Scout has defended the honor of her father, when Francis had called Atticus this at Christmas. Scout didn't know what it meant, but she knew the way Francis said it, that it wasn't a compliment. She asks her father this question one night while they are reading.
"Scout" said Atticus, " nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don't mean anything- like snotnose. It's hard to explain- ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody's favouring Negroes over and above themselves. It's slipped into usage with some people like ourselves, when they want a common, ugly term to label somebody"
Atticus is so patient and understanding with his kids. He hates that his children are being exposed to the ugliness of the world. He has tried his best to protect Jem and Scout. Atticus taking the case of Tom Robbins is now opening the door for his children to be exposed to just how nasty people can be.
Harper Lee shows us that there are real people in this world who will fight for justice, no matter what. Jem and Scout are learning that sometimes it is hard to stand up for what is right, but the cost is worth it. Atticus makes his children understand that doing the right thing is hard, but it is always best.
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