Study Questions &
Essay Topics
Study Questions
1. Discuss Atticus’s
parenting style. What is his relationship to his children like?
How does he seek to instill conscience in them?
2. Analyze the
trial scene and its relationship to the rest of the novel.
3. Discuss the
author’s portrayal of the black community and the characters of
Calpurnia and Tom Robinson. Are they realistic or idealized?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. Analyze the childhood world
of Jem, Scout, and Dill and their relationship with Boo Radley in
Part One.
2. How do Jem and Scout change
during the course of the novel? How do they remain the same?
3. What is Atticus’s relationship
to the rest of Maycomb? What is his role in the community?
4. Discuss the role of family
in To Kill a Mockingbird, paying close attention
to Aunt Alexandra.
5. Examine Miss Maudie’s relationship
to the Finches and to the rest of Maycomb.
6. Discuss the author’s descriptions
of Maycomb. What is the town’s role in the novel?
7. Analyze the author’s treatment
of Boo Radley. What is his role in the novel?
