What does the hole in the tree symbolize in To Kill a Mockingbird?
In the novel, the tree is described slowly dying by Nathan Radley due to the knothole. Certain trees have knot holes because it is a method for them to heal after a branch had died from a disease or if the tree was injured. The diseased part of the Maycomb’s tree represents Boo’s mental instability.
Why does Jem cry when the hole in the tree is filled with cement?
In Chapter Seven, Jem cries when he realizes that Mr. Radley cemented the knot-hole in the tree, not because it was dying, but because he aimed to keep Boo from leaving the children gifts. This is one more example of how the Radley’s cut Boo off from the world.
How is change shown in To Kill a Mockingbird?
The children, Scout and Jem, were the two most dramatically changed characters. However, Scout showed much more change than Jem did because of his mysterious hidden attitude. Scout matured from a helpless and naïve child into a much more experienced and grown-up young lady.
How does Jem respond to the tree being plugged with cement?
How does Jem respond to the tree being plugged with cement? Jem tells Scout not to cry, then questions Mr. Nathan and goes to Atticus and then cries himself. Jem cries because Nathan Radley cements the hole which limits the connection with Boo Radley.
What was in the tree hole in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Late that fall, another present appears in the knothole—two figures carved in soap to resemble Scout and Jem. The figures are followed in turn by chewing gum, a spelling bee medal, and an old pocket watch. The next day, Jem and Scout find that the knothole has been filled with cement.
What was the reason given for filling the knot hole?
What reason does Boo’s brother, Nathan Radley, give Jem for filling in the knothole with cement? He says that’s what you do when a tree is dying. He says that’s what you do when a tree is growing too fast. He says Boo did it because he’s crazy.
How do Jems responses to the objects left in the tree change in this chapter?
Jem responses to the objects left in the tree changed in this chapter by noticing that they were being left there for them, and that he had to be someone that knew it was them finding it. He realizes it is probably Boo, and he begins to feel bad for him.
Why does Nathan Radley plug the hole not the reason he gives Jem )?
Nathan Radley plugged the hole. When Jem asks him why, the man says he did it because the tree is dying: “You plug ’em with cement when they’re sick. He guesses that Boo has been putting items in the tree for the children to find, and he wants to stop all contact between Boo and the children.
How did Atticus change society?
Atticus changed the racist society of Maycomb by defending Tom Robinson in his trial. Atticus shows great compassion towards the blacks and makes sacrifices by defending Tom, which is another way he helps change his community.
What quote shows that Scout has matured?
“Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough” (Lee321). This quote shows Scout maturing because she is realizing that you cant judge people, you never know what they go through.
Why did Nathan Radley plug the hole?
When Jem asks Mr. Radley (Nathan Radley, Boo’s brother) about the knothole the following day, Mr. Radley replies that he plugged the knothole because the tree is dying.
What did Atticus say about the tree?
Later, Jem points out the tree to Atticus and asks if it’s dying, but Atticus says the tree is 100% healthy. Apparently, everyone knows how to ascertain the health and well-being of trees except me. Winter is coming in chapter 8.
What is a meaningful quote in Chapter 7 of to kill a Mockingbird?
In Chapter 7 of To Kill a Mockingbird, there are several meaningful quotes. At the beginning of the chapter, Jem shares with Scout what happened the night he went back to retrieve his pants. Jem expected to find his pants exactly where he had left them—stuck to the barb wire fence.
What happened to the twine in to kill a Mockingbird?
One day, Jem and Scout spot a ball of twine inside the knot-hole of an old tree on the Radley property. Jem tells Scout to leave it, as he believes someone is using the knot-hole as their hiding place. After several days, the twine is still there: We went home.
Why did Mr Radley lie to Jem about the tree?
“That tree’s as healthy as you are, Jem. Why?” “Mr. Nathan Radley said it was dyin’.” They know Mr. Radley does not want them to find anything else inside the knot-hole. This is why he lied to them. These quotes show the meaningful parts of Chapter 7.
Who filled the knot hole in the tree with cement?
They intend to place the letter inside the knot-hole. When they go to the tree to deliver it, they make a sad discovery: the knot-hole has been filled up with cement. They discover that Mr. Radley is the one who did it. They ask him about it, and he tells them he did it because the tree is dying.