To kill a mockingbird chapter 9 : answer the following questions in complete sentences:

1.What advice does Atticus have for Scout?

2. Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas. What are these feelings and why?

3. Why is Aunt Alexandra critical of the way Atticus is raising Scout? In light of this criticism, what is ironic about the fact that Francis is learning to cook?

4. How does Scout respond to Aunt Alexandra’s vision of what it means to be “ladylike”? What does Atticus think about Scout’s conformity to gender roles?

5. Harper Lee uses dehumanizing language in the novel to deliberately illustrate the society she writes about. The dehumanizing power of the “N” word and the ease with which some Americans have used it to describe their fellow human beings is central to understanding the themes of identity and human behavior at the heart of the book. When Atticus tells Scout not to use that language, he says it’s “common.” Look up the definition of the word common. Atticus is not using the word common to mean something prevalent or something that occurs or is found often. Write the definition he means instead. What does this indicate about his expectations of Scout?

6. What does it say about the power of the “N” word that Scout is moved to anger by the insult Francis hurls at her about her father, even though she does not know what the insult means? What does this insult mean to the other residents of Maycomb? Why is it such a powerful insult?

7.Discussing the Tom Robinson case with Uncle Jack, Atticus refers to “Maycomb’s usual disease.” What does he mean? Why doesn’t he suffer from it?

8.What reasons (more than one) does Atticus give for defending Tom Robinson?

9.What factors influenced his choice to take the case seriously? How does he expect the case will turn out?

10. Atticus explains to Scout: “This time we aren’t fighting the Yankees, we’re fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they’re still our friends and this is still our home.” Are there some fights you can have with friends that make it impossible to remain friends? What types of fights are those? What does it say about Atticus that he doesn’t view the insults he receives for defending Tom Robinson as reason enough to end any friendships? How can you respond when friends or family members express views that you find abhorrent?