TKAM Ch.12-13 Quiz

Why does Calpurnia take Jem and Scout to her church?

• She wants them to meet her family

• Atticus is out of town, and she doesn’t want them going alone

• She wants them to learn about different religious practices

• Aunt Alexandra insists they go

Answer explanation

With Atticus away in Montgomery, Calpurnia takes responsibility for the children and brings them to her church, First Purchase, rather than leaving them unattended.

Why is First Purchase Church named that way?

• It was the first church built in Maycomb.

• It was the first church that allowed both Black and white members.

• It was purchased by the Finch family for the Black community.

• It was bought with the first earnings of freed slaves.

Answer explanation

The church’s name symbolizes the resilience and self-sufficiency of the Black community in Maycomb, as it was built using the first earnings of freed enslaved people. This highlights both their perseverance and the racial inequalities that persist in the town.

Why does the church take up a collection for Helen Robinson?

• She is sick and needs medical help

• Tom Robinson is in jail and she cannot find work

• Her children need new clothes

• She is being evicted from her home

Answer explanation

Since Tom Robinson, Helen’s husband, has been falsely accused and jailed, Helen struggles to find work because of the stigma associated with the case, leaving her in financial difficulty.

What surprises Scout about how Calpurnia speaks at church?

• She speaks differently than she does at the Finch home

• She uses big words Scout doesn’t understand

• She refuses to talk to anyone

• She sings all of her words

Answer explanation

Scout notices that Calpurnia changes her speech when she’s around the Black community, demonstrating code-switching. This reveals how Calpurnia navigates both Black and white spaces in Maycomb.

What does the lack of hymn books at First Purchase reveal about the Black community in Maycomb?

• That they prefer oral traditions over reading.

• That they are not interested in traditional church services.

• That they believe reading hymn books is unnecessary for worship.

• That they cannot afford books due to systemic poverty.

Answer explanation

The absence of hymn books highlights the economic struggles of the Black community in Maycomb and the lack of educational opportunities available to them.

Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with the Finches?

• To help Atticus with the children during the trial

• To take over the household permanently

• To convince Atticus to drop the case

• To bring them back to Finch’s Landing

Answer explanation

Aunt Alexandra believes that Scout and Jem need a strong family influence, especially given the controversy surrounding Atticus’s defense of Tom Robinson.

How does Aunt Alexandra fit into Maycomb society?

• She is well respected and quickly integrates herself

• She struggles to make friends

• She avoids the townspeople

• She refuses to speak to anyone outside the family

Answer explanation

Aunt Alexandra easily blends into Maycomb’s social circles because she shares their values, particularly regarding family heritage and social class.

What is Aunt Alexandra’s main concern regarding Scout?

• That she is too rough and unladylike

• That she isn’t smart enough

• That she doesn’t have enough friends

• That she spends too much time reading

Answer explanation

Aunt Alexandra believes that Scout should behave more traditionally feminine, which creates conflict between them, as Scout resists these expectations.

What does Aunt Alexandra believe about family heritage?

• That people should move away from their roots

• That it isn’t important

• That it determines a person’s worth

• That only wealth matters in a family’s reputation

Answer explanation

Aunt Alexandra holds the belief that families have inherent traits, and she expects Jem and Scout to live up to the Finch name. This reflects the rigid social hierarchy of Maycomb.

How does Atticus react when Aunt Alexandra tells him to teach the children about their family history?

• He firmly refuses and tells her they can think for themselves.

• He reluctantly agrees but does not truly believe in what he’s saying.

• He passionately tells them about their ancestors to make Aunt Alexandra happy.

• He asks Calpurnia to explain family heritage to them instead.

Answer explanation

Atticus tries to follow Aunt Alexandra’s wishes but does so uncomfortably, revealing his disapproval of her elitist beliefs.