Scout was concerned when the mob approached her father outside of the jail. She spotted a face she knew in the mob. Fearlessly, she spoke to the man. It was Walter Cunningham, Sr. He was the father of Walter, a boy in her class at school.
In a friendly manner, Scout greeted Mr. Cunningham. She asked him about his entailment, which was a legal matter Atticus had assisted him with. Mr. Cunningham did not answer...
Scout was concerned when the mob approached her father outside of the jail. She spotted a face she knew in the mob. Fearlessly, she spoke to the man. It was Walter Cunningham, Sr. He was the father of Walter, a boy in her class at school.
In a friendly manner, Scout greeted Mr. Cunningham. She asked him about his entailment, which was a legal matter Atticus had assisted him with. Mr. Cunningham did not answer at first. He shifted his weight from one leg to the other, as if he were uncomfortable. Scout did not give up. She asked Mr. Cunningham if he remembered her. Then she mentioned his son, Walter. She reminded Mr. Cunningham that Walter was in her class at school. Mr. Cunningham nodded and Scout continued:
"He's in my grade," I said, "and he does right well. He's a good boy," I added, "a real nice boy. We brought him home for dinner one time. Maybe he told you about me, I beat him up one time but he was real nice about it. Tell him hey for me, won't you?" (To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 15)
Scout kept talking. She did so until Mr. Cunningham "squatted down and took [her] by both shoulders. Her promised to pass her greetings along to his son. Then he stood up and told the mob to disperse. They all left.
Mr. Cunningham had confronted Atticus in anger. Scout's persistent friendliness and warmth had broken through that anger. He saw Atticus as a father to Scout, and not just as a man who he was angry with. His conversation with Scout caused him to examine his actions.
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