The importance of the morning session, the luncheon, or the afternoon session of Scout's first day of school was that it begins to further develop Scout’s personality. It also demonstrates some of the attitudes of the people in Macomb. The teacher is young, inexperienced and very narrow-minded in her perceptions.
The knothole incident begins some foreshadowing of the relationship that will eventually build between Boo Radley and the children. The reader has the sense immediately that this is who is leaving the “gifts” in the tree.
The Tim Johnson episode not only further develops the character of Atticus, it also demonstrates situational irony. The children don’t think Atticus is like other fathers and they think he is, well, sort of boring. When he kills the rabid dog with one shot, they gain a new respect for their father.
The Christmas Celebration is also used as character development. This time, however, we see Uncle Jack in a new light and we learn that even though Atticus is doing what is morally correct by defending Tom Robinson, many think he is wrong. We also see Scout teach Uncle Jack a lesson in dealing with children.
The Mrs. Dubose incident is a learning experience for Jem. He has lost his temper and destroyed the bushes in front of her house. Atticus makes Jem go read to her and in turn Jem learns not to judge people because of how they may speak to you. You never know what burden they may be dealing with. Jem’s character is further developed in this section of the novel.
The incident in front of the county jail when the men confront Atticus, it takes a child to calm things down. Scout confronts the men and puts names to them. She makes them think of their children, their daily interactions with each other and she shames them into backing down. Scout’s growing maturity really shows up in this part of the novel.
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