When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders What does Jem realize in Chapter 8?

A few days later, after school has begun for the year, Jem tells Scout that he found the pants mysteriously mended and hung neatly over the fence. When they come home from school that day, they find another present hidden in the knothole: a ball of gray twine. They leave it there for a few days, but no one takes it, so they claim it for their own.

Unsurprisingly, Scout is as unhappy in second grade as she was in first, but Jem promises her that school gets better the farther along one goes. Late that fall, another present appears in the knothole—two figures carved in soap to resemble Scout and Jem. The figures are followed in turn by chewing gum, a spelling bee medal, and an old pocket watch. The next day, Jem and Scout find that the knothole has been filled with cement. When Jem asks Mr. Radley (Nathan Radley, Boo’s brother) about the knothole the following day, Mr. Radley replies that he plugged the knothole because the tree is dying.

Summary: Chapter 8

For the first time in years, Maycomb endures a real winter. There is even light snowfall, an event rare enough for school to be closed. Jem and Scout haul as much snow as they could from Miss Maudie’s yard to their own. Since there is not enough snow to make a real snowman, they build a small figure out of dirt and cover it with snow. They make it look like Mr. Avery, an unpleasant man who lives down the street. The figure’s likeness to Mr. Avery is so strong that Atticus demands that they disguise it. Jem places Miss Maudie’s sunhat on its head and sticks her hedge clippers in its hands, much to her chagrin.

That night, Atticus wakes Scout and helps her put on her bathrobe and coat and goes outside with her and Jem. Miss Maudie’s house is on fire. The neighbors help her save her furniture, and the fire truck arrives in time to stop the fire from spreading to other houses, but Miss Maudie’s house burns to the ground. In the confusion, someone drapes a blanket over Scout. When Atticus later asks her about it, she has no idea who put it over her. Jem realizes that Boo Radley put it on her, and he reveals the whole story of the knothole, the presents, and the mended pants to Atticus. Atticus tells them to keep it to themselves, and Scout, realizing that Boo was just behind her, nearly throws up.

Despite having lost her house, Miss Maudie is cheerful the next day. She tells the children how much she hated her old home and that she is already planning to build a smaller house and plant a larger garden. She says that she wishes she had been there when Boo put the blanket on Scout to catch him in the act.

Analysis: Chapters 7–8

Originally portrayed as a freak and a lunatic, Boo Radley continues to gain the sympathy of the children in these chapters. Lee uses an elliptical technique in telling Boo’s story—she hints and implies at what is happening without ever showing the reader directly. The reader must read between the lines—inferring, for instance, that it was Boo Radley who mended Jem’s pants and placed the presents in the tree, since Scout does not realize that Boo’s hand is at work until Jem explains things to Atticus after the fire.

Read more about how Scout’s point of view impacts the story.

In comparison to Scout’s still very childish perspective, Jem’s more mature understanding of the world is evident here, along with his strong sense of justice. When Nathan Radley plugs up the hole in the tree, Scout is disappointed but hardly heartbroken, seeing it as merely the end of their presents. Jem, on the other hand, is brought to tears, because he grasps that Boo’s brother has done something cruel: he has deprived Boo of his connection to the wider world and has broken up his brother’s attempt at friendship. This incident, which the reader must detect behind the scenes of Scout’s narrative, plays into the novel’s broad theme of suffering innocence, and Jem’s anger at this injustice foreshadows his later fury concerning Tom Robinson’s trial. While Scout retains her innocence and optimism throughout the book, Jem undergoes severe disillusionment as part of his “growing up,” and the Boo Radley incident in this chapter is an important early step toward that disillusionment.

Read more about the use of foreshadowing in the novel.

The implicit comparison between Boo’s soap figures and Jem and Scout’s snowman reveals the difference in how each party interacts with others. Whereas Boo carves his figures out of a desire to connect with the two kids, Jem and Scout craft their snowman out of a dislike for Mr. Avery. Further, Boo doesn’t make his carvings for himself; rather, he offers them as presents. Jem and Scout, on the other hand, make the snowman purely for their own enjoyment. Boo interacts with others on their terms, while the children, not yet mature, interact with others on their own terms.

Read more about the symbolism of the gifts Boo leaves in the knothole.

Critic Claudia Durst Johnson has argued that To Kill a Mockingbird contains many Gothic elements, from the legends and secrets surrounding Boo Radley to Dill’s imaginative stories and the children’s superstitions. The unseasonable snow and the fire at Miss Maudie’s, as well as the later appearance of a mad dog, can be seen as contributing to a sense of supernatural foreboding leading up to the injustice that pervades Tom Robinson’s trial. This interpretation, however, is balanced by the fact that both the snow and the fire bring out the best in people—school is canceled, Scout and Jem build a fine snowman, the neighbors help save Miss Maudie’s belongings, and Miss Maudie perseveres after her house is destroyed. Even when she sees her prize flowers ruined, the brave old woman does not despair; instead, she offers a cheerful comment about wanting a smaller house and a larger garden. This interweaving of dramatic, Gothic atmospherics and good-hearted small-town values epitomizes To Kill a Mockingbird and mirrors the novel’s main theme. In a world in which innocence is threatened by injustice, cruelty, prejudice, and hatred, goodness can prevail in the form of sympathy, understanding, and common sense, as evidenced by how the townspeople’s affectionate willingness to help one another enables them to overcome the intrusion of these Gothic elements into their simple small-town lives.

Read more about To Kill a Mockingbird as a Southern Gothic novel.

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1.) Why does Scout quiz Atticus about his visit to the Radley house?  How much does Atticus tell her?Mrs. Radley passed away.  Then, Atticus sends his condolences to the Radleys.  Scout asks Atticus if she saw Arthur.  Atticus tells her that he saw nothing.  Scout wants to know if he say Boo.  2.) Why does Atticus save Miss Maudie’s oak rocking chair?Atticus is acknowledging that the chair is special to Miss Maudie.  Atticus is acknowledging that he cares about her.3.) When Atticus asks Scout about the blanket around her shoulders, what does Jem realize?Boo Radley put a blanket around Scout while they were waiting for Atticus near the Radley house.  Boo Radley is protecting the children again.  He used a gesture of kindness.  He wouldn't introduce himself because, maybe, he is not a social guy.  Boo Radley did it to be nice and to protect them.4.) Explain what Atticus means by telling Jem not to let his discovery “inspire” him to “further glory”?  Is there any reason why Jem might now do as his father says?

Their discovery was that Boo is actually alive.  Atticus is reinforcing to leave Boo alone.  Atticus is saying to not bother Boo Radley.  Jem won't listen to his dad because, maybe, he is finally acknowledging that Boo would come out when he wants to.  With the situation of the blanket,  Jem might not want to listen to his dad because he knows that he is alive, and he is curious about Boo Radley and wants to try to communicate to Boo Radley.

1.) How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson?  What are his reasons?Tom Robinson is a member of Calpurnia's church.  Atticus believes he is innocent until proven guilty.  Atticus wants to be a good example to his kids.  Also, it is Atticus' job.  Atticus looks at it like everyone needs a lawyer.  2.) Scout and Jem have “mixed feelings” about Christmas.  Explain.  What are these feelings and why do they feel this way?The good side is Uncle Jack and the tree.  Uncle Jack is fun.  He plays with them and talks with them.  The bad side is the relatives.  They don't like Francis because he makes trouble.  He called Atticus a "nigger-lover".  When he doesn't take the blame, he blames it on someone else.  Scout doesn't like Aunt Alexandra because, in Aunt Alexandra's eyes, she thinks Scout isn't a lady.  Both kids dislike Aunt Alexandra because she doesn't understand and dislikes children.3.) Uncle Jack Finch tells Scout that she is growing out of her pants.  What does this mean and why might he say it?This means that she thinks is allowed to curse and do everything older kids do, but she is still in second grade.  Scout thinks that she is a lot older that she is, but she is actually a second grade.  Scout cursing and saying bad words allows Uncle Jack Finch to say that Scout is growing out of her pants.4.) When Francis talks to Scout he reveals an unpleasant feature of Aunt Alexandra.  What is this?Francis is repeating that men should wait on women.  Francis reveals that Aunt Alexandra is a gossiper.  Aunt Alexandra thinks that she is right, and everyone else is wrong.5.) Does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus’s conversation with Uncle Jack?  What might this be?That, eventually, children will change over time.  It is his way of telling Scout that things are about to be tough in the family.6.) Read the final sentence of Chapter 9.  Explain in your own words what it means and why it might be important in the story.

Scout is learning from Atticus.  The final sentence is emphasizing that learning from and listening to Atticus would be a vital part of her future.

1.) Scout says that “Atticus was feeble”.  Do you think that this is her view as she tells the story or her view when she was younger?  Why?  Does she still think this after the events recorded in this chapter?Feeble means old, weak, fragile and frail.  Scout thinks her dad was feeble was that her dad was fifty.  Also, he didn't do the activities the other fathers did.  Scout assumed that he was feeble and weak.  I think Scout thinks that Atticus is not feeble after this chapter.  The reason for this is because when Atticus was young, he was called the "Dead Shot".  Also, Atticus shoots the mad dog that was coming near their house.2.) In this chapter Atticus tells his children that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”.  What reason does he give for saying this?Mockingbirds don't bother anybody.  They don't do any harm.  They just sing joyfully.  That's why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird.3.) Near the end of this chapter Atticus cuts off Heck Tate as he is speaking to Jem.  What might Heck have been about to say, and why would Atticus want to stop him from saying it?Heck might have been about to say that he was the deadliest shot, or the best shot.  Atticus cut him off because it's sinful.  Or, maybe he just wants to do the right thing.  He doesn't think he is any better at anybody else.  Atticus is very humble.4.) Jem and Scout have different views about telling people at school how well Atticus can shoot.  Explain this difference.  Which view is closer to your own?  Explain. 

Jem wants to keep it a secret.  But, Scout wants to let everyone in town know.  Jem wants to keep it a secret because he is more mature than Scout.  Jem is beginning to be a gentlemen, just as he said in the last sentence of the chapter.  I would probably tell everyone that my father was the deadliest shot in town.  It would be cool to say that to everyone.

1.) How does Atticus advise Jem to react to Mrs. Dubose’s taunts?Atticus advises Jem to be a gentlemen towards Mrs. Dubose.  Atticus says to be patient and kind toward Mrs. Dubose because she is just an old lady, a neighbor.
2.) What does Mrs. Dubose say about the children’s mother?  How does Jem feel about this?What Mrs. Dubose says about the children's mother is that she didn't like it how Atticus treated their mother.  Jem reacts by cutting her bushes and braking Scout's baton.3.) What request does Mrs. Dubose make of Jem?  Is this a fair punishment for his “crime”?Mrs. Dubose makes Jem read to her for one month.  Mrs. Dubose wants a consequence of Jem's actions.  It wasn't the right thing to cut her bushes.  It's not fair if she gets a consequence, and he doesn't consequences.4.) Explain in your own words what Atticus thinks of insults like “nigger-lover”.  How far do you agree with him?  Explain.Atticus is indifferent from other people's opinions.  He doesn't care what people think of him doing the right thing.  Atticus is standing up in what he believes in.5.) Why, in Atticus’ view, was Mrs. Dubose “a great lady”?In Atticus' view, Mrs. Dubose was "a great lady" because Atticus always sees the good in people.  He doesn't take people for granted or have any negative thoughts towards someone.  Mrs. Dubose taunts at the children, which teaches the children to handle with things like that.  Mrs. Dubose teaches them to ignore all the bad stuff and to move on.6.) Atticus says that Mrs. Dubose is a model of real courage rather than “a man with a gun in his hand”.  What was her courageous act?  What does he mean?  Do you think he is right?Mrs. Dubose was prescribed painkillers, but she didn't use them.  Mrs. Dubose died without the painkillers.  Mrs. Dubose also speaks out what is in her mind.  She doesn't care what she says to other people.  Also, instead of going into her misery, she suffers.  She wants to go out and still live.  Mrs. Dubose doesn't show the pain and suffering, and she endures the pain.  Atticus wants the children to look at Mrs. Dubose as a role model through all the pain and suffering she has gone through.  Atticus wants to look at Mrs. Dubose as a role model, rather them him.  Atticus doesn't want his children to be over-confident.7.) Chapters ten and eleven are the last two chapters in the first part of the book.  Explain why you think Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here.

Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here because of time.  Maybe, there is a time jump.  Or, the first part led up to the second part.

1.) What new things does Scout learn from Jem and Scout’s visit to First Purchase Church about how the black people live?Jem and Scout learn a lot about the African American culture.  Jem and Scout learn that they are loyal to their race, or solidarity.  A good majority of the African Americans don't know how to read.  Calpurnia is older than Atticus and has been and always known the Finches and the Bufords.  In Church, the African Americans sing the hymns rather than repeat or read off a book.  The Church was the first purchase that the first freed African American slaves had.  That is why the Church is called the "First Purchase".2.) What does Scout learn from Calpurnia’s account of Zeebo’s education?Calpurnia uses the Bible to teach Zeebo.  Scout learns that Calpurnia is one of four people to read in the African American community.  Also, she learns that Calpurnia wants more for Zeebo.  She wants Zeebo to be different.3.) Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbors at church.Code switching is when you speak to people differently based on anything.  Calpurnia is code switching.  When she is with the Finches, she talks more professionally and more politely.  But, when she is with her community members, which are the African Americans, she talks like a black person.4.) How are Jem and Scout accepted at First Purchase?

Jem and Scout are accepted because the majority of the Church are welcoming.  They are appreciative that Atticus is defending Tom Robinson.  But, Lula thinks that white people go to their white Church, and black people go to the black Church.

1.) Why does Aunt Alexandra come to stay with Atticus and his family?  What is she like?Aunt Alexandra comes to stay with Atticus and his family to become a feminine influence to Scout.  She wants to up Scout's femininity.  Aunt Alexandra wants the children to grow up.  Wants Scout and Jem to be ladies and gentlemen.  Aunt Alexandra is really mean to Calpurnia because she thinks that she is only a maid, and Calpurnia is not a member of the Finch family.  She also is bossing them around.  For example, "'Jean Louise, stop scratching your head,' was the second thing she said.'" (Page 169)  Aunt Alexandra bosses Calpurnia around because she is related to the family.  Also, because Aunt Alexandra is white, and Calpurnia is black.  The reason why she is bossy around Calpurnia because of skin color segregation.  2.) Read the first two things Alexandra says when she comes to the finch house. Provide a quote.  Are these typical of her or not?  Explain.The first two things she says are "Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia" (Page 169) and "Jean Louise, stop scratching your head" (Page 169).  According to my opinion, this is typical of Aunt Alexandra.  Aunt Alexandra is always bossy and imperative around people.  Aunt Alexandra is assertive.3.) What are Aunt Alexandra’s ideas about breeding and family?  Why does Atticus tell them to forget it?  Who do you think is right?

Aunt Alexandra calls it "gentle breeding".  Aunt Alexandra defines "gentle breeding" as being born into something or a certain role.  She thinks that the family has the land, the time, and a good reputation.  Aunt Alexandra thinks that Scout is ruining the family figure, or reputation.  Also, she thinks that Atticus defending a black person in court is also ruining the family reputation.

1.) Why does Alexandra think Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia?  How does Atticus respond to the suggestion?Alexandra thinks Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia because she wants Calpurnia not to be in the family.  She thinks Calpurnia is in the way of everything.  But, Atticus says no and says that they should keep Calpurnia.2.) Why is Scout pleased when Jem fights her back?  Why is she less pleased when he tells Atticus about Dill?Scout is pleased because she thinks Jem is her equal.  He wouldn't be fighting like that with his younger sister.  Scout sees Jem as a betrayer when he tattles on Dill towards Atticus.3.) What do we learn from Dill’s account of his running away?

Dill is spoiled with everything.  But, love is not something he is spoiled with.  He compares himself to Boo Radley.

1.) What is the “nightmare” that now descends upon the children?The "nightmare" that now descends upon the children is that Atticus is in danger.  They worry about Atticus' safety.  Atticus is risking his life to defend Tom Robinson.  For example, "'She won't let him alone about Tom Robinson.  She almost said Atticus was disgracin' the family.  Scout...I'm scared.' ' Scared'a what?' 'Scared about Atticus.  Somebody might hurt him.'" (Page 197)2.) Why did Heck Tate and the other men come to see Atticus?Heck Tate and the other men come to see Atticus because they were looking for Tom Robinson.  They are warning Atticus about moving Tom Robinson to another jail because the Ku Klux Klan might hunt down and kill Tom Robinson because he is black.  The Ku Klux Klan doesn't want this to go to trial.  They want to take care of it themselves.3.) What was (and is) the Ku Klux Klan?  What do you think of Atticus/’ comment about it?The Ku Klux Klan is a mob that is a white supremacists and is protestant.  They are against black people during this time.  Atticus says that the Ku Klux Klan is gone and that they will never come back.  Atticus is trying to make the children feel safe. Atticus is not telling the truth.  Instead, he is giving peace of mind to the children and protecting them.4.) How does Jem react when Atticus tell him to go home, and why?Jem reacts by staying with Atticus because he is worried about Atticus' safety.  Heck Tate and the men might kill Tom Robinson or just try to find him.  They can hurt Atticus.  Jem knows it is the right thing to do.  Jem thinks it is more important to protect his father, Atticus, rather than protecting his sister, Scout.5.) What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom’s life?Scout changes their minds.  The conversation of Scout and Mr. Cunningham.  She just makes her have a normal conversation, like a normal day in Maycomb County.  The party sees the kids and realizes that if they kill Atticus, the children would be alone.  Scout acknowledges them, and people would believe what she saw.6.) Comment on the way Scout affects events without realizing it at the time.

Scout acts normal and kind of diffuses the situation by doing so.  She treats the situation as a normal day in Maycomb County.  Scout might have saved Atticus' life by talking with the men and acknowledging them.

1.) What does the atmosphere in Maycomb at the beginning of the trial show about human nature?Before the people go in the courtroom, they are in the town square.  They are impatient about going in the courtroom.  They want to  be involved.  The people are curious.  They separate themselves.  People are gossiping about rumors on the case.2.) What sort of person is Dolphus Ramond?Dolphus Ramond is an alcoholic.  He is also rich and has a lot of land.  Dolphus Ramond is also not racist because he hangs out with black people and has a black wife and mixed children.  His wife killed herself because she found out Dolphus was sleeping with another woman.  3.) How does Reverend Sykes help the children see and hear the trial?Reverend Sykes take the children up the balcony to get seats.  They are on the balcony because Reverend Sykes is a public figure and is well-known.  The more important people are on the balcony for a better view.4.) Why is Scout confused after overhearing remarks about her father’s defense of Tom Robinson?The group of old men that are waiting say stuff about Atticus.  Even though the court is forcing him and assigning him to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus chooses to do a good job in defending Tom Robinson.  It is his job.  He is making the choice to defend Tom Robinson.  Scout thinks it is all one job.  She doesn't understand why Atticus would choose to do the wrong thing.5.) Comment on Judge Taylor’s attitude to his job.  Does he take the trial seriously or not?

It is a casual environment, but Judge Taylor still does his job.  Judge Taylor still takes the trial seriously.  He knows the law and everything else.  Judge Taylor appears to be sleepy and not paying attention to the trial.  It is a perception.

1.) What are the main points in Heck Tate’s evidence?Heck Tate mentions he was fetched by Bob Ewell.  He says that Mr. Ewell (Bob) was saying to him that his girl, Mayella, was raped by a black man.  Heck Tate says that she has a black eye on her right eye, and she has bruises all over her neck.  Heck Tate then sees Tom Robinson running from the scene.2.) What does Atticus show in his cross-examination of Sheriff Tate?Atticus shows that Mayella was never examined by a doctor.  She was bruised all over her body.3.) What do we learn indirectly of the home life of the Ewell family in this chapter?They have struggled and complained about black people refer.  Mr. Ewell and Mrs. Ewell never acknowledge each other.  Mr. Ewell is not concerned about the well-being of his daughter.  He cares about Tom Robinson getting in trouble.  He is far more concerned in placing blame and getting someone in trouble.4.) What do you learn from Bob Ewell’s evidence?Bob Ewell is always avoiding the question.  Also, Bob Ewell is left-handed.5.) Why does Atticus ask Bob Ewell to write out his name?  What does the jury see when he does this?

Atticus does this to see what hand he could write with.  The jury sees that he is left-handed.  They can assume that Mr. Ewell held Mayella on the neck with his right hand and punch her with his left hand.

1.) Is Mayella like her father or different from him?  Explain in what ways they are similar and/or different.  Mayella is different because she is emotional every time Atticus asks her a question, but Bob is not emotional but defensive.  He answers Atticus' questions without hesitation.  Mayella doesn't like to made fun of and isn't very smart or intelligent.  Bob isn't very smart.  They are both liars.2.) What might be the reason for Mayella’s crying in court?Reasons are because she is sensitive, she is faking it, and, possibly she is angry that Bob beat her up.3.) How does Mayella react to Atticus’ politeness?  Is she used to people being polite?Mayella reacts by telling Atticus not to make fun of him.  Mayella is not used to people being polite to her.  She is not smart.  She is ignorant.4.) How well does Mr. Gilmer prove Tom’s guilt in the eyes of the reader and in the eyes of the jury?  Can you suggest why these might be different?

Mayella keeps retelling the beating and the rape.  The fact that Tom makes the people feel like Tom is guilty.  The jury might think that Tom is innocent because Tom is crippled.  The jury might think that Bob Ewell beat up Mayella.  The jury is favoring Mayella because she is white, and she is acting innocent.