Chapter 16

What is this chapter mainly about?

Something contradictory is revealed about Mr. Underwood. On the one hand, he is ready to defend Atticus and Tom Robinson against the angry crowd of men that gathered at the jail.

What fact about Mr. Underwood contradicts these actions?

A recurring motif in this book is "putting yourself in another person's shoes." At the breakfast table the morning after the standoff at the jail, Atticus says, "You children last night made Walter Cunningham stand in my shoes for a minute."

What does "stand in someone's shoes" mean?

A wagonload of religious "foot&#45washers" condemn Miss Maudie as they ride by her house.

What do they find sinful about Miss Maudie?

Prior to the trial, what is the atmosphere outside the courtroom like among the white people of Maycomb?

As people file into the courthouse, Scout overhears something about the trial that she didn&#39t know before now.

What does Scout learn?

Reverend Sykes helps Jem, Scout, and Dill find seats inside the courtroom.

Where do they sit?

Who is the first witness called?

Inside the courtroom, Reverend Sykes told the children there weren&#39t any seats on the main floor. He asked them, "Do you all reckon it&#39ll be all right if you all came to the balcony with me?"

What does "reckon" mean in this context?

Were there any events that weren't clear to you?