To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 21 Summary, Flashcards & Quizzes
Notes
Overview
In Chapter 21 of *To Kill a Mockingbird*, Calpurnia delivers a note to Atticus Finch expressing concern for Jem and Scout, who have been watching the trial from the colored balcony. The chapter explores themes of racial injustice, childhood innocence, and family dynamics as the children navigate the emotional tension surrounding the trial's verdict.
Calpurnia's Note: A Family's Concern During the Trial
Context
- **Setting**: Chapter 21 of *To Kill a Mockingbird*.
- **Characters**: Calpurnia, Atticus Finch, Jem, Scout, Reverend Sykes, Judge Taylor, Mr. Underwood, Aunt Alexandra, Dill.
Key Events
- **Calpurnia's Arrival**:
- Calpurnia approaches Judge Taylor to deliver a note to Atticus, indicating concern for the children's whereabouts.
- **Atticus's Reaction**:
- Atticus reads the note revealing that his children are missing since noon and expresses anxiety about their safety.
- Mr. Underwood informs Atticus that Jem and Scout are in the colored balcony of the courthouse.
- **Children's Excitement**:
- Jem's enthusiasm about the trial outcome contrasts with Atticus's exhaustion and caution.
- Calpurnia scolds Jem for taking Scout to the trial, emphasizing the inappropriate nature of the trial's content for children.
Family Dynamics
- **Calpurnia's Authority**:
- Calpurnia displays her protective nature over the children, warning them about the dangers of the trial's subject matter.
- **Aunt Alexandra's Concern**:
- Aunt Alexandra's reaction to the children's presence at the trial shows her disapproval and worry for their well-being.
- **Dinner Scene**:
- The tension during supper reflects differing parental styles: Calpurnia's sternness versus Aunt Alexandra's silent disappointment.
Courtroom Atmosphere
- **Reverend Sykes's Role**:
- Reverend Sykes helps save the children's seats and provides insights about the trial proceedings.
- **The Jury's Decision**:
- The tension in the courtroom builds as the children wait for the jury's verdict, with Jem showing confidence that they will win.
- **Dramatic Moment of Verdict**:
- The moment the jury enters and delivers its verdict, the emotional weight is palpable, particularly for Jem and Scout.
- The courtroom's silence and the gravity of the moment are emphasized, showcasing the racial tensions of the time.
Themes
- **Racial Injustice**:
- The trial serves as a backdrop for the exploration of racial inequality and the children's coming-of-age amid societal biases.
- **Childhood Innocence**:
- The children's journey to understand the complexities of adult issues and morality is portrayed through their experiences at the trial.
Conclusion
- **Emotional Impact**:
- The chapter concludes with a poignant moment as the children stand in respect for Atticus, highlighting familial loyalty and the heavy burden of societal injustice.
Flashcards (23)
Study all 23 flashcards below. Tap each card in the interactive viewer to flip between question and answer.
Card 1: Who stopped at the railing to get Judge Taylor's attention?
Calpurnia stopped at the railing to get Judge Taylor's attention.
Card 2: What did Calpurnia carry in her hand when she approached Judge Taylor?
Calpurnia carried an envelope in her hand.
Card 3: What did the note from Calpurnia inform Atticus about?
The note informed Atticus that his children were missing and hadn't turned up since noon.
Card 4: Where did Mr. Underwood say Jem and Scout were located?
Mr. Underwood said Jem and Scout were in the colored balcony.
Card 5: What did Atticus ask Jem to do when he called him down?
Atticus asked Jem to come down from the colored balcony.
Card 6: What was Jem's reaction when he thought they had won the trial?
Jem was jumping in excitement and asked if they had won.
Card 7: Why did Calpurnia scold Jem and Scout on their way home?
Calpurnia scolded them for listening to the trial and for Jem taking Scout to such an inappropriate event.
Card 8: How did Aunt Alexandra react to the news of Jem and Scout's location during the trial?
Aunt Alexandra nearly fainted upon hearing where Jem and Scout had been.
Card 9: What did Reverend Sykes do to save Jem and Scout's seats?
Reverend Sykes saved their places in the courtroom while they were away.
Card 10: How long had the jury been out when Jem asked Reverend Sykes?
The jury had been out for about thirty minutes.
Card 11: What did Jem believe about the jury's verdict based on the evidence presented?
Jem believed that no jury could convict someone based on the evidence they heard.
Card 12: What did Reverend Sykes caution Jem about discussing the trial?
Reverend Sykes cautioned Jem that the subject was not polite for little ladies to hear.
Card 13: What was the atmosphere in the courtroom described as during the waiting for the verdict?
The atmosphere was described as dreamlike and tense, with a cold feeling despite the summer night.
Card 14: What did Atticus do when he entered the courtroom after the jury's deliberation?
Atticus strolled around the courtroom, inspecting various areas, and appeared calm.
Card 15: What event caused Scout to feel a sense of dread in the courtroom?
The return of the jury and the polling of their verdict caused Scout to feel dread.
Card 16: How did Jem react to the verdict announced by the jury?
Jem's hands turned white from gripping the balcony rail, and he showed visible distress.
Card 17: What did Atticus do immediately after the verdict was announced?
Atticus packed his briefcase, whispered to Tom Robinson, and then left the courtroom.
Card 18: What did the Negroes in the balcony do when Atticus was leaving the courtroom?
The Negroes in the balcony stood up to show respect for Atticus as he passed.
Card 19: What was the significance of the note that Calpurnia delivered?
The note indicated the family's concern for Jem and Scout's whereabouts during a critical moment of the trial.
Card 20: How did Calpurnia feel about Jem and Scout being at the trial?
Calpurnia felt indignant and scolded them for being at the trial, believing it was inappropriate.
Card 21: What underlying themes are suggested through Calpurnia's concern?
Underlying themes include the protection of innocence, the impact of racial issues, and the complexities of childhood during turbulent times.
Card 22: What did Jem believe about the judge's fairness during the trial?
Jem believed that the judge, Judge Taylor, was fairminded and leaning towards their side.
Card 23: What did Scout think about the possibility of Tom Robinson being set free?
Scout thought about the idea of concentrating to set Tom Robinson free but doubted it would work due to everyone's fatigue.
Quiz (21 Questions)
Test your knowledge with all 21 multiple-choice questions. Select your answer for each question to check your understanding.
Question 1: How long had the jury been out when Jem asked Reverend Sykes?
Correct Answer: About thirty minutes
Explanation: Reverend Sykes mentioned that the jury had been out for about thirty minutes when Jem asked.
Question 2: Who stopped shyly at the railing to get Judge Taylor's attention?
Correct Answer: Calpurnia
Explanation: Calpurnia is the character who approaches Judge Taylor to deliver a note to Atticus.
Question 3: What was the content of the note that Calpurnia delivered?
Correct Answer: A note about missing children
Explanation: The note from Calpurnia informed Atticus that his children were missing since noon.
Question 4: Who informed Atticus where Jem and Scout were located?
Correct Answer: Mr. Underwood
Explanation: Mr. Underwood said he knew where Jem and Scout were, indicating they were in the colored balcony.
Question 5: What did Jem want to do after learning about the trial?
Correct Answer: Stay for the verdict
Explanation: Jem pleaded with Atticus to let them stay and hear the verdict of the trial.
Question 6: How did Calpurnia react to Jem taking Scout to the trial?
Correct Answer: She was angry
Explanation: Calpurnia expressed her anger and disappointment at Jem for taking Scout to the trial, believing it was inappropriate.
Question 7: What did Calpurnia serve for supper?
Correct Answer: Potato salad and ham
Explanation: Calpurnia served Jem, Dill, and Scout potato salad and ham for supper.
Question 8: What was Jem's opinion about the trial's outcome?
Correct Answer: He believed they had won
Explanation: Jem expressed confidence that no jury could convict based on the evidence they had heard.
Question 9: What did Atticus do before leaving the courtroom?
Correct Answer: Whispered to Tom Robinson
Explanation: Atticus whispered something to Tom Robinson before leaving the courtroom.
Question 10: What did the jury's behavior indicate when they returned?
Correct Answer: They were indifferent
Explanation: The jury came in without looking at Tom Robinson, indicating a lack of concern for him as a defendant.
Question 11: What was the reaction of the Negroes in the balcony when the verdict was announced?
Correct Answer: They stood up
Explanation: The Negroes in the balcony stood up as a sign of respect when Atticus was leaving the courtroom.
Question 12: What did the courtroom atmosphere feel like to Scout during the trial?
Correct Answer: Cold and empty
Explanation: Scout felt an eerie, cold atmosphere in the courtroom, which reminded her of a deserted street.
Question 13: What did Jem say about the law regarding consent in the context of the trial?
Correct Answer: It depended on age
Explanation: Jem explained that the law regarding consent varied based on age, indicating the complexities of the case.
Question 14: Why was Aunt Alexandra upset during supper?
Correct Answer: She was embarrassed about the children's behavior
Explanation: Aunt Alexandra was upset because the children had gone to the trial, which she deemed inappropriate.
Question 15: What did Calpurnia threaten to do if Mr. Finch didn't discipline Jem?
Correct Answer: Skin him alive
Explanation: Calpurnia humorously threatened to 'skin' Jem alive for his inappropriate behavior in taking Scout to the trial.
Question 16: What was the significance of Reverend Sykes saving seats in the courtroom?
Correct Answer: It indicated respect for the children
Explanation: Reverend Sykes saving seats for Jem and Scout indicated his respect for them and their place in the community.
Question 17: How did Atticus respond to Jem's excitement about winning the trial?
Correct Answer: He warned him about the outcome
Explanation: Atticus tempered Jem's excitement by indicating that the jury's decision might not be favorable.
Question 18: What did Scout compare the courtroom atmosphere to?
Correct Answer: A church service
Explanation: Scout compared the stillness and tension in the courtroom to the solemnity of a church service.
Question 19: What did the old courthouse clock signify during the trial?
Correct Answer: The anticipation of the verdict
Explanation: The old courthouse clock striking the hour added to the tense atmosphere and anticipation of the jury's verdict.
Question 20: What did Jem hope for regarding the jury's verdict?
Correct Answer: That they would be fair
Explanation: Jem hoped that the jury would be fair based on the evidence presented during the trial.
Question 21: What did Atticus do after the verdict was read?
Correct Answer: Left the courtroom immediately
Explanation: Atticus left the courtroom quickly after the verdict was read, indicating his disappointment.
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