Using the Nonfiction Text to

Think AboutTo Kill a

Mockingbird

•Consider chapter 15 in which Atticus is posted outside of the courtroom while Tom Robinson awaits trial the next day. What quality or qualities of Atticus’s are reinforced by his actions at this time? Find a quote on page 202 to support your answer.

•Reread page 210 (chapter 16). How does Atticus explain a mob and mob mentality to Jem and Scout? What does he say about the actions of Mr. Cunningham and the others on the previous night? How are their actions similar to those of the mobs in your nonfiction texts?

•Explain what Atticus means when he says, “Mr. Cunningham’s basically a good man...he just has his blind spots along with the rest of us” (210). What does this show about Atticus’s character?

•Reread the passage on page 216 which begins “So it took an eight year old child to bring ‘em to their senses, didn’t it?” What is his explanation for how and why the mob was broken up? What does the way in which Atticus handles this situation suggest about his character?

•If Atticus had been present during the Scottsboro case, how do you think he would have acted? What led you to your answer?

•If Scout had been present during the Scottsboro case, how do you think she would have acted? What led you to your answer?

•If you had been present during the Scottsboro case, how do you think you would have acted? Explain your response.