In chapter 4, Atticus unexpectedly returns home from work and catches the children reenacting Boo Radley's life story in the front yard. When Atticus asks Jem what game he is playing, Jem responds suspiciously by saying, "Nothing" (Lee, 41). Atticus is aware that his son is lying to him and knows that they are playing a game that involves mimicking the life story of their reclusive neighbor. Atticus then asks Jem a series of questions regarding what he is doing with the scissors and why he is tearing up a newspaper. Atticus then tells his son, "If it’s today’s [newspaper] I’ll tan you" (Lee, 41). The expression "I'll tan you" means to spank someone. Atticus is essentially telling Jem that if he is tearing up today's newspaper, he is going to spank him. Jem turns red after his father threatens to spank him, and Atticus walks into the house. Despite Scout's protests to stop playing "One Man's Family," Jem and Dill continue to play the game.
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