Dive into our intriguing quiz on Chapter 21 of *To Kill A Mockingbird*! This engaging challenge invites you to explore key themes and pivotal moments from the story. As you answer questions, you’ll gain deeper insights into the characters’ motivations and the moral complexities they face.
Each question is designed to spark your curiosity and reinforce your understanding. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Harper Lee’s work or new to the novel, this quiz offers something for everyone. You’ll reflect on Atticus Finch’s steadfast principles, Scout’s evolving perspective, and the broader social implications of the trial.
Expect a mix of thought-provoking inquiries that will test your knowledge and encourage critical thinking. By the end, you’ll not only reinforce what you’ve learned but also discover new layers of meaning within the text. So, gather your thoughts, grab a pencil, and get ready to embark on this enlightening journey through one of literature’s most cherished works.
As we move to the climax, don’t miss the To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 22 Quiz. And if you’re curious about the vocabulary, try the To Kill A Mockingbird Vocabulary Quiz to enhance your literary knowledge.
Test your knowledge with the To Kill a Mockingbird Book Quiz or explore more To Kill a Mockingbird Quizzes for even deeper insights!
What Happened – To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 21
In Chapter 21 of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the trial of Tom Robinson continues. The chapter starts with Calpurnia entering the courtroom. She delivers a message to Atticus Finch, stating that his children, Scout and Jem, are missing. Atticus learns that they have been in the courtroom all along, watching the trial from the balcony.
Atticus instructs Jem, Scout, and their friend Dill to go home and have their dinner. He promises to let them return to hear the jury’s verdict. The children reluctantly leave the courtroom, eager to find out the outcome of the trial. They eat quickly and return to the courthouse.
Back in the courtroom, the atmosphere is tense as everyone waits for the jury to make a decision. After several hours, the jury finally returns. The courtroom fills with silence. The jury announces their verdict: Tom Robinson is guilty.
Scout, Jem, and Dill are shocked and upset by the verdict. Jem is particularly affected, as he believed in Tom’s innocence and had faith in the justice system. The chapter ends with Atticus leaving the courtroom, followed by the children. They feel the weight of what they have witnessed and begin to understand the harsh realities of racial injustice.
The chapter highlights the themes of racial prejudice and injustice. It shows the impact of the trial on the children and their growing awareness of the unfairness in their society.
To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 21 – Quotes
- “Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father’s passin’.” – Reverend Sykes, telling Scout to show respect for Atticus as he leaves the courtroom.
- “A jury never looks at a defendant it has convicted.” – Scout, observing the behavior of the jury and sensing the outcome of the trial.
- “Atticus had stopped his pacing and had stopped over to the jury box. He watched them walk slowly down the aisle.” – Scout, describing Atticus’s anticipation of the verdict, capturing the tense atmosphere.
- “Guilty… guilty… guilty… guilty…” – The jury’s verdict, as Scout hears the word repeated multiple times, symbolizing the weight of the decision.
- “Atticus’s face was white. His fingers were trembling as he pushed his papers into his briefcase.” – Scout, noting her father’s reaction to the verdict, showing his disappointment and emotional toll.
- “It ain’t right, Atticus.” – Jem, expressing his shock and disillusionment with the guilty verdict.
- “They’ve done it before and they did it tonight and they’ll do it again and when they do it—seems that only children weep.” – Atticus Finch, expressing the cycle of racial injustice that only the innocent, like Jem, seem to fully grasp.
To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 21 – FAQ
Chapter 21 serves as a pivotal moment in the novel, marking the climax of the trial against Tom Robinson. This chapter underscores the themes of racial injustice and moral integrity, highlighting the societal prejudices that permeate the courtroom. The verdict profoundly impacts the characters and the community, serving as a catalyst for change and reflection.
The courtroom atmosphere in Chapter 21 is charged with tension and anticipation. Atticus Finch’s closing arguments resonate with the values of justice and equality, contrasting sharply with the prevailing racist attitudes of the time. This environment amplifies the emotional stakes for the characters, particularly Scout and Jem, who are confronted with the harsh realities of their society.
Harper Lee employs symbolism effectively in Chapter 21, particularly through the mockingbird motif. Tom Robinson represents the innocent victim of prejudice, and his trial symbolizes the broader social injustices faced by African Americans. The mockingbird serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the innocent, reinforcing the novel’s overarching moral message.
Readers can glean significant lessons about empathy, the importance of standing up for what is right, and the consequences of societal prejudice. This chapter encourages reflection on the moral complexities of justice and the necessity of confronting injustice, urging readers to consider their own roles in challenging discrimination and advocating for equality.