TKM Part 2 Questions #1

The last few weeks I've been reading the second part of To Kill a Mockingbird, so I'll answer the following questions about it.

Chapter 12

1. Comment on Jem's and Scout's visit to First Purchase Church. What does Scout learn about how black people live?

They learn that black people were much poorer than whites, because they didn't have hymns. Also, most of them didn't know how to read or write. Apart from this, they noticed how Calpurnia changed his way of talking when she was surrounded by negroes. Finally, they also felt that black people were kind to them because their father was helping a Negro.

2. Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbours at church.

Because she must adapt to where she is. Also, negroes will probably feel offended if she talked "white english" in the First Purchase Church.

Chapter 13

3. Aunt Alexandra thinks Scout is "dull" (not clever). Why does she think this, and is she right?

Aunt alexandra says this because she thinks Scout doesn't act as proper lady. Also, the old woman thinks Scout is not behaving as a Finch should.

4. How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Macomb's social life?

She had very good relations in town. She rapidly stablished friendships with the women of the city and she always said how proud she was of the Finches. The old women will commonly get together in the afternoons to have tea and talk.

5. Comment on Aunt Alexandra's ideas about breeding and family, in contrast to Atticus' visions. Who's right, do you think? Why?

Aunt Alexandra expresses that she thinks all members of a family should act as the family wants them to. Therefore, she thinks every Finch should act correctly and accordingly with the family's values. In the other side, Atticus supports the children and thinks that every person should build their life according to what they think is correct and the social circumstances they are involved.

Chapter 14

6. Comment on Atticus' definition of rape. How suitable is this definition as an answer to Scout?

Atticus said rape is "Carnal knowledge of a female by force and without concern". He told the pure truth to Scout, instead of avoiding it as Calpurnia did. It's not strange that Calpurnia didn't want to talk about those things with the children because she thought Atticus should decide in their education and values, not her.