilmer prosecutes Mayella and Tom Robinso, but when prosecuting Tom Robinson he uses language like "boy" and speaks to him in an unprofessional and uncivil manner. While prosecuting Tom Robinson, Mr. Gilmer says, "Are you being impudent to me, boy?" (Lee 265). This reveals that Mr. Gilmer isn't showing Tom Robinson respect as he does Mayella. Tom shows Mr. Gilmer respect and is very polite and respectful when he speaks to him. He knows very well that he did not rape Mayella and shows to Mr. Gilmer that he has nothing to hide.

       After Dill and Scout leave the courthouse, Dill says, "That old Mr. Gilmer doin' him that way, talking so hateful to him---" (Lee 265) Dill doesn't understand how Mr. Gilmer can be so unjust to Tom Robinson when Tom was doing nothing wrong. He says that Mr. Finch doesn't treat black people that way and says it is sick that Mr. Gilmer would use that type of language to put Tom Robinson down and make him feel small. Scout says that Atticus is the same in the courtroom as he is on public streets, which is ironic because Mr. Gilmer is the complete opposite. Mr. Gilmer ignores the facts and evidence and places the blame on Tom Robison solely because of the color of his skin. He has no empathy for Tom Robinson and doesn't understand how it feels to have your name be in the same sentence as rape. Tom was only trying to help Mayella but was put in a sticky situation and convicted of rape because he is a black man in the 1930's who was at the scene of a rape.

       This relates back to Atticus's comment and the topic of empathy because it shows that even if someone like Mr. Gilmer has blind spots, he is still human. If Dill can have empathy for Tom Robinson, so can a grown adult like Mr. Gilmer. Dill's tears in this chapter are like the police force. If Mr. Gilmer were to see his tears and see the empathy Dill has for Tom Robinson than it would force him to step into Tom's shoes and realize that his racial unjustness is completely wrong.

Chapter 20/21: What do Scout and Dill learn about Dolphus Raymond? What does this tell you about his character? (Mali)

In this chapter we learn lots of Mr. Dolphus Raymond’s secrets that help the reader get a fuller and deeper understanding of his actions and as a character. In Scout’s eyes Mr. Raymond is seen as an “evil” man who drinks whisky from a paper bag and has multiracial children. By the town, he is frowned upon. In the text Scout says, “As Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil man I accepted his invitation reluctantly, but I followed Dill” (Lee, 267). This shows she perceives him, like the rest of the town, a shady, sketchy man. Later, the reader learns that Dolphus is not much of a drinker. Instead of a paper bag full of whisky, he drinks Coca Cola. This could be perceived as a better thing to do than be an alcoholic so when he says to keep it a secret that he does not drink alcohol, it can be very confusing. Mr. Raymond has built this low reputation about himself that he is an alcoholic, has multiracial children, is lonely and “evil”. He later described why he denies that he drinks Coca Cola. His whisky is a coverup for giving the town a reason as to why he acts the way he does. Otherwise he feels he would not be accepted the way he is into the town. He enjoys his life whereas his life doesn’t fit “the ballot” as to what a white man should want. He feels he’s out of place and an outsider and uses the whiskey as an excuse to his happier lifestyle, even if it means compromising his personality. Throughout the chapter we get a fuller understanding of Dolphus Raymond.

Chapter 20/21: Explore Atticus’ words and actions in his closing argument. What makes his argument so effective? Why does Harper Lee do this? (Julia)

Atticus’ closing argument is effective because he does three things.  He speaks to the jury not as a lawyer, but as a man, addresses race, and calls upon the jurors to do their duty.  Just before his argument he “unbuttoned his vest, unbuttoned his collar, loosened his tie and took off his coat,” (Lee 271). This is to induce empathy with the jury. People are inclined to be angry with Atticus, because they disagree with him fighting Tom Robinson’s case, and he has thus been ostracized from the community. If he had stayed as if a buttoned up lawyer, the jury would be more inclined to not listen deeply to him, because they would have no empathy with him. However, when he tries to make himself appear like the jury, just a poor, working man, they are more likely to look at things through his point of view. Atticus takes this further. “His voice had lost its aridity, its detachment and he was talking to the jury as if they were folks on the post office corner,” (Lee 271). To the jury, this signifies openness. Atticus is doing this so he seems like an honest man who is just telling the facts. Another effective action that Atticus takes is directly addressing race. Race is the unspoken issue in Tom Robinson’s trial. Atticus knows that if he doesn’t address the racism in Maycomb, it will stand and the jury will automatically be influenced by it. Instead he puts the jury in a difficult position. “Which gentlemen, we know to be a lie [race]… this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men,” (Lee 273). His argument, as if the idea that they would behave in a racist way is very dishonourable, could lead some of them to believe that, and acquit Tom Robinson. Finally, Atticus calls upon the jurors to do what is right, not what is easy. “There is one way in this country that all men are created equal… that institution gentlemen, is a court,” (Lee 274). This is how Atticus tells them to put aside their prejudices, and make the verdict as the evidence suggests it is. In the courtroom, most people can see that Tom Robinson is not guilty. However, Atticus knows that the verdict goes beyond right or wrong: “In the name of God, do your duty,” is his final plea (Lee 275). The decision comes down entirely to whether or not the jurors will choose a black man over a white woman and white man. Most of Atticus’ effectiveness is because he directly addresses race and the jurors' duty, standing there as a regular man.  

Atticus uses many successful arguments. Why do you think that, despite his argument he couldn't change the jurors' minds?

Chapter 20/21- What do Scout and Dill learn about Dolphus Raymond? What does this tell you about his character? (Maclin Stover)

Dill and Scout learn a lot about Dolphus Raymond’s quirky habits and hidden identity during their discussion outside of the trial. When Mr.Raymond first calls them over to talk to him, Scout “accepted his invitation reluctantly.” (Lee 267). This shows that Scout is uneasy because of what she had heard about him; that he drinks and is an alcoholic. However, this quickly changes once she and Dill start taking with him. They first learn that Mr.Raymond drinks Coca-Cola out of a paper bag. Mr.Raymond says this habit as almost like it is a crime. Scout doesn’t understand why this is such a big problem saying “Just plain Coca-Cola?”(Lee 267). Part of what Scout is saying is that she is confused because she's heard that Mr.Raymond is an alcoholic and drinks more than the average person from Maycomb, which leads to his crazy behavior. When she hears this she learns that Mr.Raymond only drinks Coca-Cola out of a paper bag and does this to cover up for his quirky behavior. He follows this up by explaining that it's an excuse for his questionable behavior. He says “I try to give em a reason, you see. It helps folks if they can latch onto a reason.”(Lee 268) Dill and Scout are perplexed on why he would do something to cover up for his mistaken identity. Mr. Raymond does this to try to cover up his love for a black woman and having biracial children; which is completely against the entire South ways. Scout is confused and states “That ain’t honest, Mr.Raymond making yourself out badder’n you already are--”(Lee 268) When Scout asks Mr.Raymond why he trusted them with his secrets he says “Because you are children and you can understand it.”(Lee 268) He knows children won’t judge other people for what they are; Scout sees this as a completely ok situation. However, for a grown adult in Maycomb, it is confusing for them because nobody else acts like him. Mr.Raymond is an innocent man who is just trying to cover up what people in Maycomb might perceive as improper.

Chapter 18/19 What do you make of Mayella Ewell's testimony? (Phoebe)

Mayella Ewell's rape testimony is seemingly fabricated. As the trial proceeds the entire down is fascinated by the court. Mayella Ewell, next to testify, is much cleaner than a Ewell would appear to be daily. As Atticus begins to question Mayella, the nineteen year old girl is obviously terrified. Mayella recounts that she offered Tom Robinson a nickel to break up a dresser for her. Atticus then questions her home life and asks if her father is good to her and has ever beaten her. Mayella is apprehensive but admits that he has beaten her before when drunk. As the trial continues Atticus starts to unravel what truly happened. How Mayella had consented to Tom Robinson and how her father had seen her from the window and beaten her. Atticus finally asks "What did your father see in the window ... Why don't you tell the truth, child, didn't Bob Ewell beat you up?" (Lee 251). Even though Mayella's father is terrible to her, she will still love him unconditionally. This is why she was so scared to tell the truth. However Mayella didn't realize the consequences of saying that a black man had raped her. In Macomb, before Atticus no one would have ever even questioned Mayella's account. Mayella is a strong girl trying to cope with her hard life, however she made a huge mistake and faked a testimony to cover her father.

Chpt. 18-19 What do you make of Mayella Ewell's testimony? Pay close attention to her physical appearance, speech, and attitude. (Anna M)

Mayella Ewell’s testimony sounds believable at some times, but is not completely convincing. Mayella talks about the events that occurred but is unsure what to say at times. This is shown when Atticus asks Mayella if she was hit in the face. She is unsure how to answer his simple question. In the text Lee writes, “‘Do you remember him beating you around the face?’ The witness hesitated...Mayella was silent. She seemed to be trying to get something clear to herself”. (Lee 247) Mayella’s story lines up with what her father testified. But she hesitates on this question. Mr. Ewell testifies that his daughter had a black eye around her right eye. But Atticus shows the jury that Mr. Ewell is left-handed, so if he was the one to beat Mayella, he would have hit her right eye and not her left because he would punch with his left hand. And when Tom Robinson stands, it is clear that he is crippled. His hand is completely destroyed. So they present question is, how could a crippled man be able to choke, hold by the neck, and take advantage of Mayella? Mayella is nervous and anxious when asked most questions. She also shows signs of anxiousness and nervousness when asked if her father had ever beaten her. In the text it says, “Mayella looked around, down at the court reporter, up at the judge”.(Lee 246) When she hesitates, her testimony becomes less and less believable. Mayella also becomes defensive when called Miss. Mayella and ma’am. Atticus calls her this to be polite, but she gets defensive. Atticus also asks Mayella how educated she is. She gets offended but says she went to school for two or three years and shows the jury she can read. But she speaks like she is uneducated. Mayella sounds uneducated when she says, "'I fought’n’hollered, but he had me round the neck. He hit me agin’ and agin’--’” (Lee 241) The way she speaks makes her uneducated. And the fact she is uneducated makes it harder to believe her completely. Overall, Mayella is shaky on the stand and not completely convincing. Her behavior is anxious and on edge. And she is not sure how to answer questions that should be answered simply if her testimony was true. She does not have a good education and has many factors not on her side.

Ch. 16-17 How is the relationship between Aunty and Atticus changing? In what ways is this important to our understanding of the novel? (Tyler M)

Atticus Finch is a hard working, single father who is keenly aware of the missing maternal influence in his children’s lives. Throughout the novel Atticus relies heavily on the female influence of his “colored nurse” Calpurnia, and neighbors Miss Maudie and Miss Rachel, to influence his children Scout and Jem. However, the female influence that Atticus relies on most in raising his children is that of his sister, Aunt Alexandra. Aunt Alexandra has long objected to the way her brother is raising his children, most specifically in regard to the raising of his nine year old “tomboy” daughter Scout. When Aunt Alexandra moves into the Finch home to lend a more “helpful hand” in raising Atticus’ children she often adamantly disagrees with Atticus on his parenting of Scout and Jem.  Aunt Alexandra specifically does not like that Atticus’ employs a Negro woman, Calpurnia, in the Finch home.

Although usually respectful and agreeable with everything that his sister says, in Chapter 16, we begin to see Atticus standing up to his sister Alexandra.  Instead of always agreeing with her or listening to her advice on how he should be raising his children, Atticus becomes more steadfast in raising his children with the morals he believes most important. In fact on the morning of the start of the trial, it is Scout that notices the changing relationship between her father and his sister, “I was beginning to notice a subtle change in my father these days, that came out when he talked with Aunt Alexandra. It was a quiet digging in, never outright irritation” (Lee 209).

As the novel progresses, and his children grow older, Atticus seemingly takes less stock in his sister’s claims about what type of of “disgraceful children slipped out in the night” (Lee 208-209) and what should and shouldn’t be said in front of Calpurnia. “Anything fit to say at the table’s fit to say in front of Calpurnia. She knows what she means to this family” (Lee 209). This growing change in the relationship between Atticus and Aunt Alexandra is evidence that Atticus will always believe that his most important job is to raise his children to be the most morally grounded, loving adults that he can.  He is going to do it to the best of his ability even if it means no longer taking the advice of his own sister.

Chapters 16 and 17: What is revealed that is confusing about Mr. Underwood in chapter 16? How does this relate to one of the themes of the novel? (William K.)

Mr. Underwood, the writer for the Maycomb Tribune, reveals something about himself that normally doesn't show, and therefore leads the reader to a different understanding of the racial relations in Maycomb. When discussing the past day's events at the breakfast table, it is learned that although Mr. Underwood "dispises negros, [and] wouldn't have one near him"(Lee 209). Even though he wouldn't give an African American the light of day normally, he still protected Tom Robinson and Atticus when they needed it most. Doing this means that there would have to be a pretty persuasive reason to help them. Because of Mr. Underwoods job, he gets to interact with Atticus a lot and has most likely grown to admire him. Since this is probably the case, Atticus is the most viable reason for this change of heart. The sudden change shows how fragile the views of Maycomb-ians can be when they have strong conflicting emotions. If such a relatively small dispute as this causes him to side against the general public, then what will happen when the court case is in full swing, and emotions are even more riled.

Chapter 16/17: Explain Atticus’ explanation about the mob dispersing. What is a mob made of? How was it broken up? How does his explanation relate to one of themes of the book? (Dylan)

In chapter 16, Atticus gives the reader a better understanding of the mob that appeared in chapter 15 and he explains how empathy has the power to break up a mob. The night before the trial, a mob meets Atticus at the Maycomb jail. During this scene, it is clear to the reader that the mob has an agenda to end the life of Tom Robinson. To save the day, Scout brings the mob to their senses and eventually all the men leave. She accomplishes this by making a connection with Mr. Cunningham, and eventually he realizes what he is doing is wrong. The following morning, in chapter 16, Scout, who is evidently troubled by the night's occurrences, says that she “‘thought Mr. Cunningham was a friend of ours,’” (Lee 210). Scout says this because in the past, Mr. Cunningham has been very nice to the Finches. However, that night he was going to hurt Atticus if Atticus didn’t cooperate. Atticus explains that Mr. Cunningham was still their friend by saying that everyone in a mob might seem entirely bad at first glance, but at the end of the day they “‘can be stopped simply because they’re still human,’” (Lee 210). This means that since the members of a mob are still human, they can understand what Atticus is going through. Because of this it is evident that empathy is what finally broke up the mob. The theme of empathy has been prominent throughout the novel, and when the mob finally breaks up the reader sees how powerful it can be. “‘... You children last night made Walter Cunningham stand in my shoes for a minute. That was enough,’” (Lee 210). Through empathy, Mr. Cunningham was able to understand what Atticus was going through in that moment, and he realized the stress and pressure that Atticus was under, making him come to his senses.

At the end of the day, it only took one moment of empathy to break up the mob, since everyone in it is still human. This makes clear how powerful empathy can be.