The Tom Robinson Trial:
Chapters 15-22 Analysis Questions
BEFORE THE TRIAL
1. What happens in front of the jail cell in chapter 15? To which theme(s) does this relate best?
THE TRIAL
2. Tom Robinson accused of what crime? By whom?
A:
3. Who makes up the audience and who makes up the jury? Why is this important?
A:
THE PROSECUTION – MR. GILMER
THE FIRST WITNESS – SHERIFF HECK TATE
4. What information does he reveal? Is he biased? Explain.
A:
THE SECOND WITNESS – BOB EWELL
5. What is his attitude when he is testifying? Why is it so important that Atticus reveals that Bob is
left handed?
A:
6. Why do you think Atticus makes such a point of the fact that no one called a doctor?
A:
THE THIRD WITNESS – MAYELLA EWELL
7. What is her attitude when she is testifying? Consider the following quote in your analysis:
“Apparently Mayella’s recital had given her confidence, but it was not her father’s brash kind:
there was something stealthy about hers, like a steady-eyed cat with a twitchy tail” .
A:
8. Is she telling the truth? How do you know?
