Thursday, September 29, 2016

Chapters 16&17: Explain Atticus’ explanation about the mob dispersing. What is a mob made of? How was it broken up? How does his explanation relate to one of themes of the book? (Hagar Hirsch)


The mob represents the ongoing theme in the book that morals are not black and white. Scout, Jem, Atticus, and Dill intercept a mob of Cunninghams on their way to hurt Tom Robinson. Scout is able to disperse the mob by talking to Walter Cunningham and reminding him of his humanity. Scout later asks Atticus why talking to Walter worked, he answers “‘Mr. Cunningham was part of a mob last night, but he was still a man. Every mob… is made up of people...’”  (Lee 200). This idea that people can do good things without being good is also seen in Ms. Dubose’s story. She was racist and rude but Atticus still dubbed her as one of the most courageous people he’d ever met. This theme ties in with maturity as well because it is childlike to believe that the world is separated into good and bad. However, the mob stepping down didn't mean that they wouldn't've still killed Tom Morrison. People and characters aren't two-dimensional, there's no such thing as being perfect the same way there's no such thing as being completely evil.

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