Atticus and his brother, Uncle Jack, have a conversation about many different matters. They discuss how Atticus is raising Scout and Jem. Uncle Jack tells Atticus about part of the conversation he had with Scout earlier. Atticus then begins discussing the Tom Robinson trial. Atticus expresses to his brother his hopes for his children as they face the difficulties of the trial:
I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb's usual disease. Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don't pretend to understand. . . I just hope Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town" (Chapter 9).
Atticus then says Scout's name. He knows she is awake and eavesdropping on their conversation. Scout does not understand how her father even knows she is there. It is much later that she finds out her father wanted her to overhear his words. He wants Scout and Jem to speak openly to him about any questions or concerns they have regarding the trial. He does not want them to listen to idle gossip around Maycomb. He prefers they communicate openly.
No comments:
Post a Comment