TKAM Chapter 17 Discussion Qs

Who was the first witness to testify in Tom’s trial? Summarize his testimony.

What did Atticus ask about during his cross-examination? Why do you think he asked these questions?

Who was the second witness to testify? Based on his description, what sort of person do you think he is?

Contrast the description of the Ewell’s property with the African-American settlement a few hundred yards away. What is ironic about Scout’s observation that “All the little man on the witness stand had that made him any better that his nearest neighbors was, that if scrubbed with lye soap in very hot water, his skin was white”(195)?

What does Robert Ewell’s behavior towards his own lawyer suggest about his personality? What does his description of his daughter, Mayella, suggest about his feelings towards her?

Why does Reverend Sykes tell Jem to take Scout home? What does Judge Taylor say about Mr. Ewell’s testimony? What do you think he means when he says Mr. Ewell needs to limit his speech to “Christian English usage”(198).

Why did Atticus teach Scout that a lawyer should never ask a witness a question that they don’t know the answer to?

What details does Atticus seem to focus on during his cross-examination of the witnesses? Why do you think he’s focusing on these details?