To Kill A Mockingbird Chapters 12-15 Key Quotes

Important Quotations Explained CONTEXT- Lula (a black churchgoer) berating Cal for bringing Jem and Scout to church QUOTATION- “’You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?’ Calpurnia said, ‘It’s the same God, ain’t it?’” pg 131 EXPLANATION- The racial divide in Maycomb is so strong that even the black community believes it is unnatural to mix, even if it is to their detriment. Lula represents a protective nature borne out of having so little-she wants to keep what she has safe. Cal’s response reminds Lula of her Christian values, and the idea that everyone is equal in the eyes of God

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Scout reflects on Aunt Alexandra’s view of heritage QUOTATION- “Somewhere I had received the impression that Fine Folks were people who did the best they could with the sense they had, but Aunt Alexandra was of the opinion…that the longer a family had been squatting on one patch of land, the finer it was. ‘That makes the Ewells fine folks then,’ said Jem.” pg 143 EXPLANATION- Scout believes that the way people act tells you about their values and morals; however Aunt Alexandra carries prejudiced views based on family history-undermined by idea of Ewells (despised by community) falling under Aunt Alexandra’s category of ‘Fine Folks’ due to long history in Maycomb-makes Aunt Alexandra seem narrow minded and ignorant

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Scout describes Maycomb’s history QUOTATION- “Maycomb…grew inward. New people so rarely settled there, the same families married the same families until the members of the community looked faintly alike…there was indeed a caste system in Maycomb, but to my mind it wored this way: the older citizens…were utterly predictable to one another: they took for granted attitudes, character shading, even gestures, as having been repeated in each generation and refined by time.” pg 144-145 EXPLANATION- Maycomb has a history featuring little diversity, with generation after generation staying and mixing amongst themselves, each person developing the same mannerisms, appearance and attitudes. This leads Maycomb to become very narrow-minded and resistant to change

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Scout observes Jem and Atticus after mob attempt on Tom Robinson QUOTATION- “As Atticus’ fists went to his hips, so did Jem’s, and as they faced each other I could see little resemblance between them…but they were somehow alike. Mutual defiance made them alike.” pg 168 EXPLANATION- Lee’s character description indicates the parallels between Atticus and Jem-their stubborn nature causes conflict between them, but makes them similar. Both headstrong and believe they know right from wrong-shows Atticus’ lessons have paid off, but working against him here!

Important Quotations Explained CONTEXT- Atticus is ambushed by a mob trying to lynch Tom QUOTATION- “Hey Mr Cunningham.’ …I looked around and up at Mr Cunningham, whose face was equally impassive. The he did a peculiar thing. He squatted down and took me by both shoulders. ‘I’ll tell him you said hey, little lady,’ he said. Then he straightened up and waved a big paw. ‘Let’s clear out,’ he called. ‘Let’s get going, boys.’” pg 170 EXPLANATION- Scout’s innocent identification of Mr Cunningham shames him into reconsidering his actions. Her naïve reference to his entailment and other issues embarrasses Cunningham in front of the mob, and forces him to reflect on Atticus’ kindness-shows how Lee uses the Finch family as the moral compass of the novel