Chapter 17 Quiz — To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

Comprehension Quiz: Chapter 17

Who is the first witness to testify at Tom Robinson's trial in Chapter 17?

  • Bob Ewell
  • Heck Tate
  • Mayella Ewell
  • Tom Robinson

What critical omission does Atticus establish during Heck Tate's cross-examination?

  • No fingerprints were taken
  • No doctor was called to examine Mayella
  • No police report was filed
  • No other witnesses were interviewed

On which side of Mayella's face were her injuries predominantly located?

  • The left side
  • The right side
  • Both sides equally
  • Her forehead

How does Atticus reveal that Bob Ewell is left-handed?

  • He asks Ewell directly if he is left-handed
  • He asks Ewell to write his name for the court
  • A previous witness mentions it
  • He asks Ewell to demonstrate how he struck Mayella

Why is Bob Ewell's left-handedness significant to the defense?

  • It proves he lied about seeing Tom Robinson
  • It shows he was too drunk to testify accurately
  • It suggests he could have inflicted the right-side injuries on Mayella's face
  • It contradicts Heck Tate's testimony

Where do Scout, Jem, and Dill watch the trial?

  • From the front row of the courtroom
  • From the jury box
  • From the colored balcony with Reverend Sykes
  • From outside through a window

How does Bob Ewell behave on the witness stand?

  • He is nervous and soft-spoken
  • He is crude, hostile, and vulgar
  • He is calm and cooperative
  • He refuses to answer any questions

What does Bob Ewell claim he saw when he arrived at the house?

  • Mayella lying unconscious on the floor
  • Tom Robinson assaulting Mayella through the window
  • Tom Robinson running away from the property
  • Mayella arguing with Tom Robinson on the porch

How does Jem react after Atticus reveals Ewell's left-handedness?

  • He is confused about its significance
  • He becomes frightened for Atticus's safety
  • He is excited and confident the defense has won
  • He is skeptical that it will matter to the jury

Why does Reverend Sykes caution Jem after the left-handedness revelation?

  • He thinks Atticus made a legal mistake
  • He knows racial prejudice may override the evidence
  • He believes Bob Ewell is actually right-handed
  • He thinks the judge will dismiss the case

Who is the prosecutor questioning witnesses for the state?

  • Judge Taylor
  • Mr. Gilmer
  • Mr. Underwood
  • Link Deas

What injuries does Heck Tate describe finding on Mayella?

  • A broken arm and cuts on her hands
  • Bruised arms, a black eye, and marks around her neck
  • A head wound and bruised ribs
  • Scratches on her face and a sprained ankle

What is the primary contrast Lee draws between Heck Tate and Bob Ewell as witnesses?

  • Tate is young while Ewell is elderly
  • Tate is professional and calm while Ewell is crude and hostile
  • Tate supports the defense while Ewell supports the prosecution
  • Tate is uncertain while Ewell is precise

What larger theme does the contrast between Jem's optimism and Reverend Sykes's caution represent?

  • The generation gap between young and old
  • The gap between how justice should work and how racial prejudice corrupts it
  • The difference between education and ignorance
  • The conflict between religion and the law

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