Wednesday, June 12, 2013

In Chapter 4 of To Kill a Mockingbird, does Scout learn anything from overhearing Atticus's conversation with Uncle Jack? And if you happen to...

Scout is writing as an adult. This point is important to keep in mind, because the story is a reflection of her childhood experiences as an adult. Based on this point, she realizes that Atticus was speaking to Uncle Jack in a way to allow her to hear. 


She therefore learned that Atticus wanted for her not to be affected by the impending trial. Atticus knew that the trial would cause social hardships for his family and perhaps even something worse. What makes this point even more powerful is that overhearing someone gives the semblance of sincerity. So, in a sense, Scout was able to listen to the inner desires of Atticus. 


From another perspective, Scout learned that Atticus was not as hands off as a parent. He had a strategy and knew what he was doing. He was guiding both Jem and her in a loving and wise way. In a word, she learned that Atticus was a great father. 

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