Discussion Questions: Chapter 6-10 Positive Negative Connotations: Say whether the word is positive or negative and why.

a) FanaticalWhen her aunt said that she was fanatical abuot her attire it meant that she was too obsessed with what she wore. 1. At the end of chapter 6, Jem decides to go back and get his pants from the Radleys yard. Why does he do this? What does this tell us about Atticus character?

2. In the second sentence of chapter 7, Scout says, As Atticus had once advised me to do, I tried to climb into Jems skin and walk around in it. Explain how this advice speaks to Atticus character.

Tells that he is equal. That he thinks about the other persons perspective first. Why that person would have acted that way and done what he had done.

3. On page 66 and 67 (HC) pgs. 89-90 (SC) the children build a snowman. When they are finished Atticus compliments Jem saying, I didnt know how you were going to do it, but from now on Ill never worry about whatll become of you, son, youll always have an idea. What is this compliment so meaningful? Why do Jems ears redden? I trust in you. Giving responsibility.

4. At the beginning of chapter 9, Scout asks her father, Do you defend niggers? Atticus responds by saying, Of course I do. Dont say nigger , Scout. Thats common. What does Atticus mean by common? How is the word nigger used today? What other words or types of speaking are used to differentiate social strata in society? I think that this shows how Atticus is ahead of his time. What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right. I think that by common he is saying that just become everyone uses it that doesnt mean that she should use it. Of a quality) of a sort or level to be generally expected: Atticus expects more of Scout than for her to just follow the crowd. It was a bad thing in the past, used by white people

to make themselves feel superior. But today, the word nigga is used amongst 2frican-americans in a positive manner. , 5. On page 75 (HC) pg. 100 (SC), the beginning of chapter 9, we find out some information about Atticus case. Explain who he is defending and why he is defending him. What are the implications of Atticus action? If I didnt I couldnt hold up my head in town, couldnt even tell Jem and Scout to ever do something again. Hes a man of principal. Man on integrity. 6. Why does the author include the explanation of Finchs landing in chapter 9? How is this reminder connected to Atticus? Explore the Finches background in terms of privilege and what that affords. 7. We also find in Ch.9 that Atticus had hoped he would make it through life without a case of this kind. His brother then says Let this cup pass from you, eh? What is this a reference to (Hint: Bible)? What does this reference tell us about Atticus role in this story? Have you ever experienced or heard of a time in which a responsibility was shirked? What are the ethical implications of action vs. inaction in the community?

Near the time Jesus was going to get crucified he said, Matthew 26:39 "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will."Jesus was referring to the pain and suffering that he was going to soon experience and he was doing this because he was really worried about the upcoming terrible treatment that he was about to suffer but he said that he was ready to face them
Tells that Atticus while he is scared of being castigated by this friends and neighbors of that county he knows its the right thing to do and that he will do it. 8. At the beginning of chapter 10 Scout complains about all the things Atticus is not. Please describe why her assessment is far from accurate.

9.

Atticus tells Jem in chapter 10, remember its a sin to kill a mockingbird. Why is it a sin?

In the book it says, Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." I think that there is a symbolic kind of meaning to this. I think that

the mockingbird means an innocent person (like Tom Robinson) and that it is saying it is wrong to kill or try to jail an innocent person like him.

10. Why isnt Atticus proud of his shooting ability? Why has he kept this a secret from his children? How does Miss Maudie interpret it? Read the last few pages of chapter 10 for your answers. There are some things that peole want to hide things from their past maybe because they are embarrassed or something. Jem knows that his father wants to hide this fact from the town. Humble Gun only exists to kill people