Question

Read the excerpt from To Kill a Mockingbird.

Answer 1

Atticus stepped back and looked up. "They've gone," he said. "Get some sleep, Tom. They won't bother you any more."

From a different direction, another voice cut crisply through the night: "You're damn tootin' they won't. Had you covered all the time, Atticus."

Mr. Underwood and a double-barreled shotgun were leaning out his window above The Maycomb Tribune office.

It was long past my bedtime and I was growing quite tired; it seemed that Atticus and Mr. Underwood would talk for the rest of the night, Mr. Underwood out the window and Atticus up at him. Finally Atticus returned, switched off the light above the jail door, and picked up his chair.

"Can I carry it for you, Mr. Finch?" asked Dill. He had not said a word the whole time.

"Why, thank you, son."

Walking toward the office, Dill and I fell into step behind Atticus and Jem. Dill was encumbered by the chair, and his pace was slower. Atticus and Jem were well ahead of us, and I assumed that Atticus was giving him hell for not going home, but I was wrong. As they passed under a streetlight, Atticus reached out and massaged Jem's hair, his one gesture of affection.

Recall the events of the evening that have preceded this scene. Which best identifies an inferential meaning that can be gained from reading the excerpt?

Answer 2

a- The inferential meaning is that Mr. Underwood was there to back Atticus up.
b- The inferential meaning is that the danger is over for the night since the men have departed.
c- The inferential meaning is that Atticus is grateful that Jem was defiant and refused to leave.
d- The inferential meaning is that Tom requested that Atticus be in front of the jail to protect him.

Answer 3

@Madds96

Answer 4

I think C. :)