Chapters 18-22

Chapter 18

1. Is Mayella like her father or different from him? In what ways?
2. What might be the reason for Mayella's crying in the court?
3. How does Mayella react to Atticus's politeness? Is she used to people being polite?

4. How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom's guilt in the eyes of the reader (you) and in the eyes of the jury?

Chapter 19

1. What made Tom visit the Ewell's house in the first place?

2. Why does Scout think that Mayella Ewell was “the loneliest person in the world”?

3. In your own words explain Mayella's relationship with her father.

Chapter 20
 
1. Scout says that “Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil man”. Is she right?

2. In most states of the USA people who drink alcohol in public places are required to hide their bottle in a paper bag. Why does Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a bag?

3. What, according to Atticus, is the thing that Mayella has done wrong? Explain, in your own words, Atticus's views on people's being equal.

Chapter 21

1. What does Jem expect the verdict to be? Does Atticus think the same?

2. What is unusual about how long it takes the jury to reach a verdict? Is the verdict predictable or not?

3. As Scout waits for the verdict, she thinks of earlier events. What are these and how do they remind us of the novel's central themes?

Chapter 22

1. Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he defends Jem's right to know what has happened. Explain, in your own words, Atticus's reasons for this. (Look at the speech beginning, “This is their home, sister”.)

2. Miss Maudie tells Jem that “things are never as bad as they seem”. What reasons does she give for this view?

3. Why does Dill say that he will be a clown when he grows up? Do you think he would keep this ambition for long?

4. Why does Bob Ewell feel so angry with Atticus? Do you think his threat is a real one, and how might he try to “get” Atticus?