Throughout the second section of To Kill a Mockingbird a keen shift in the attitudes of the children occurred. The children were put through experiences that increased their self-awareness of the diversity of people in Maycomb. Aunt Alexandra upholds high standards for the children and want them to act like young adults and respectable children to well-represent the Finch name. Furthermore, Atticus's case challenged rooted segregationist beliefs by having a white man represent an accused black man of rape. This causes a chain of events that advises the children, especially Scout, of adult-topics such as rape, and the treatment of those who are black and "nigger-lovers" alike. It's interesting to see the kids grow up in an unconventionally accepting household, and how their public view and opinions seems to be more tolerant. On the other hand, they are still kids and they still find interest in people who are different than them, making assumptions of what they're like, and jumping to conclusions, just like in Mrs. Dubose's case.
I also noticed how accepting and tolerant the children are with all the people in two. Its part of what humanity should be like, accepting. But I find it ironic how others in the town are not as accepting and tolerant of the black folk in town. Particularly how they judge and criticizes Atticus for defending the man accused of rape. This is contrary to the beginning of the book where they seem to be accepting of others in the town like the Ewells.
ReplyDeleteI noticed this shift as well especially in Jem. He reads a lot more now and isn't really into hanging out with his little sister anymore.
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