click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Stack #4681504
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| BIG IDEA/THEMES | |
| Racial injustice | The trial of Tom Robinson shows systemic racism in the South. |
| Moral growth (coming of age) | Scout and Jem learn about empathy and human complexity. |
| Good vs evil | People and situations are not always what they seem. |
| Social class | Differences between families like the Finches, Ewells, and Cunninghams. |
| Courage | Doing what is right even when the outcome is difficult or unpopular. |
| KEY CHARACTERS | |
| Scout Finch | Narrator; curious and intelligent; learns about human nature. |
| Jem Finch | Scout’s older brother; matures significantly after the trial. |
| Atticus Finch | Moral center of the novel; defends Tom Robinson. |
| Tom Robinson | Black man falsely accused of rape. |
| Boo Radley | Symbol of misunderstood goodness. |
| Mayella Ewell | Lonely and isolated; involved in false accusation. |
| Bob Ewell | Antagonist; racist and abusive. |
| MAJOR PLOT POINTS | |
| Childhood fascination with Boo Radley | |
| Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson | |
| Trial of Tom Robinson | |
| Guilty verdict despite strong evidence of innocence | |
| Bob Ewell attacks Scout and Jem | |
| Boo Radley saves the children | |
| Scout finally understands Boo as a real person | |
| IMPORTANT SYMBOLS | |
| Mockingbird | Innocence and harmlessness (Tom Robinson, Boo Radley) |
| Radley House | Fear versus misunderstood reality |
| Glasses (Atticus) | Clear moral vision and justice |
| Courtroom | Injustice in society |
| IMPORTANT QUESTIONS | |
| How does Scout change throughout the novel? | matures from an innocent, impulsive tomboy into a more empathetic, understanding young lady |
| Why is Atticus considered a hero? | he helps Tom during the case and he doesn't judge anyone for anything |
| What does the mockingbird symbolize? | innocence, freedom of expression, intelligence, and protection |
| How does the trial reflect society at the time? | a deeply racist, segregated, and unequal society |
| Why is Boo Radley important to the theme of empathy? | his character arc forces Scout and Jem to evolve from fearing a misunderstood, reclusive neighbor to recognizing his deep humanity and kindness |