1. Scout recounts her father's first legal case as follows: "His first two clients were the last two people hanged in the Maycomb County jail... The Haverfords had killed Maycomb's leading blacksmith over a misunderstanding... and foolishly did it in front of three witnesses... They insisted on pleading Not Guilty to first-degree murder, so there wasn't much Atticus could do except be there at their execution, an event that likely sparked my father's deep aversion to criminal law." How does this passage exemplify Scout's narrative style? How would you characterize her storytelling approach? Look for other passages that demonstrate her unique narrative voice.

2. Many characters have distinctive nicknames: Jean Louise goes by Scout, Jeremy Atticus is known as Jem, Charles Baker Harris is called Dill, and Arthur Radley is referred to as Boo. What do you think led to the creation of these nicknames, and how do they function as tools for character development?

3. Atticus's name is quite unique. Investigate the origins of his name, which has Greek and Latin roots, and discuss its symbolic significance within the story.

4. What role does Dill play in the novel? How does Dill differ from Scout and Jem? Does he evolve as a character independently, or does he mainly serve to highlight contrasts with Scout and Jem?

5. On her first day of teaching, Miss Caroline learns about the customs and culture of Maycomb County. Who educates her, and what does she discover? Why does Lee include this scene early in the novel?

6. Both Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandria endeavor to raise Scout and Jem correctly. How do their values, rules, and methods for upbringing differ?

7. The chapters leading up to and detailing Bob Ewell's attack on Jem and Scout are rich with foreshadowing and suspense. Discuss how Lee creates a mood of foreboding and tension, and illustrate how she balances this tension with moments of humor.