Discuss Atticus’ explanation for the case to Scout. What does Atticus mean when he says, “simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win…” - Rafaela Datel
Atticus’ explanation to Scout about the case consists of a softer, but still factual and informative, view of the position he’s in. He tells her about Tom Robinson and why he feels the need to defend him the best he can, while sparing her the details of what exactly people say that Tom did as well as the town’s begrudging talk. Being honest with Scout is something that Atticus always prioritizes, but he also turns the conversation into a lesson, acknowledging that to defend this man is his duty and that “if [he] didn’t, [he] couldn’t hold up [his] head in town.” (86) This can be read as Harper Lee furthering Scout’s growth, as having her father discuss the case with her is a pivotal moment in her coming of age. She learns about Atticus’ sense of empathy and duty, even if the case cannot be won. “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win,” (87) Atticus tell her. The battle that they are fighting started long before them, and it can’t be expected to end with them either. Just because Atticus represents one Black man doesn’t mean that people will begin to change their views on slavery or drop their racist mannerisms and slurs or even attempt to rewrite the law in favor of the justice it is supposed to be providing. But the use of his white privilege and standing as a lawyer may be enough to help out Tom Robinson. As Atticus tells Scout, just because they started with plenty disadvantages doesn’t mean he shouldn’t do his best in spite of them.
How do you think Maycomb’s inhabitants will react during the trial?
What do you think of the last paragraph in chapter 9?
Why does Aunt Alexandra attempt to make Scout act more like a “lady” during their family reunion?
Describe the relationship between Uncle Jack and Atticus.
Why might Francis think the way he does about Atticus?
The reason that Francis has a negative reaction to Atticus’s case is because the people that surround him have an opinion on Atticus. Francis listens to the information that other people talk about and uses it to shame Scout. He is constantly hearing Aunt Alexandra talk about how she does not like what Atticus does. Many other family members also don’t like Atticus’s lawyer profession because they don’t like the new rising movement. Also, just like Scout, he probably hears an earful from his peers at school. And while Scout is learning to ignore the embarrassment, Francis just blames is on Scout. I think that Francis’s unfavorable perspective towards Atticus is a mixture of public humiliation and the family’s opinions.
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Why does Aunt Alexandra not like Scout?
Aunt Alexandra does not like Scout because she sees her as the 'black sheep' of the family. Although we have not heard her opinion on Jem, it is safe to say that Alexandra thinks that Scout is the worst in the family and is ruining herself. Throughout the book, Scout has not acted like a 'stereotypical girl'. She hangs out with her brother and Dill, and does not have any female friends. Aunt Alexandra, having very traditional views, is appalled to see that Scout is not acting like a lady. Do you think Scout lacking a strong motherly figure changes how she acts? Do you think Francis will share the same views as his grandmother?
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ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of the last paragraph in chapter 9?
I think Atticus wanted Scout to hear him say what he was saying because he knows that people in Maycomb do not think it is ok that Atticus is defending a Black man. During this time racism was a huge thing especially in the south like Alabama. A white man who talked to black people was called a“nigger lovers” which was obviously not okay but this was what they called them. So as a white man defending a Black man in court people may harm Atticus and even his family. Atticus is also worried that if he loses this court case and Scout hears about what this Black man was accused of and she might believe that he did it because he lost. whether it’s true or not she might catch “Maycomb’s usual disease” which I believe is racism. So if she listened to him saying that he hoped Jem and Scout would go to him for answers she would maybe just do that and not believe the racist rumors spread by people.
Francis dislikes Atticus because he is influenced by his grandmother’s bigoted opinions. Fracis constantly uses his grandmother’s words while he is quarreling with Scout. The use of his grandmother’s words symbolizes that Francis is still young. Little kids often repeat things that they have heard from their elders. It seems as if Francis hasn’t formed any of his own opinions of Atticus.
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