To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 9 Key Quotes

Important Quotations Explained CONTEXT- Scout questions her father about the school gossip she has heard QUOTATION- “’Do you defend niggers, Atticus?’ …’Of course I do. Don’t say nigger, Scout. That’s common.’ ‘ ‘s what everybody at school says.’ ‘From now on it’ll be everybody less one.’” (pg 83) EXPLANATION- Lee highlights Scout’s naivety and youth here-she does not fully understand the term she is using, nor what Atticus’ job entails. Atticus’ fear of Scout being corrupted by Maycomb ideals is made clear here-by referring to such language as ‘common’, he sets higher expectations of his children to go against the status quo

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Atticus explains to Scout why he is defending Tom Robinson QUOTATION- “’If you shouldn’t be defendin’ him, then why are you doin’ it?’ ‘…if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again.” (pg 83) EXPLANATION- Lee highlights Atticus’ morality here, and his standing in the community. Atticus feels he must defend Tom or otherwise be labelled a hypocrite and go against his own values and teachings. Atticus is a respected figure in the community and in defending someone who is looked down upon, he is making a statement to Maycomb about what he believes is right

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Atticus tells Scout how important this case is to him QUOTATION- “’Every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s mine, I guess. You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down…try fighting with your head for a change.” pg 84 EXPLANATION- Atticus once again shows he is a strong father figure-he is teaching Scout to be more responsible and become the more mature person when in arguments. He promotes the values of debate and discussion, encouraging her to think freely and not react aggressively when challenged.

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Finch Landing is described, demonstrating the Finches previously owned slaves QUOTATION- “Farther down the stream, beyond the bluff, were traces of an old cotton landing, where Finch Negros had loaded bales and produce, unloaded blocks of ice, flour and sugar, farm equipment, and feminine apparel.” pg 88 EXPLANATION- Finch’s Landing contains the remnants of the Finch’s past as prominent slave owners who benefited greatly from the trade-the list of goods produced there highlights this. Atticus’ role in Robinson’s case can perhaps be seen as reparations for his family’s marked history with slavery

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Atticus and Jack discuss his worries over his children QUOTATION- “What bothers me is that she and Jem will have to absorb some ugly things pretty soon. I’m not worried about Jem keeping his head, but Scout’d just as soon jump on someone as look at him if her pride’s at stake…” pg 97 EXPLANATION- Atticus sees aspects of himself in Scout-as someone who is defensive and has strong belief in her judgement of right and wrong. He recognises that she is prideful and stands up for what she believes in, but acknowledges that this can come at a cost

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Atticus discusses the future for his children in Maycomb QUOTATION- “I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb’s usual disease. Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don’t pretend to understand…I just hope that Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town.” pg 98 EXPLANATION- Atticus expresses fear that his children will be “infected” by the close-mindedness of Maycomb, and wants his children to take his guidance. ‘Disease’ suggests that Atticus thinks the views and thoughts of Maycomb are dangerous and harmful to society and his children

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Scout overhears a conversation between Atticus and Jack about how Tom Robinson’s case is doomed QUOTATION- “I never figured out how Atticus knew I was listening, and it was not until many years later that I realised he watned me to hear every word he said.” pg 98 EXPLANATION- Lee uses this conversation to foreshadow the conflict to come and the case’s impact on the children. Scout reflects on this conversation in her narration and realises Atticus wanted her to learn to always stand up for what she believes in, even if it means fighting a losing battles, as her own morals are more important