To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 27: Unveiling Threats & Change
In this To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 27 lesson, students examine new tensions in Maycomb after Tom Robinson’s trial. They analyze Bob Ewell’s threats, Aunt Alexandra’s concerns, and Atticus’s response to danger as the novel approaches its conclusion.
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Learning Goals
- I will be able to analyze Aunt Alexandra’s concerns about Bob Ewell’s threats and Atticus’s response to these threats.
- I will be able to discuss Atticus’s outlook on the world as shown through his reactions to the possible threat posed by Bob Ewell.
- I will be able to compare and contrast Maycomb before and after the Tom Robinson trial.
Materials
TKAM Digital Copy
TKAM Audio Chapter 27 (18:36)
Process
- Read To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 27
- Split the class into small groups. Ask each group to find instances in Chapter 27 that indicate Aunt Alexandra’s worries about Bob Ewell, Atticus’s explanations, and any signs of foreshadowing. When groups are finished, have students write an answer to: Do you think Atticus is being cautious enough regarding Bob Ewell’s behavior? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the text to support your opinion.
- In pairs, students will analyze Atticus’s beliefs about the threat Bob Ewell poses and discuss what these beliefs reveal about his outlook on the world. Pairs will then share their analysis with the class, sparking a discussion on how Atticus’s principles influence his actions and perceptions.
- Lastly, have students create a Venn diagram comparing Maycomb before and after the Tom Robinson trial.
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Curriculum Connections
Ontario Grade 9 English (ENL1W): This lesson supports Strand C and Strand D through foreshadowing, characterization, comparison, discussion, and evidence-based response.
Common Core: RL.9-10.1, RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.5, and SL.9-10.1.
Differentiation and Extensions
Differentiation: Give students a foreshadowing/evidence tracker, divide the chapter questions between small groups, and provide a sentence frame for evaluating Atticus’s response to Bob Ewell.
Extension: Ask students to assess whether Atticus underestimates Bob Ewell and support the interpretation with several details from the chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of Chapter 27?
Students examine Bob Ewell’s threats, Aunt Alexandra’s concerns, Atticus’s assumptions, foreshadowing, and changes in Maycomb after the trial.
How does the Venn diagram support the lesson?
It helps students compare Maycomb before and after the trial and identify both changes and persistent attitudes in the community.
How can I help students recognize foreshadowing?
Ask them to identify details that create concern or anticipation and explain what future event or conflict those details might suggest.