“Jem,” he said, “are you responsible for this?” “Yes sir.” “Why’d you do it?” Jem said softly, “She said you lawed for niggers and trash.” “You did this because she said that?” Jem’s lips moved, but his, “Yes sir,” was inaudible. “Son, I have no doubt that you’ve been annoyed by your contemporaries about me lawing for niggers, as you say, but to do something like this to a sick old lady is inexcusable. I strongly advise you to go down and have a talk with Mrs. Dubose,” said Atticus. “Come straight home afterward.” Jem did not move. “Go on, I said.” I followed Jem out of the livingroom. “Come back here,” Atticus said to me. I came back. Atticus picked up the Mobile Press and sat down in the rocking chair Jem had vacated. For the life of me, I did not understand how he could sit there in cold blood and read a newspaper when his only son stood an excellent chance of being murdered with a Confederate Army relic. Of course Jem antagonized me sometimes until I could kill him, but when it came down to it he was all I had. Atticus did not seem to realize this, or if he did he didn’t care. I hated him for that, but when you are in trouble you become easily tired: soon I was hiding in his lap and his arms were around me. “You’re mighty big to be rocked,” he said. “You don’t care what happens to him,” I said. “You just send him on to get shot at when all he was doin‘ was standin’ up for you.” Atticus pushed my head under his chin. “It’s not time to worry yet,” he said.”
Analysis:
In this poignant passage from Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird", Atticus confronts Jem about an incident involving Mrs. Dubose. Jem admits to causing trouble because of derogatory remarks made about Atticus, demonstrating his loyalty to his father. Atticus, in turn, shows a sense of discipline and righteousness in teaching Jem a lesson by having him apologize to Mrs. Dubose. The complex father-son relationship is further highlighted when Scout expresses her frustration towards Atticus for seemingly not caring about Jem's safety. This passage explores themes of family loyalty, discipline, and the weight of responsibility, all through the lens of a young girl coming to terms with the complexities of the world around her.
Modern Relevance
In this passage from Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," we see the tension between Atticus, Jem, and Scout as they navigate difficult conversations about racism and morality in their community. Atticus's stance on justice and standing up for what is right serves as a timeless lesson on integrity and compassion.
The relationship dynamics and moral dilemmas presented in this passage are still relevant today, as individuals continue to face difficult decisions about standing up for what is right in the face of social pressure and injustice. Atticus's unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of criticism and danger, serves as a powerful example of moral courage and integrity.
Example from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
In this excerpt, Atticus questions Jem about his actions towards Mrs. Dubose, revealing their complicated relationship and Atticus's calm demeanor in the face of danger. Atticus's response to Jem's defiance and Scout's emotional outburst demonstrates the complexities of family dynamics and the moral lessons being learned by the children in the story.
Reflection Questions:
In this excerpt from Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," we see the complex dynamics between Atticus, Jem, and Scout. Reflect on the following questions:
- How does Atticus handle the situation with Jem differently from how Scout perceives it?
- How does Atticus's actions and words reflect his values and beliefs?
- How does Scout's perspective on her father change throughout the novel?
- In what ways do the relationships between Atticus, Jem, and Scout affect each other?
- How does this passage illustrate themes of family, loyalty, and understanding?
Similar quotes
“I was too surprised to cry. I crept from Jem’s room and shut the door softly, lest undue noise set him off again. Suddenly tired, I wanted Atticus. He was in the livingroom, and I went to him and tried to get in his lap. Atticus smiled. “You’re getting so big now, I’ll just have to hold a part of you.” He held me close. “Scout,” he said softly, “don’t let Jem get you down. He’s having a rough time these days. I heard you back there.” Atticus said that Jem was trying hard to forget something, but what he was really doing was storing it away for a while, until enough time passed. Then he would be able to think about it and sort things out. When he was able to think about it, Jem would be himself again.”
“For the life of me, I did not understand how he[Atticus] could sit there in cold blood and read a newspaper when his only son stood an excellent chance of being murdered with a Confederate Army relic.”
“Jem shook his head. "You bit de Quincey" he said. "You fool. He's a VAMPIRE""I had no choice" said Will " He was choking me""I know" Jem said. " But really Will, AGAIN?”
“I wish Bob Ewell wouldn’t chew tobacco,” was all Atticus said about it. According to Miss Stephanie Crawford, however, Atticus was leaving the post office when Mr. Ewell approached him, cursed him, spat on him, and threatened to kill him. Miss Stephanie (who, by the time she had told it twice was there and had seen it all—passing by from the Jitney Jungle, she was)—Miss Stephanie said Atticus didn’t bat an eye, just took out his handkerchief and wiped his face and stood there and let Mr. Ewell call him names wild horses could not bring her to repeat. Mr. Ewell was a veteran of an obscure war; that plus Atticus’s peaceful reaction probably prompted him to inquire, “Too proud to fight, you nigger-lovin‘ bastard?” Miss Stephanie said Atticus said, “No, too old,” put his hands in his pockets and strolled on. Miss Stephanie said you had to hand it to Atticus Finch, he could be right dry sometimes. Jem and I didn’t think it entertaining.”
“What’s bothering you, son?” Jem came to the point: “Mr. Ewell.” “What has happened?” “Nothing’s happened. We’re scared for you, and we think you oughta do something about him.” Atticus smiled wryly. “Do what? Put him under a peace bond?” “When a man says he’s gonna get you, looks like he means it.” “He meant it when he said it,” said Atticus. “Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there. You understand?”