It tells us first that people will act differently as part of a mob. They lose their individuality and adopt a mob mentality. By doing this an individual that is part of a mob will act differently than they would on their own.
However, Scout is able to diffuse the mob's anger by reminding one member, Mr. Cunningham, of his individuality. As Atticus states in Ch. 16, "A mob's always made up of people, no matter what, Mr. Cunningham was part of a mob last night, but he was still a man" (157). It takes Scout reminding Cunningham that he is a father (his son is in Scout's grade) as well as a citizen of Maycomb county (Atticus helped him with some legal troubles) to break him out of his mob mentality. Again, as Atticus states, "So it took an eight-year-old child to bring 'em to their senses" (157).
Humans also have a tendency to dehumanize their victims. When the mob shows up to lynch Robinson, they don't see Atticus as a man, father, and (often) their ally. Scout is able to make Cunningham see Atticus as man and not just an obstacle in their way.
Underwood's presence at the end of the chapter might reveal that people will try to do the right thing despite their personal beliefs. Underwood dislikes African Americans, yet he has Atticus covered. Underwood could have turned a blind eye and allowed the mob to lynch Robinson (it is doubtful that Atticus could have done much to stop them). But he did the right thing.
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