Question
Chapters 20-25 Comprehension Questions
Chapter 20
1.Why does Dolphus Raymond choose to reveal his secret to Dill and Scout?
2.How does Atticus use the idea of "all men are created equal" in his closing argument?
Chapter 21
3.What is significant about the jury’s behavior when they return to deliver the verdict?
4.How does Calpurnia’s arrival at the courtroom affect the trial?
Chapter 22
5.How does Jem's view of Maycomb change after the trial?
6.Which details in Miss Maudie's reaction to the verdict suggest she is trying to comfort the children?
Chapter 23
7.Why does Atticus believe Bob Ewell spat on him and threatened him?
8.What is Atticus’s response to Bob Ewell’s threat?
9.Why does Atticus say women are not allowed to serve on juries in Alabama?
10.What does Jem conclude about Boo Radley at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 24
11.Why is Aunt Alexandra upset during her missionary circle meeting?
12.What irony is present in the conversation of the missionary circle?
Chapter 25
13.Why does Tom Robinson attempt to escape prison?
14.What does Mr. Underwood’s editorial compare Tom Robinson’s death to?
15.Why is Helen Robinson afraid when she sees Link Deas approaching?
16.What does Scout struggle to understand about Miss Gates?
17.Which event in these chapters best represents the idea of true courage?
18.What lesson does Scout take away from these events?
19.What does Jem’s reaction to Tom’s death reveal about his character?
20.Which theme is most emphasized in these chapters?
Chapter 20
1.Why does Dolphus Raymond choose to reveal his secret to Dill and Scout?
2.How does Atticus use the idea of "all men are created equal" in his closing argument?
Chapter 21
3.What is significant about the jury’s behavior when they return to deliver the verdict?
4.How does Calpurnia’s arrival at the courtroom affect the trial?
Chapter 22
5.How does Jem's view of Maycomb change after the trial?
6.Which details in Miss Maudie's reaction to the verdict suggest she is trying to comfort the children?
Chapter 23
7.Why does Atticus believe Bob Ewell spat on him and threatened him?
8.What is Atticus’s response to Bob Ewell’s threat?
9.Why does Atticus say women are not allowed to serve on juries in Alabama?
10.What does Jem conclude about Boo Radley at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 24
11.Why is Aunt Alexandra upset during her missionary circle meeting?
12.What irony is present in the conversation of the missionary circle?
Chapter 25
13.Why does Tom Robinson attempt to escape prison?
14.What does Mr. Underwood’s editorial compare Tom Robinson’s death to?
15.Why is Helen Robinson afraid when she sees Link Deas approaching?
16.What does Scout struggle to understand about Miss Gates?
17.Which event in these chapters best represents the idea of true courage?
18.What lesson does Scout take away from these events?
19.What does Jem’s reaction to Tom’s death reveal about his character?
20.Which theme is most emphasized in these chapters?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Sure! Here are the comprehension questions and their answers for Chapters 20-25 of "To Kill a Mockingbird":
### Chapter 20
1. **Why does Dolphus Raymond choose to reveal his secret to Dill and Scout?**
- Dolphus Raymond reveals his secret to Dill and Scout to explain why he pretends to be a drunkard. He wants them to understand that he is not actually drinking but is instead trying to offer the townspeople a reason for his lifestyle choices and his relationship with the Black community, which they don’t understand.
2. **How does Atticus use the idea of "all men are created equal" in his closing argument?**
- Atticus uses the idea of "all men are created equal" to underscore the principle of justice and equality under the law. He argues that this ideal should apply to everyone, regardless of race, and that Tom Robinson's trial is an opportunity to uphold these values.
### Chapter 21
3. **What is significant about the jury’s behavior when they return to deliver the verdict?**
- The jury's behavior is significant as it reflects the weight of their decision. They return in silence, which signifies the seriousness of the moment, but their eventual verdict of guilty despite the evidence indicates the deep-seated racism of the time and community.
4. **How does Calpurnia’s arrival at the courtroom affect the trial?**
- Calpurnia’s arrival adds a layer of support for Tom Robinson and demonstrates the community ties between the Black and white characters in the story. Her presence also emphasizes the importance of family and solidarity during difficult times.
### Chapter 22
5. **How does Jem's view of Maycomb change after the trial?**
- After the trial, Jem becomes disillusioned with Maycomb and its residents. He realizes that the promise of justice and equality is often compromised by racism and prejudice, leading to a loss of innocence.
6. **Which details in Miss Maudie's reaction to the verdict suggest she is trying to comfort the children?**
- Miss Maudie offers a hopeful perspective after the verdict by highlighting the small victories, such as the fact that some members of the jury took longer to deliberate than usual. She reassures Jem and Scout that there is still goodness in people and that change is gradual.
### Chapter 23
7. **Why does Atticus believe Bob Ewell spat on him and threatened him?**
- Atticus believes Bob Ewell spat on him and threatened him because Ewell is angry about the trial and blames Atticus for his loss. Atticus understands that Ewell's actions are fueled by his humiliation and bitterness.
8. **What is Atticus’s response to Bob Ewell’s threat?**
- Atticus responds calmly and with restraint. He tells Jem and Scout that it’s important to hold his head high and not let Ewell’s actions provoke a reaction. He believes in maintaining dignity and courage despite adversity.
9. **Why does Atticus say women are not allowed to serve on juries in Alabama?**
- Atticus explains that societal norms and systemic biases in Alabama prevent women from serving on juries. He alludes to the traditional views on gender roles and the belief that women should not participate in such matters.
10. **What does Jem conclude about Boo Radley at the end of the chapter?**
- At the end of the chapter, Jem concludes that Boo Radley is not the monster he once believed him to be. Instead, he recognizes Boo as a compassionate figure who may be watching over them, demonstrating his growth in understanding.
### Chapter 24
11. **Why is Aunt Alexandra upset during her missionary circle meeting?**
- Aunt Alexandra is upset because the meeting is occurring after the trial's verdict, which highlights the contrast between her social gatherings and the harsh realities of racial injustice that she seems unwilling to confront directly.
12. **What irony is present in the conversation of the missionary circle?**
- The irony lies in the fact that the women are discussing their concern for the welfare of a distant tribe in Africa while being indifferent to the social injustices happening in their own community regarding African Americans.
### Chapter 25
13. **Why does Tom Robinson attempt to escape prison?**
- Tom Robinson attempts to escape prison out of desperation and hopelessness. He believes he has no chance of receiving justice or fairness in the system that condemned him.
14. **What does Mr. Underwood’s editorial compare Tom Robinson’s death to?**
- Mr. Underwood’s editorial compares Tom Robinson’s death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds, implying that killing an innocent man is a tragic injustice and a cowardly act.
15. **Why is Helen Robinson afraid when she sees Link Deas approaching?**
- Helen Robinson is afraid when she sees Link Deas approaching because, after Tom's conviction and the subsequent events, she is aware that her family is under scrutiny and may face hostility from the community.
16. **What does Scout struggle to understand about Miss Gates?**
- Scout struggles to understand the hypocrisy of Miss Gates, who criticizes Hitler's persecution of Jews while simultaneously expressing racist views towards Black people. This reveals the complexities of human behavior and moral contradictions.
17. **Which event in these chapters best represents the idea of true courage?**
- Tom Robinson’s attempt to escape prison symbolizes true courage, as it reflects his desperate fight for freedom against a system stacked against him.
18. **What lesson does Scout take away from these events?**
- Scout learns about the complexities of human nature, the reality of prejudice, and the importance of empathy and understanding towards others, regardless of their race or circumstances.
19. **What does Jem’s reaction to Tom’s death reveal about his character?**
- Jem’s reaction reveals his deep sense of injustice and disappointment with the adult world. It shows his emotional growth and struggle to understand the prejudice inherent in society, as he grapples with feelings of anger and loss.
20. **Which theme is most emphasized in these chapters?**
- The theme of racial injustice is most emphasized in these chapters, highlighting the pervasive discrimination and moral complexities faced by characters in their community.
Feel free to ask if you have any further questions or need additional details!
### Chapter 20
1. **Why does Dolphus Raymond choose to reveal his secret to Dill and Scout?**
- Dolphus Raymond reveals his secret to Dill and Scout to explain why he pretends to be a drunkard. He wants them to understand that he is not actually drinking but is instead trying to offer the townspeople a reason for his lifestyle choices and his relationship with the Black community, which they don’t understand.
2. **How does Atticus use the idea of "all men are created equal" in his closing argument?**
- Atticus uses the idea of "all men are created equal" to underscore the principle of justice and equality under the law. He argues that this ideal should apply to everyone, regardless of race, and that Tom Robinson's trial is an opportunity to uphold these values.
### Chapter 21
3. **What is significant about the jury’s behavior when they return to deliver the verdict?**
- The jury's behavior is significant as it reflects the weight of their decision. They return in silence, which signifies the seriousness of the moment, but their eventual verdict of guilty despite the evidence indicates the deep-seated racism of the time and community.
4. **How does Calpurnia’s arrival at the courtroom affect the trial?**
- Calpurnia’s arrival adds a layer of support for Tom Robinson and demonstrates the community ties between the Black and white characters in the story. Her presence also emphasizes the importance of family and solidarity during difficult times.
### Chapter 22
5. **How does Jem's view of Maycomb change after the trial?**
- After the trial, Jem becomes disillusioned with Maycomb and its residents. He realizes that the promise of justice and equality is often compromised by racism and prejudice, leading to a loss of innocence.
6. **Which details in Miss Maudie's reaction to the verdict suggest she is trying to comfort the children?**
- Miss Maudie offers a hopeful perspective after the verdict by highlighting the small victories, such as the fact that some members of the jury took longer to deliberate than usual. She reassures Jem and Scout that there is still goodness in people and that change is gradual.
### Chapter 23
7. **Why does Atticus believe Bob Ewell spat on him and threatened him?**
- Atticus believes Bob Ewell spat on him and threatened him because Ewell is angry about the trial and blames Atticus for his loss. Atticus understands that Ewell's actions are fueled by his humiliation and bitterness.
8. **What is Atticus’s response to Bob Ewell’s threat?**
- Atticus responds calmly and with restraint. He tells Jem and Scout that it’s important to hold his head high and not let Ewell’s actions provoke a reaction. He believes in maintaining dignity and courage despite adversity.
9. **Why does Atticus say women are not allowed to serve on juries in Alabama?**
- Atticus explains that societal norms and systemic biases in Alabama prevent women from serving on juries. He alludes to the traditional views on gender roles and the belief that women should not participate in such matters.
10. **What does Jem conclude about Boo Radley at the end of the chapter?**
- At the end of the chapter, Jem concludes that Boo Radley is not the monster he once believed him to be. Instead, he recognizes Boo as a compassionate figure who may be watching over them, demonstrating his growth in understanding.
### Chapter 24
11. **Why is Aunt Alexandra upset during her missionary circle meeting?**
- Aunt Alexandra is upset because the meeting is occurring after the trial's verdict, which highlights the contrast between her social gatherings and the harsh realities of racial injustice that she seems unwilling to confront directly.
12. **What irony is present in the conversation of the missionary circle?**
- The irony lies in the fact that the women are discussing their concern for the welfare of a distant tribe in Africa while being indifferent to the social injustices happening in their own community regarding African Americans.
### Chapter 25
13. **Why does Tom Robinson attempt to escape prison?**
- Tom Robinson attempts to escape prison out of desperation and hopelessness. He believes he has no chance of receiving justice or fairness in the system that condemned him.
14. **What does Mr. Underwood’s editorial compare Tom Robinson’s death to?**
- Mr. Underwood’s editorial compares Tom Robinson’s death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds, implying that killing an innocent man is a tragic injustice and a cowardly act.
15. **Why is Helen Robinson afraid when she sees Link Deas approaching?**
- Helen Robinson is afraid when she sees Link Deas approaching because, after Tom's conviction and the subsequent events, she is aware that her family is under scrutiny and may face hostility from the community.
16. **What does Scout struggle to understand about Miss Gates?**
- Scout struggles to understand the hypocrisy of Miss Gates, who criticizes Hitler's persecution of Jews while simultaneously expressing racist views towards Black people. This reveals the complexities of human behavior and moral contradictions.
17. **Which event in these chapters best represents the idea of true courage?**
- Tom Robinson’s attempt to escape prison symbolizes true courage, as it reflects his desperate fight for freedom against a system stacked against him.
18. **What lesson does Scout take away from these events?**
- Scout learns about the complexities of human nature, the reality of prejudice, and the importance of empathy and understanding towards others, regardless of their race or circumstances.
19. **What does Jem’s reaction to Tom’s death reveal about his character?**
- Jem’s reaction reveals his deep sense of injustice and disappointment with the adult world. It shows his emotional growth and struggle to understand the prejudice inherent in society, as he grapples with feelings of anger and loss.
20. **Which theme is most emphasized in these chapters?**
- The theme of racial injustice is most emphasized in these chapters, highlighting the pervasive discrimination and moral complexities faced by characters in their community.
Feel free to ask if you have any further questions or need additional details!