To Kill a Mockingbird — Chapter 12

About This Passage

This sentence captures Reverend Sykes preaching at First Purchase. Lee gives him an austere, plainspoken sermon — no music yet, just the motto on the wall and a direct warning to his flock. The passage shows how the Black church Scout visits is run with the same gravity as any white Maycomb church, and prepares us for the moment Reverend Sykes will turn that same gravity onto the collection for Helen Robinson.

Narration Prompt

Retell Chapter 12 in order: Jem becoming difficult, Atticus leaving for the legislature, Calpurnia taking Jem and Scout to First Purchase Church, Lula's confrontation, Reverend Sykes's sermon and the special collection for Helen Robinson, the lining out of hymns, what Calpurnia tells Scout on the walk home, and the discovery of Aunt Alexandra waiting on the porch.

Discussion Questions

1. Lula tries to turn Calpurnia away at the church door, telling her she has no business bringing white children there. What evidence in the chapter shows that Lula does not speak for the rest of the congregation, and what specific actions do the other church members take to make Jem and Scout welcome?
2. Reverend Sykes closes the church doors and announces that no one will leave until the collection reaches ten dollars. What does this tell you about how seriously the congregation takes Helen Robinson's situation, and why might Reverend Sykes have chosen to use the doors rather than just asking nicely?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide