The passage in To Kill a Mockingbird in which Atticus says this line is very revealing of his character. After he returns from court, Atticus speaks with his sister, Aunt Alexandra, who asks if Jem is all right, commenting that she did not think it wise that the children attend the trial. But, Atticus counters her by replying that Maycomb is their home and they need to cope with the attitudes that exist there. Alexandra says, "Atticus,...you are the last person I thought would turn bitter over this."
"I'm not bitter, just tired. I'm going to bed." Atticus turns in the doorway because Jem stands there and asks, "How could they do it, how could they?" Atticus replies,
I don't know, but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it--seems that only children weep. Good night.
This is a rare incidence of Atticus's not having an answer for his children. However, he does not fabricate one or try to "sugar-coat" his response. He again speaks to his son honestly, stating what he perceives as a hard truth. Compassion for men like Tom Robinson comes only from children, implying that only children use their hearts in all judgments. But, lest his children become too disillusioned with life at such a tender age, Atticus is more positive in the morning, reassuring Jem,
It's not time to worry,yet. We're not through yet. There'll be an appeal, you can count on that..."
No comments:
Post a Comment