Chapters 6-10

Chapter 6

1. Why does Scout disapprove of Jem's and Dill's plan of looking in at one of the Radleys' windows?
 
2. What does Mr. Nathan Radley know about the intruders in his garden?

Chapter 7

1. When Jem tells Scout about getting his trousers back, he tells her of something strange. What is this?
 
2. When the children plan to send a letter to the person who leaves the gifts, they are prevented. How does this happen? Who does it, and why might he do so?

Chapter 8

1. Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house? How much does Atticus tell her?

2. When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize?

Chapter 9

1. How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson? Is it usual for (white) lawyers to do their best for black clients in Alabama at this time?

2. Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas? What are these feelings and why?

3. Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus's conversation with Uncle Jack? What might this be?

4. Read the final sentence of this chapter. Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story.

Chapter 10

1. Scout says that “Atticus was feeble”. Do you think that this is her view as she tells the story or her view when she was younger? Does she still think this after the events recorded in this chapter?

2. In this chapter Atticus tells his children that “it's a sin to kill a mockingbird”. What reason does he give for saying this?

3. Jem and Scout have different views about telling people at school how well Atticus can shoot. Explain this difference. Which view is closer to your own?