Questioning and Critical Thinking

Discussion Questions - Giselle Credo

1. What was Harper Lee's overall tone of the subject matter in the book?
2. Describe Jem's reaction to the result of the trial. Why does he react this way?
3. How has Scout's character developed throughout the novel?
4. What do you think was going on in Boo Radley's mind when he saved Scout and Jem?
5. If there were to be one more chapter in To Kill A Mockingbird, what would you predict would happen next?

Michael D'Ambrosi responding to Giselle's 3rd discussion question:

Q: How has Scout's character developed throughout the novel?

Scout’s character has developed more than any other character within the novel. Scout’s character development throughout the novel was evident in her interactions with others as she transformed from a state of childhood innocence to a state of understanding the functioning of evil within society. At the beginning of the novel, Scout was an innocent five-year-old tomboy who had no contact with evil in her life. She believed that Maycomb was composed of only genuine and caring individuals. She played outside with her peers in a secure small environment with boundaries determined by Calpurnia, lived in a safe home, and her father supported and protected her unconditionally. On the first day of school alone, she recognizes that it isn’t always the right time to directly speak the truth to everyone as she got into trouble with her teacher for doing so. When Tom Robinson’s trial begins, she is revealed to the true idea of evil and the huge role it plays in the functioning of Maycomb as she witnesses racial prejudice at its highest point in the novel. This is because the jury composed of white background people did not vote in favour of Tom Robinson because he is a black man as a result of them living in a state of ignorance.

Scout’s growth and understanding about the idea of evil and goodness coexisting with one another, which didn’t exist before, allows her to recognize what humanity truly is, while Jem is unable to understand such concepts as he cried in agony when Tom was found guilty. Her good-hearted character was tested as she had to use her conscience and values to evaluate the situation of the inequitable trial where racial prejudice was evident in the situation. She learns how she must use her conscience when producing thoughts about others rather than being guided by false optimism. Her character developed as a result of Atticus raising her. Her conscience and moral understanding were developed as Atticus allowed her to witness him defending Tom’s case. Atticus’ wisdom allowed Scout’s character to understand human nature, not only in Maycomb, but throughout the entire world. Scout is a smart girl as she knew how to read and write on the first day of school while her peers didn’t. Regardless, through her experiences throughout the novel, Scout has recognized the greater need of moral education as a major aspect within her transition from childhood to other stages of human life.   

Tiffany Kuo: Discussion Questions 

1. What is Scout's real name? Why do you think she goes by the name of Scout?
2. You as the reader what do you think the Radley's house represented to the children of Maycomb. 
3. Why do you think Harper Lee wrote To kill a Mocking Bird in first person narrative? 
4. What type of relationship do the children have with Ms. Maudie Atkinson?
5. The first time Scout and Jem found treasures in the oak tree were 2 pieces of chewing gum, small box with 2 Indian head pennies. What 5 other treasures did they find and do you think that they were meant to find the treasures. 

Discussion Question Based on Chapters 15-21- Michael D'Ambrosi

1. Atticus failed in getting Tom Robinson to be found guilty, yet the African-Americans present in the courthouse stood out of a sign of respect when Atticus was exiting the building at the end of the trial. With this information, in your opinion, was Atticus the ideal individual to defend Tom Robinson’s case? If so, what about him made him the beneficial choice for Tom? If not, explain your reasoning.
   
   
2. What could be a possible goal Harper Lee was trying to accomplish by having Scout and Jem actually witness Tom Robinson’s trial live rather than just, for example, Atticus debriefing the event to them after it had occurred later on in the evening?
   
   
3. With the information presented up to and including Chapter 21 in the novel (i.e. not past the trials session), how do you think Scout’s opinion about Boo Radley will differ after being exposed to the various lessons by witnessing the trial?
   
   
4. Scout is the narrator and protagonist in the novel. She describes all of the events that take place in the novel. Based on her description of what occurred at the trial/who said what, what about Atticus’ character gives readers the impression that Atticus is indeed telling the truth will delivering his testimony?
   
   
5. Analyze the following quotation spoken by Mayella Ewell using the TCEA format: “I got somethin’ to say an’ then I ain’t gonna say no more. That nigger yonder took advantage of me an’ if you fine fancy gentlemen don’t wanna do nothin’ about it then you’re all yellow strinkin’ cowards, stikin’ cowards, the lot of you.” (Lee 251)

Kylie Chiu - Discussion Questions

1)                   As the story progresses, we see that the relationship between Jem and Scout begin to distance.  What might you say is the reason for this distance? And if they were to not space out, how would there relationship now be like?

2)                   Prejudice is one of the themes represented in this novel, why do you think Harper Lee decided to voice this topic?

3)                   Uncle Jack later on is given advice on how to deal with kids from Scout, from that lesson, what can he now do differently when it comes to dealing with kids?

4)                   Calpurnia is a woman of strength and intelligence. She acts as a mother figure to the kids, why do you think the author decided to represent Calpurnia in this form?

5)                   What caused Scout to get so angry in which made her attack Francis? What could she have done instead of physically fighting?