Analysis
In the chapter, Scout and Jem continue to mature as they begin to understand the importance of respect and integrity. The importance of respect is defined when Atticus tells the children that having a Cunningham on the jury actually helped his case, mainly because Scout earned Walter Cunningham’s respect at the jail. And, Atticus changes Jem’s definition of bravery, equating it with integrity, by his reaction to being spat on and threatened by Bob Ewell. Atticus quietly lectures his children about the evil of white people cheating black people. In this situation, Atticus sees the African-American community as a flock of mockingbirds who are only trying to make their way in a world that is often hostile.
Lee addresses the theme of prejudice on several levels in these chapters:
In the Finch family: Scout is astounded when Aunt Alexandra informs her that she can’t invite Walter Cunningham to play at her house “‘Because — he — is — trash” and because “‘Finch women aren’t interested in that sort of people.’” Jem later explains the real Maycomb caste system to Scout, introducing her to the fact that prejudice exists in whites amongst themselves as much as against people of color. Importantly, Scout ultimately decides for herself that “‘there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.’” Equally important is Jem’s suggestion that she will come to change her mind about that.
Lee also provides a unique perspective on the role of women in these chapters. Admittedly, Atticus is less concerned about women’s “place” than any other character in the novel (with the possible exception of Miss Maudie). So although he’s somewhat bemused by Scout’s reaction to the fact that women in Alabama can’t serve on a jury, he’s still forced to explain, “‘I guess it’s to protect our frail ladies from sordid cases like Tom’s.’” Curiously, Scout has to laugh when Atticus jokes that female jurors would slow down the judicial process by asking too many questions. Hearing Atticus, who doesn’t have preconceived notions about the way that women should behave, say something so silly is likely one source of Scout’s laughter. Still, as much as she dislikes women’s role in Maycomb society, she is ultimately willing to accept it.
Aunt Alexandra is so committed to her feminine duties that she makes woolen rugs, a very hot job, in the dead of summer. The work must be done, women must do it, and comfort doesn’t matter. This woman is obsessed with turning Scout into a lady. Jem finally tells Scout that Aunt Alexandra’s “‘not used to girls,…leastways not girls like you. She’s tryin’ to make you a lady. Can’t you take up sewin’ or somethin’?’” Scout’s very funny answer confirms her refusal to accept societal expectations at face value. Ironically, though, when the children fear for Atticus after Bob Ewell’s threats, Jem entreats Scout to throw a tantrum reasoning “it might work if [she] cried and flung a bit, being young and a girl.” When that tactic gets them nowhere, Scout is again validated against using feminine wiles to achieve a goal. Throughout the novel, Lee has been working on two levels. First, she’s trying to expose the injustice in whites’ treatment of blacks. Secondly, she subtly questions the ideals of Womanhood. Through Scout, Lee shows how women who don’t question their assigned roles are as oppressed as African Americans. Lee is speaking as much in favor of women’s liberation as she is civil rights. By posing these questions through a young girl, Lee offers hope for the future. By this point in the story, Scout is clearly not going to accept all the trappings of being a lady.
