Question
Chapters 20-25 Comprehension Questions
Chapter 20
Why does Dolphus Raymond choose to reveal his secret to Dill and Scout?
How does Atticus use the idea of "all men are created equal" in his closing argument?
Chapter 21
What is significant about the jury’s behavior when they return to deliver the verdict?
How does Calpurnia’s arrival at the courtroom affect the trial?
Chapter 22
How does Jem's view of Maycomb change after the trial?
Which details in Miss Maudie's reaction to the verdict suggest she is trying to comfort the children?
Chapter 23
Why does Atticus believe Bob Ewell spat on him and threatened him?
What is Atticus’s response to Bob Ewell’s threat?
Why does Atticus say women are not allowed to serve on juries in Alabama?
What does Jem conclude about Boo Radley at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 24
Why is Aunt Alexandra upset during her missionary circle meeting?
What irony is present in the conversation of the missionary circle?
Chapter 25
Why does Tom Robinson attempt to escape prison?
What does Mr. Underwood’s editorial compare Tom Robinson’s death to?
Why is Helen Robinson afraid when she sees Link Deas approaching?
What does Scout struggle to understand about Miss Gates?
Which event in these chapters best represents the idea of true courage?
What lesson does Scout take away from these events?
What does Jem’s reaction to Tom’s death reveal about his character?
Which theme is most emphasized in these chapters?
Make each answer only one or 2 sentences long
Chapter 20
Why does Dolphus Raymond choose to reveal his secret to Dill and Scout?
How does Atticus use the idea of "all men are created equal" in his closing argument?
Chapter 21
What is significant about the jury’s behavior when they return to deliver the verdict?
How does Calpurnia’s arrival at the courtroom affect the trial?
Chapter 22
How does Jem's view of Maycomb change after the trial?
Which details in Miss Maudie's reaction to the verdict suggest she is trying to comfort the children?
Chapter 23
Why does Atticus believe Bob Ewell spat on him and threatened him?
What is Atticus’s response to Bob Ewell’s threat?
Why does Atticus say women are not allowed to serve on juries in Alabama?
What does Jem conclude about Boo Radley at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 24
Why is Aunt Alexandra upset during her missionary circle meeting?
What irony is present in the conversation of the missionary circle?
Chapter 25
Why does Tom Robinson attempt to escape prison?
What does Mr. Underwood’s editorial compare Tom Robinson’s death to?
Why is Helen Robinson afraid when she sees Link Deas approaching?
What does Scout struggle to understand about Miss Gates?
Which event in these chapters best represents the idea of true courage?
What lesson does Scout take away from these events?
What does Jem’s reaction to Tom’s death reveal about his character?
Which theme is most emphasized in these chapters?
Make each answer only one or 2 sentences long
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**Chapter 20**
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 chooses to live life on his own terms despite societal prejudices. Atticus argues that "all men are created equal" to emphasize the importance of justice and the need for the jury to judge Tom Robinson as an individual rather than through the lens of racism.
**Chapter 21**
The jury's behavior upon delivering the verdict is significant because it is unusually solemn, indicating their internal struggle with the decision and awareness of its moral implications. Calpurnia's arrival at the courtroom serves as a bridge between the Finch family and the African American community, reminding everyone of the social divides and tensions at play during the trial.
**Chapter 22**
Jem's view of Maycomb shifts from innocence to disillusionment after the trial, as he grapples with the harsh realities of racism and injustice in his community. Miss Maudie's attempt to comfort the children is evident in her remarks about how the trial was a step toward progress and a sign that there are people in Maycomb who fight for justice.
**Chapter 23**
Atticus believes Bob Ewell spat on him and threatened him out of revenge for the trial and to assert dominance, reflecting his anger at losing. Atticus responds to the threat calmly, teaching Jem and Scout that violence is not the answer and that true strength lies in dignity. Women are not allowed to serve on juries in Alabama due to outdated laws and gender prejudices rooted in societal norms. Jem concludes that Boo Radley is a compassionate figure who protects them, symbolizing innocence and the misunderstood.
**Chapter 24**
Aunt Alexandra is upset during her missionary circle meeting because of the news surrounding Tom Robinson's trial and the racial tensions in Maycomb. The irony in the conversation of the missionary circle lies in their discussions on helping "poor" and "civilized" people while displaying ignorance and prejudice against their own community's marginalized individuals.
**Chapter 25**
Tom Robinson attempts to escape prison out of desperation and hope for freedom, reflecting the hopelessness of his situation. Mr. Underwood’s editorial compares Tom Robinson’s death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds, highlighting the tragedy of lost innocence and injustice. Helen Robinson is afraid when she sees Link Deas approaching because she knows that as a widow of a black man accused of a crime, she is often met with hostility and judgment. Scout struggles to understand Miss Gates' hypocrisy when she expresses outrage at Hitler while ignoring the racism in her own community.
The event that best represents true courage is Atticus standing up for justice despite societal pressures and threats. Scout learns that understanding others requires empathy, a lesson reinforced by her experiences during and after the trial. Jem’s reaction to Tom’s death reveals his deepening awareness of moral complexities and a growing disillusionment with the adult world. The theme of racial injustice is most emphasized in these chapters, as it underscores the characters' struggles against prejudice and their individual quests for dignity and understanding.
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 chooses to live life on his own terms despite societal prejudices. Atticus argues that "all men are created equal" to emphasize the importance of justice and the need for the jury to judge Tom Robinson as an individual rather than through the lens of racism.
**Chapter 21**
The jury's behavior upon delivering the verdict is significant because it is unusually solemn, indicating their internal struggle with the decision and awareness of its moral implications. Calpurnia's arrival at the courtroom serves as a bridge between the Finch family and the African American community, reminding everyone of the social divides and tensions at play during the trial.
**Chapter 22**
Jem's view of Maycomb shifts from innocence to disillusionment after the trial, as he grapples with the harsh realities of racism and injustice in his community. Miss Maudie's attempt to comfort the children is evident in her remarks about how the trial was a step toward progress and a sign that there are people in Maycomb who fight for justice.
**Chapter 23**
Atticus believes Bob Ewell spat on him and threatened him out of revenge for the trial and to assert dominance, reflecting his anger at losing. Atticus responds to the threat calmly, teaching Jem and Scout that violence is not the answer and that true strength lies in dignity. Women are not allowed to serve on juries in Alabama due to outdated laws and gender prejudices rooted in societal norms. Jem concludes that Boo Radley is a compassionate figure who protects them, symbolizing innocence and the misunderstood.
**Chapter 24**
Aunt Alexandra is upset during her missionary circle meeting because of the news surrounding Tom Robinson's trial and the racial tensions in Maycomb. The irony in the conversation of the missionary circle lies in their discussions on helping "poor" and "civilized" people while displaying ignorance and prejudice against their own community's marginalized individuals.
**Chapter 25**
Tom Robinson attempts to escape prison out of desperation and hope for freedom, reflecting the hopelessness of his situation. Mr. Underwood’s editorial compares Tom Robinson’s death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds, highlighting the tragedy of lost innocence and injustice. Helen Robinson is afraid when she sees Link Deas approaching because she knows that as a widow of a black man accused of a crime, she is often met with hostility and judgment. Scout struggles to understand Miss Gates' hypocrisy when she expresses outrage at Hitler while ignoring the racism in her own community.
The event that best represents true courage is Atticus standing up for justice despite societal pressures and threats. Scout learns that understanding others requires empathy, a lesson reinforced by her experiences during and after the trial. Jem’s reaction to Tom’s death reveals his deepening awareness of moral complexities and a growing disillusionment with the adult world. The theme of racial injustice is most emphasized in these chapters, as it underscores the characters' struggles against prejudice and their individual quests for dignity and understanding.