Monday, January 2, 2012

In Chapter 16 of To Kill A Mockingbird, what "subtle change" does Scout notice in her father?

When the incident at the jail, Scout starts seeing a few changes in her father. Atticus is under tremendous stress from the townspeople and Aunt Alexandra. When he speaks with Aunt Alexandra, Scout sees that Atticus gets more tense. He is also losing patience more easily.


Atticus has always had the patience of a saint, but Scout can see in chapter 16, that he is starting to have his patience tested. Aunt Alexandra is pushing Atticus about not taking the case, the town is trying to create a riot, and Atticus is feeling all the pressure. Scout sees that he is not walking as tall as he once did. He is starting to work later at night, and now Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra are having to watch the children more. Scout sees that her father is put under tremendous pressure. 


Atticus has worked so hard to teach his children that justice comes first. He wants them to know that no matter what, you have to fight for what is right. He has tried so hard to keep Jem and Scout safe, and he sees that safety is no longer a guarantee. All of these things are making Scout see that her father is fatigued and worried.

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