Wednesday, July 19, 2017

What does Scout explain as the difference between Uncle Jack and Atticus after Uncle Jack has whipped her for fighting with Francis?

In chapter nine, Scout's cousin calls Atticus a "nigger lover" at their family's Christmas gathering, and Scout reacts by punching him directly in the mouth. Before Scout can get in another punch, Uncle Jack intervenes and ends up restraining Scout. Uncle Jack also spanks Scout for her violent outburst and she initially refuses to speak to him when they return home. When Uncle Jack finally gets a chance to speak with Scout, she tells him that he is not fair. Scout proceeds to tell Uncle Jack that he never gave her a chance to explain her side of the story and tells him,

When Jem an' I fuss Atticus doesn’t ever just listen to Jem’s side of it, he hears mine too, an' in the second place you told me never to use words like that except in ex-extreme provocation, and Francis provocated me enough to knock his block off— (Lee, 88)

According to Scout, Atticus is more tolerant and understanding than her uncle. Unlike Uncle Jack, who jumps to conclusions, Atticus demonstrates his just personality by giving both of his children an opportunity to tell their sides of the story before he comes to a conclusion. When Uncle Jack finally allows Scout to tell her side of the story, he is apologetic. Later that night, Scout overhears Uncle Jack admit to Atticus that he was wrong for immediately punishing Scout without hearing her side of the story and has a lot more to learn about dealing with children.


In chapter 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Francis shares his opinion of Atticus with Scout. Though Scout had previously walked away from a fight when another child criticized her father for defending a black man, she is unable to walk away this time. Unfortunately for Francis, Scout proceeds to hit him and is caught in the act by Uncle Jack. Uncle Jack spanks Scout as a result.
Scout flees to her room when she returns home but is soon faced with speaking to Uncle Jack about what happened. Uncle Jack explains to Scout that she "had that coming." While she is doing her best to be respectful, Scout makes the point that Uncle Jack "ain't fair" and that he doesn't understand children. Scout then tells Uncle Jack the difference between him and Atticus. According to Scout, Uncle Jack should have asked to hear her side of things. She explains that Atticus always listens to both sides when she and Jem have a disagreement. Once Uncle Jack hears her reason for hitting Francis, he seems to understand her course of action.

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