TKAM Chapter 18 Focus Questions
1.Why does Mayella say that she is afraid of Atticus when she first takes the stand? Why does she think Atticus is mocking her as her testimony proceeds? What does this suggest about the Ewells’ status in Maycomb? What does it suggest about how the residents of Maycomb have treated them?
2. Reread Mayella’s testimony and record the details of her account of what happened on November 21. Which details in her story change before the end of her testimony?
3. What crucial detail is revealed about Tom Robinson in this chapter? How does it change our understanding of what happened to Mayella on November 21?
4. What alternative account of the events of November 21 is Atticus suggesting took place when he asks Mayella, “What did your father see in the window, the crime of rape or the best defense of it” (page 214)? Does he have sufficient evidence for this suggestion? Why might the jury be willing to believe what he is suggesting?
1.Why does Mayella say that she is afraid of Atticus when she first takes the stand? Why does she think Atticus is mocking her as her testimony proceeds? What does this suggest about the Ewells’ status in Maycomb? What does it suggest about how the residents of Maycomb have treated them?
2. Reread Mayella’s testimony and record the details of her account of what happened on November 21. Which details in her story change before the end of her testimony?
3. What crucial detail is revealed about Tom Robinson in this chapter? How does it change our understanding of what happened to Mayella on November 21?
4. What alternative account of the events of November 21 is Atticus suggesting took place when he asks Mayella, “What did your father see in the window, the crime of rape or the best defense of it” (page 214)? Does he have sufficient evidence for this suggestion? Why might the jury be willing to believe what he is suggesting?