Jem is starting to understand the workings of Maycomb society and how the Southern Values that he has been brought up into - despite Atticus's attempts to shield him from it - have acted as a cover over the disgraceful way in which the black people are treated. "It's because he wants to stay inside." p233 This is also emphasised by the interesting use of "oughta" which implies that he has a duty which he needs to fulfill which is conveyed more strongly than if Harper Lee decided to use 'should' or 'need'. Interestingly, "you" is stressed which emphasizes the direct and forceful nature of the command, showing us that Scout and Jem clearly care about their fathers safety. However, this is juxtaposed by the phrase that follows "we think you oughta do something about him." If you remove the "we think" it becomes a form of command which suggests that a role reversal has taken place - similarly to the previous quotation - due to the fact that Scout and Jem have become more mature and now feel that it is their responsibility to tell their father what to do. "We're scared for you" sounds very innocent and shows us that Jem and Scout are still both children who want to protect their father from any danger.
"We're scared for you and we think you oughta do something about him." p224 Also this quote makes Scout sound wise and knowledgeable which opposes her childish personality at the beginning of the book, highlighting how she has developed both in age and understanding as the book has progressed. Equally, this links into the adults appalling attitudes towards the black members of the community which the younger generations have not adopted - emphasising how stupid and childlike it is. This implies that the actions of the adults were only amusing to them and not the younger generation which implies that the adults are immature - something we can only see from Scout's perspective.
"Jem and I didn't think it entertaining." p224
The children then discuss Aunt Alexandra's obsession with family which causes Scout to conclude that everyone is the same.Jem is growing up and decides that he has concluded how the 'folks' are divided in society: the ordinary (the Finches and their neighbors), the ones who live in the woods (the Cunninghams), the ones who live by the dump (the Ewells), and the African Americans.Scout decides to make friends with the younger Walter Cunningham, but Alexandra objects as she disagrees with Scout mixing with his 'folk'.It is also revealed that one member of the jury was a relative of Walter Cunningham's and Atticus stated that if one more Cunningham had sat on the jury a verdict would never have been reached which surprises Scout due to Walter being a member of the KKK.He explains that " in court, when it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins." Atticus reveals the harsh reality of the court to Jem and Scout by admitting that he new he would not win the case but that he was satisfied that it took a long time for the verdict to return to court.Meanwhile, Jem and Scout are scared about Bob’s warning - he’d get him if it took the rest of his life - and also about how relaxed their father is towards Bob's threats. Atticus discusses the case with the children and jokes about his encounter with Bob Ewell.
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