What does Tom Robinson suggest happened the day of the rape? Do you think the jury will believe his version of events? Explain why you think this.

Tom Robinson testifies that he had always worked around the Ewell house on a regular basis doing chores for Mayella. On the day of the "rape" Tom was walking home past the Ewell house, as usual, and Mayella asked him for help with the so called broken door. There appeared to be nothing wrong with the door and the house seemed quieter than usual. Mayella had sent the kids out for ice cream and Bob Ewell was not home yet. Mayella then asked for Tom to grab a box dow from on top of a dresser. While Tom was on the chair getting the box, Mayella grabbed ahold of Tom's legs and when she finally let go and Tom came down from the chair, She threw her body at Tom, hugged him and asked for him to kiss her. Mayellas father then appeared in the window and called her a whore and threatened to kill her as Tom fled the house with fear of being accused of assault on Mayella.

If Tom's testimony is accurate, Harper lee is trying to show us that even in the court and when years in prison are on the line, Whites over powered the blacks and it didn't matter who was telling the truth. Tom's testimony does tell us that Bob threatened to kill Mayella and could have easily cause the bruising and damage on Mayella. Even if Tom is telling the truth, it is clear to the reader that he id innocent but just as clear that he is domed to be proven guilty.

How do you think the jury and/or Mayella will react to Tom's testimony? Do you think that Mayella thought of the idea of accusing Tom of rape or do you think it was Bob? Does Mayella still like Tom?

1.) Pay attention to Mayella’s testimony. Are there inconsistencies? Do your feelings about her change once she testifies? In what way?

         During Mayella's testimony Mayella changes her opinion on her answers many times.  At the beginning the only thing that is inconsistant is that she says she is "Nineteen and a half" when answering the judge but when Atticus speaks to her, she answers "Nineteen,"Harper Lee choose for her to be less exact to Atticus, which allows the reader to see that she is less open and willing to share her thoughts on the incident. Mayella was more open to the judge and appreciated him more then she did Atticus. More toward the middle of the testimony there was dialoge that got more evident as questions were asked; "Tom Robinson was behind you in the room when you turned around, that right?' 'Yes' 'You said he got you around the neck cussing and saying dirt - is that right?' 't's right.' ... 'choked you, he hit you, he raped you, that right?' 'it most certainly is' ... 'why didn't you run?' ... 'He slung me down' (Harper Lee)." Mayella continued to add content to her responses as the testimony went on until she finally stopped when Atticus started questioning her rapidly.
        Because of Mayella's poor background and lack of education, she was probably, never truly taught how to comunicate well and answer questions fully. This limits her in the world and has a big impression on how people treat her. By seeing and hearing Mayella, Scout learns the importance of telling the truth and being educated. Mayella and the trial were put into the story to help teach Scout that life is not always fair and no matter how hard you try it is okay to lose but you need to be able to stand up for yourself and what you believe. Even Mayella helps teach Scout a lesson in maturity. She shows Scout how to stand up for what she wants, even if Scout may not believe in the same thing.

Is it important that Mayella is a Ewell? Would the story be different if she was from a family of higher class? Are Mayella and Scout similar in any way?

What does Tom Robinson suggest happened the day of the rape? Do you think the jury will believe his version of events? Explain why you think this.

Tom Robinson says that on the day of the rape he was invited into the Ewell's house by Mayella Ewell. She invited him in so he could fix the front door because it was off of its hinge. Tom went on to say that it was fine and didn't need fixing so Mayella told Tom to retrieve something off the top of the chiffarobe. Tom says that when he turned around to reach the top of the chiffarobe Mayella grabbed him and that he didn't rape her.

Harper Lee makes Tom Robinson and Mayella Ewell have completely different takes of November 21. Tom doesn't only deny that he raped Mayella he says that she was the one who raped him. By composing these two completely different sides, Harper Lee makes the jury decide who they trust more. It is obvious that the jury made up of white farmers who live in Alabama in the 1930's will believe the white girl and not the black man. Also Atticus says to Scout that he knows he will lose the case. In conclusion, the jury will believe Mayella and not Tom because Mayella is a white girl, while Tom is a black man.

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Do you think having more witnesses helps the prosecution? Who do you believe(Mayella or Tom)...why? Who do you think the jury will believe/ what do you think the verdict will be? Why do you think Harper Lee has Mayella and Tom disagree on little things like: she didn't usually ask Tom for any help? Do you see any similarities between this and "Monster" or "Getting Away with Murder" (if you read it for history)?

Pay attention to Mayella’s testimony. Are there inconsistencies? Do your feelings about her change once she testifies? In what way?

       In her testimony, there are nothing but inconsistencies. At the beginning, H. Lee sets her up to be a vulnerable character, being taken advantage of by any passing person. As it progresses though, it becomes more obvious that her true role is much worse. She knows that she is lying, and that the injuries were not caused by Tom Robinson. As the case continues, and Atticus presents statement after statement, she changes her story subtly. It is not enough to get the notice of the judge, but Atticus notices it. Even if people noticed, due to the racial prejudice of the case they will still consider her the victim, not T. Robinson. Harper Lee is providing Scout with what may be her first example of domestic violence. Here is a key learning point, if Scout discovers that Robert Ewell was the one who abused her, then she will learn more about domestic violence. Mayella herself states that her father was abusive in drunken rages, and this is terrible thing for an 8 year old to have to learn: 'He does tollable, 'cept when..."Except when he's drinking?" asked Atticus so gently that Mayella nodded.' As this proves, Harper Lee is setting the Ewell family up as a classic case of domestic violence with one twist. All of the Ewells are trying to blame this on Tom Robinson, with no reason yet known. As Scout matures, she will probably find out the reason, as that is a key learning point that H. Lee will likely put in. H. Lee made you really shift your opinion, from pity to absolute disgust, and will probably have Scout go the same way.

       Why did R. Ewell try to frame Tom Robinson? Does the Sheriff know what is going on? What will the Ewells try to do to stop Atticus?

Describe the Ewell place. Why do you think there are geraniums in the yard?

The Ewell family lived in a small, square cabin consisting of four compact rooms, which used to be a Negro property. They lived behind Maycomb's town dump. In addition, the cabin was topped with flat tin shingles and was held up by four, large blocks of limestone. The shack barely had windows and in the summertime, cheesecloth was used to prevent rabid animals from invading the cabin. Although, an unhealthy environment surrounded the cabin, the corner of their yard contained an item that left the people of Maycomb bewildered.

            “Against the fence, in a line, were six chipped-enamel slop jars holding brilliant red geraniums (228).” Mayella Ewell was the possessor of the beautiful flowers. She watched over them carefully and paid a lot of her time, attending to the flowers. “Cared for as tenderly as if they belonged to Miss Maudie Atkinson (228).” The geraniums obviously meant a lot to Mayella, shown by her hard work to keep them alive. Throughout Maycomb, the Ewells are left with a negative representation, mainly because they lived by the reeking dump. I’m sure Mayella was aware of what other folks in Maycomb thought of her. She must have used these flowers as a getaway from all of the dark, pessimistic thoughts constantly whizzing through her head about her and her family. Behind the dump it was probably smelly, dark, and lonely. The vibrant red geraniums pulled her away from all of the nonsense. The plants enlightened her. They made her feel pretty and clean, a feeling she probably doesn’t feel often. This also goes to show that the Ewells are human. Everybody has something that they use to escape the rumors and busyness of daily life. Mayella Ewell’s keeps the Red Geraniums as her escape.

             What do other folks in Maycomb do to occasionally disappear and take a break from their regular life? Could these particular flowers represent something else that has to do with the trail on Tom Robinson? How does Harper Lee further describe the setting of Maycomb? 

Question: Describe the Ewell place. Why do you think there are geraniums in the yard?

     The Ewell family lives in a little cabin behind the town dump. Its roof consists of tin cans hammered until flat and put one by one, like shingles, on top of the cabin. Instead of windows, cheesecloth is used in the summertime to keep all of the pests of the dump out of the “house”. Also, they don’t actually have windows, “they are merely open spaces in the walls” (170). There are only four puny rooms throughout the place, so it is not very big. And their “fence” is random bits of “tree-limbs, broomsticks, and tool shafts held together by barbed wire” (170). And in the yard is an old, beat-up Ford on blocks in addition to a dentist’s chair and many other rusty and used items. 

       

     But, in the corner of the yard is one aspect that has confused the people of Maycomb. In the corner, there are these beautiful red geraniums that belong to Mayella Ewell. (170). The red flowers are kept in slope jars on the fence and “cared for as tenderly as if they belonged to Miss Maudie Atkinson” (170-171).  No one knows why they are there. I think the geraniums are probably the only aspect of her life that really makes her feel that she belongs in the community and frees her from her family’s poverty. Also, the geraniums do not cost money like the materials of the house. They only need, soil, water, and your own had work and determination, which do not cost anything. So, the geraniums symbolize the fact that she is not defined by her house and poverty, but her hard work and dedication to the beautiful flowers.

     What do you believe the flowers symbolize?   Could they symbolize Mayella’s hope? Are there any other reasons the geraniums could be in the yard?  

Why is Dolphus Raymond in the Book?

In chapter 16, Dolphus Raymond is introduced to us and is a little different from the rest of the town.  Mr. Raymond is a drunk and he drinks because he was engaged to a white woman and right after the wedding rehearsal she shot herself.  Ever since then he has always been a little tipsy.  Mr. Raymond comes from an old, respected family and he treats his “mixed” (183) children with respect.  Jem said that it is sad to have mixed children.  “They don’t belong anywhere.  Colored folks won’t have ‘em because they’re half white; white folks won’t have em cause they’re half colored, so they’re just in-betweens, don’t belong anywhere.” (183)  Dolphus raymond thinks differently than most white folks in Maycomb.  He likes colored people more than white people.  He had his kids with a colored woman.  He sits in the colored section of the square instead of with the white section where any normal white Maycomb local would be sitting.


Harper Lee brought this different, brave character into the book to show something.  Dolphus Raymond is a similar character to Atticus in some ways.  For instance, they both care a great deal about their kids.  They also have similar views on colored people because neither of them are racist.  Atticus went to the jail cell to protect and sit with Tom Robinson and Dolphus Raymond is sitting in the colored section of the square.  Harper Lee is showing that Atticus is not alone because both Atticus and Mr. Raymond view colored people and their kids the same way.  Both of them are from an old, respected family and Harper Lee uses Dolphus Raymond to to show that not all of the white people in Maycomb are racist.  By Mr. Raymond sitting in the colored section, it is showing that he is on the colored peoples side.


Do you think that their are more people like Atticus and Dolphus Raymond in Maycomb?With Atticus and Dolphus Raymond having so many similar views, do you think they will do anything together to act upon some of their beliefs?  Why do you think Harper Lee portrayed Mr. Raymond so similar to Atticus?  How would you feel if you were a mixed child in Maycomb? Do you think that Mr. Raymond is trying to prove something by sitting in the colored section?

Why is Dolphus Raymond in the book?

Dolphus Raymond is put into the story by Harper Lee to show that Scout is still maturing and that Jem is much more mature than her. Jem shows much more understanding than Scout about how/why Dolphus Raymond hangs out with black people. She doesn’t understand that mixed children are not excepted. Harper Lee shows that Scout has less of an understanding when Scout asks, “Sad, how come?”(215) Scout is still learning, but Dolphus Raymond shows her growth in understanding racism. When Scout learns about mixed children she is coming of age.

Dolphus Raymoond married a colored woman which also shows Scout that life isn’t just black and white, they can mix. Harper Lee provides new ideas to Scout and helps her think that what Atticus is doing is right. Harper Lee shows Scout’s coming of age by introducing Dolphus Raymond and by showing a different angle on race.

Do you think Dolphus Raymond will reappear or is he just symbolic? How will Mr. Raymond effect Scout’s life?

Why is Dolphus Raymond in the book?

Dolphus Raymond is introduced as a drunk character, as Jem points out at the beginning of chapter 16. it is also mentioned before the trial that "he owns all one side of the riverbank... he's from a real old family to boot (p. 215)." Raymond seems to be a well off character, however he chooses to sit with the colored people of the town. This confuses Dill. "He likes 'em better'n he likes us, I reckon (p. 214)." While the majority of the Maycomb population do not like the colored people, Raymond is the opposite. From what is mentioned, he seems to dislike the white-skin colored people of Maycomb. This could be because of the way they treat people, isolating a person, and closing in on them.

Raymond shows that even though he is from an old family, and is well off, he doesn't let that change his mind. He believes in what he wants to believe in, and doesn't let his family history and wealth dissuade him. Harper Lee does a good job of distributing the roles of people who support certain beliefs, and people who support something else.

Questions: Do you think Harper Lee will go into more depth with Dolphus Raymond's character? Do you think there is another reason why he prefers to drink out of paper bags? Why does he think opposite from the majority of Maycomb?

Free Response

Harper Lee uses these chapters to show the difference between childhood innocence and adult maturity. In chapter 14, Dill comes back into the story and he represents the last trace of childhood fun and games by being the only one of the three still planning ways to get Boo Radley to come out. Dill suggests that they should “place a trail of lemon drops from the back door to the front yard and he’d follow it, like an ant (P. 145).” He also still seeks attention from his parents and runs away from his problems. This is due to Dill not being forced to grow up from the environment he lives in unlike Jem and Scout. However, Jem enters a new stage in his life; now faced with making the right decisions and standing up for himself. He demonstrates this through refusing to keep Dill’s presence a secret from Atticus because he realizes that he should make the right choice sooner. This situation shows how he’s done with being a sneaky, naïve kid, but instead, he’s inching one step closer to adulthood. For the first time ever, Jem refuses to listen to his father when he tells him to go home. Jem shakes his head and they each face each with their fists to their hips. In contrary to the previous summer, Jem risked his life by going back to the Radley’s house and getting his shorts for the sake of not disappointing his father. He exhibits bravery by refusing to leave his father with the group of men after seeing Atticus show bravery himself by going to the courthouse in the first place. Lee makes it clear that Scout is nowhere near Jem on maturity levels; she has trouble understanding complex issues of life and doesn’t entirely get what is going on, yet she attempts to be on the same page as Jem.

         In which way do you think Jem, Dill and Scout’s maturity levels will reflect on how they view the Tom Robinson trial? At what age did you start to realize life wasn't all fun and games?

-Michelle

2. What is it that caused a mob to form? To disperse? Why do people do things while part of a mob they would not do on their own?

     A lot happens in the 15th chapter that is related with Atticus and Tom Robinson. The mob forms outside of the Maycomb jail. It is the night before Tom Robinson's trial. That night Atticus goes to the Maycomb jail to defend Tom Robinson because he knows people are going to be coming that night to try to hurt Robinson. He is sitting in front of the jail door reading the paper when cars pull up. "In ones and twos, men got out of the cars. Shadows became substance as lights revealed solid shapes moving toward the jail door. Atticus remained where he was." (pg. 202). This mob of people was created because of Tom Robinson's trial. Since Atticus is Tom Robinson's lawyer and he wants to defend Robinson, he defends him by coming to the jail and risking his own safety against the men for Robinson. The children (Jem, Dill, and Scout) are all seeing this happening in a hiding spot near Atticus and the men. The mob eventually disperses because Scout talked about Walter with Mr. Cunningham about how Walter was a nice kid and a good friend to be with.
     People do things while in a mob they would not do mainly because they want to do whatever the majority wants to do. Some people could have a different opinion than the rest of the mob, so since the majority of the group wants to do one thing, the minority might feel afraid to express their opinion, because they might be called out or people would not respect them anymore for not doing what the majority wants. Harper Lee wanted this scene in the book to show Atticus's loyalty and willing to sacrifice for Tom Robinson, and to show how Atticus treats everybody equal. No white person in Maycomb would have risked their life for a black man who was in jail, except Atticus.
     What do you think is the reason people do things differently when in a group then alone? Why do you think Mr. Cunningham told his men to go home after Scout told him to say hi to Walter for her? Does this mob incident change the way you view Atticus?

What is it that caused a mob to form? To disperse? Why do people do things while part of a mob they would not do on their own?

This fifteenth chapter of the novel is very important. Harper Lee is trying to show characters in a different way then they are usually displayed in the book. Atticus is surprised to hear the news that Mr Heck brings when he says, "You know how they do when they get shinnied up." (page 165).  The mob was formed because of Thomas Robinson's trial. It is the night before the trial, and he is being moved into the town jail. Atticus being his lawyer, obviously wants the best for Tom Robinson. A group of men might want to lynch Tom Robinson, and Atticus puts his own safety in the way. Atticus is sitting by the jail when a group of men pull up in cars. They come up to Atticus and tell him to move. Scout, Jem, and Dill are all hiding in a spot a little while away. When they sense danger, they come out from hiding. Scout comes over and spots Mr. Cunningham the father of Walter Cunningham. She strikes up a small conversation. After this, the mob disperses and leaves Atticus and his children alone.
People do things while part of a mob that they would never do on their own because other people are doing it. usually, there is a ring leader or one person in charged. If one person who one respects does something, someone might join in and do the same thing. This is the concept of peer pressure, and it applies to grown-ups too. Harper Lee chose to have this mob scene because she wanted to show the bravery of Atticus. Atticus sits next to the jail and when someone from the mob tells him to leave, he simply refuses.


Discussion Questions: Do you think Atticus handled the situation well in this chapter? What could he do differently? Were you surprised that Atticus wasn't mad at Scout and Jem for following him?

Explain the last line of Chapter 13?

The last line of chapter 13 is showing how Scout views a girl, and how she dresses. On page 179 Scout thought. “ It takes a woman to do that kind of work.” What Scout is trying to show is that from Aunt Alexandra, she has learned that a woman will cost a family more than what any injury would cost them. Scout is also trying to show that the clothes that Aunt Alexandra wants Scout to wear will cost Atticus a lot of money. However the last line on page 179 could be Harper Lee’s way of showing Scouts distaste in ladylike business.  

This shows the influence that Aunt Alexandra has passed down to Scout, although Scout is a tomboy she has tried to not listen to Aunt Alexandra advice on how to be more ladylike. I also think that this a foreshadow because it could be showing that Scout is branching away from her childish ways. Harper Lee did include this moment because it is showing how Scout is reaching maturity.

Questions

Will Aunt Alexandra cause a major change in how Jem and Scout act? Will Scout follow the ways of her Aunt? How would Aunt Alexandra have reacted if she heard Scout say the last line on page 179?

What affect does Aunt Alexandra have on the routines of Atticus, Jem, and Scout? Why?

When Jem and Scout come home from church with Calpurnia, they are surprised to find Aunt Alexandra sitting on their porch, rocking in the chair as if she’d lived there forever. As soon as she sees them, she immediately starts giving them orders and criticizing Scout. “Put my bag in my bedroom, Calpurnia,” and “Jean Louise, stop scratching your head. (p.169)” Aunt Alexandra feels entitled to their household, and doesn’t understand that it’s not her home. She is obsessed with the Finch Family image, and feels as though because they share the same last name, she has the right to interfere with the Finch children’s lives. Whenever Aunt Alexandra sees Scout she calls her by her real name, Jean Louise, and orders her to be more demure and ladylike. All Scout wants is to wear her overalls and play in the mud, but her Aunt won’t accept that. She has a certain way she wants the Finches to be portrayed and feels as though Scout ruins their image, even though Scout’s lack of a mother is not hurting her. The fact that Atticus is a single dad has made Scout and Jem more responsible and able to fend for themselves without having to conform to the social structure of Maycomb. However, Aunt Alexandra “fitted into the world of Maycomb like a hand into a glove, but never into the world of Jem and me. (p.175)” While Aunt Alexandra has no trouble fitting into the community, she has yet to make a true connection with either Scout or Jem.

It is really important to Aunt Alexandra that the Finch kids know their family history. When she comes to town she makes many attempts to teach them about their family, and even pressures Atticus into teaching them as well. When Atticus attempts to inform them about their history Scout gets upset. “This was not my father. My father never thought these thoughts… Aunt Alexandra had put him up to this, somehow. (p.178)” The impact Aunt Alexandra has on the Finch Family’s life is not a positive one because it causes Scout and Jem to question their relationship with Atticus. Harper Lee brings Aunt Alexandra into the story because she wants to show that the kids don’t need a mother to be successful, and Atticus’ unique parenting style is what makes Jem and Scout who they are.

Why do you think Harper Lee has Aunt Alexandra come to town right before the trial begins? 

Will Scout get used to her Aunt, or will her resentment towards her only grow stronger? 

8-10 Line Poem about the character Dill

Dill Pickle

The summer season,

the months sweet.

Like a Dill pickle

sweet but sour.

With him

 there is no dull hour.

Until leaves turn brown,

Ach, sour!

Oh, how the taste makes me frown. 

Questions: How was Scout's summer different with Dill absent? Was there a visible contrast in Harper Lee's writing between the start of the summer versus after Dill's arrival? How does the character Scout get along with Dill? Is his friendship important to her? If so, why. 

1.) What affect does Aunt Alexandra have on the routines of Atticus, Jem, and Scout? Why?

Aunt Alexandra is a dominant and stuck up creation of Harper Lee. Wherever she goes she tends to harass and boss around people who don’t see the world in the exact same light as she does. From the moment she enters the Finch household her orders are “put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia...Jean Louise, stop scratching your head.” (p.169) Aunt Alexandra’s attitude is that of a possessive control freak, and her real conflicts occur in Scout’s presence. From the first few pages that we met Aunt Alexandra, Harper Lee made her out to be a very feminine and conformal to the “Maycomb ways”. When she sees that Scout is really a tomboy who likes to wear overalls and shoot tin cans with air rifles, she is furious. She then makes it a personal mission of to change Scout from head to toe.

In contrast, to her controlling tendencies, in the beginning of chapter 13 she fits in with the family pretty well. She becomes closely intertwined with the ways of the community and becomes a leading member in neighborhood coffee and gossip circles. Mr. Radley even came out as far as his front porch to say his greetings. But through all the cakes, conversations, and guests over, Aunt Alexandra was there for one reason, to make Jem and Scout into more gentlemen and lady like people. She brought up the Finch heritage as a sign that they were in a higher place in society the the Cunninghams or the Ewells. She wanted them to grow out of the there childish and adventurous tendencies and become more civil and matured children. At the end of the Chapter we can see that even though she tries to make Atticus talk to the children about this, the kids and Atticus know that they are who they are, and they do not want Aunt Alexandra to change that.

Do you think that Scout and Aunt Alexandra will run into further conflict as the book progresses? Why did harper Lee put Alexandra in here as the Trial begins to move forward? What role might she play?

How does Harper Lee further characterize Calpurnia in chapter 12? What does Harper Lee tell us about her?

 Jem and Scout both accompany Calpurnia to a black church on Sunday. The black church is different from the white church, it has no hymn books and the people who attend the church have personalities and qualities that are not what Jem and Scout are used to. When Calpurnia starts to change her way of talking as church goes on, it surprises the children. It surprises Jem and Scout because they have known her for so long, yet she has never revealed her true talk. Jem points this out, showing that along with Scout, he does not yet know the extreme difference between these two groups and how they are told to act. The two races of Maycomb are unalike, one with extreme privileges and one with almost none. Jem and Scout start to realize this after learning about Calpurnia's non-existent birthday and also no school for her son, Zeebo, to learn in. “There wasn’t a school, even when he was a boy. I made him learn, though” (Page 166). Both Jem and Scout have grown up in good neighborhood; everyone knows how to read and write, "talk the right way" and have never really experienced the black side of Maycomb. Harper Lee uses this chapter to show their major step in maturity and foreshadowing the effects of the Tom Robinson trial.

On page 158, Jem and Scout almost leave the church because of Lula. Why do you think Harper Lee added Lula to the story? How is this foreshadowing? When Calpurnia replays to Lula’s comment by saying “It’s the same God isn't it” What does that tell you about Calpurnia?