In chapter 14 of "To Kill a Mockingbird," we see a number of significant events and themes emerge. Here are some questions and answers about this chapter:
- What does Jem tell Scout about the trial?
Jem tells Scout that Tom Robinson, the black man on trial for raping a white woman, is going to be found guilty regardless of the evidence. Jem has come to this realization after observing the behavior of the all-white, male jury and the prejudiced attitudes of many of the townspeople. He tells Scout that "it's just a sin to kill a mockingbird."
- What does Atticus do when the mob arrives at his house?
When a mob arrives at Atticus's house, threatening to lynch Tom Robinson, Atticus stands up to them and speaks calmly and firmly, reminding them of their responsibilities as citizens and the importance of upholding the law. He tells them that they are "doing the same thing that [Tom Robinson's] accused of." When the mob becomes violent, Atticus stands his ground and is ultimately able to disperse them with the help of Scout and Jem, who frighten them off by pretending to be Boo Radley.
- What does Atticus say about courage?
Atticus tells Scout that "courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what." In other words, real courage is about standing up for what you believe in, even when the odds are against you and the consequences may be dire. Atticus demonstrates this type of courage throughout the novel, particularly in his defense of Tom Robinson and his refusal to back down in the face of racial prejudice and violence.
- What is the significance of the title of the chapter, "Boo Radley and Tom Robinson"?
The title of the chapter, "Boo Radley and Tom Robinson," suggests a connection between these two characters, who are both outsiders in the community of Maycomb and are both misunderstood and mistreated. Like Boo Radley, Tom Robinson is ostracized and discriminated against because of his race, and he is falsely accused and ultimately punished for a crime he did not commit. The title also highlights the theme of justice and the importance of treating all people with fairness and respect, regardless of their differences.
- What does Scout learn about Boo Radley in this chapter?
In this chapter, Scout learns that Boo Radley has been watching over her and Jem throughout the course of the novel, leaving small gifts and signs of his presence for them to find. She also learns that Boo Radley saved her and Jem from being attacked by Bob Ewell, and that he is a kind and compassionate person who has been unfairly maligned by the townspeople. Through her interactions with Boo Radley, Scout comes to understand that appearances can be deceiving and that it is important to judge people based on their actions and character rather than on hearsay and rumor.