It is a sin to kill a mockingbird.

Explain how and why Atticus, Tom Robinson, and/or Boo Radley are like mockingbirds. Tell how each does no harm and is innocent and instead brings goodness. Share a connection to a book, movie, or real life event and explain.

Appearances vs. Reality

Which characters and/or events do we see initially in one light only to later realize the reality of the situation?

Courage

What is courage? Who in the story exhibits courage? Explain the situation and how it is courageous.

Misfits / Outsiders

Who are the outsiders in the book? Why are they outsiders? Is it by choice or through society? Is being an outsider a bad thing?

Education

There are different kinds of education explored throughout this story- formal schooling, education through family members, education by peers, and education through experience(s). Give examples of how various characters are educated. How are these different types of education important? Is one more important than another? What education do you think is most important for you?

Truth / Compromise

Atticus once said, "The only thing that does not abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." How important is truth to Atticus? Scout? Aunt Alexandra? Miss Maudie? Miss Stephanie? Is it okay to compromise the truth or bend the law? Is it ever necessary?

Stereotypes

Discuss different characters and/or groups that are stereotyped. How are the stereotypes rightly or wrongly assigned?

Ancestry / Family

Which characters' family backgrounds help determine their places in society? Who departs from family expectations?

Justice

What is justice? How is justice/injustice portrayed in the story? Make a connection to a book, movie, or real life situation and explain.