THE BOO RADLEY GAME. When
Atticus catches his children playing their special game about the Radley family on the
public sidewalk, he pretends not to know what it is about. When he asks them if it has
anything to do with Boo, Jem lies and replies, "No, sir." Atticus accepts the answer,
but he knows better. Scout senses that her father must have known, and the children
limit their play-acting afterward. Atticus decides that a warning is sufficient (it is),
and he realizes that the boredom of the small town leaves the children with little else
to do.
THE COMPROMISE. After
Scout's terrible first day at school, she wants to quit. But Atticus proposes a
compromise: Scout will return to school, and the two of them will continue their night
reading--without Miss Caroline's knowledge. Atticus knows that Miss Caroline is wrong,
and he knows that Scout will eventually enjoy school life, so instead of forcing her to
go categorically, he allows Scout a choice that works to everyone's
advantage.
SCOUT EAVESDROPS.
During the Christmas holidays at Finch Landing, Scout overhears Atticus talking about
the Tom Robinson trial. But Atticus is aware that she is listening, so he leaves her
with some advice that he wants her to hear.
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"I just hope that Jem and Scout come to me for
their answers instead of listening to the town. I hope they trust me
enough.
Scout didn't
understand how Atticus could have known she was listening,
but
... it was
not until many years later that I realized he wanted me to hear every word he
said.
Once again, Atticus
realizes that his children will be more likely to follow his advice if they think it is
by their own choice and not by ultimatum.
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