TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Chapter 9 (Copy)
Chapter 9
One day, Scout has a fight with a boy at school. “You can’t say that!” she yells at the boy. “Take back what you said about my dad!” “I’m not going to take back what I said,” the boy says. “Your daddy defends niggers!”
At that moment, Scout punches the boy in the face!
Hi. I wanted to interrupt the story for a just moment, to make a very important comment about American history. At that time in America, in the early 20th century, the word “nigger” was a common word used to talk about black Americans. Back then, it had a negative connotation, but today it is considered an extremely racist word. It is a word that no one should use. Another word that was used at the time, which you will see in this story, was the word “negro”. It was a more appropriate word that was used in those days. However, today, the word “negro” is no longer used. It too has a negative connotation. You will hear both of these words used in this story. So I thought it was important to explain their significance historically, and how important it is not to use them. Today in America, you will often hear people refer to the word as “the n-word”. The word “nigger” is so offensive that people avoid saying it at all, so they might use the expression “the n-word”. When referring to Black Americans, the most appropriate word that you can use is “Black”. A black man, a black woman, the black community. It is important to learn to use language that does not hurt anyone. Now, back to the story.
Remember, Atticus is a lawyer. He has a new case. He is defending Tom Robinson. Tom is a black man. Some people are mad about it. They don’t think Atticus should defend Tom. This is the 1930s. There is segregation at the time. Black and white people are not allowed to go to the same stores. They are not allowed to go to the same schools. They are not allowed to mix.
A boy at school says bad things to Scout about her father. People don’t like that Atticus is defending a black man. Plus, they think this black man hurt a white woman. They don’t care if Tom gets a trial. They just want him punished.
Scout gets mad. She defends her father. She fights with the boy. But she doesn’t really understand. She doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about.
“Scout, why did you fight that boy at school?” Atticus says. “Do you defend niggers, Atticus?” she asks. “Of course I do. Don’t say ‘nigger’, Scout. That’s a vulgar word.” “What is the big deal? Why are people so mad at you?” Scout asks. “People don’t think I should defend Tom Robinson,” Atticus says. “Then why are you? He’s black. He hurt a white woman,” Scout says. “I don’t think he did. I don’t think he hurt anyone. Plus, it doesn’t matter if he’s Black. He is a person. Someone has to help him. We have to do the right thing.”
“Do all lawyers defend ni… negros, Atticus?” “Yes, they do.” “Do you think you can win?” Scout asks. “No, but it’s important I try,” he says. “I guess,” Scout says. She wonders about it. She wonders if her father is right.
The Finch family goes to their family farm, Finch Landing, for Christmas. Finch Landing is where Atticus grew up. Uncle Jack is there. Scout likes Uncle Jack. Scout does not like her cousin Francis.
Francis is one year older than Scout. She thinks he is the most boring child she has ever met. And Aunt Alexandra can be a bore, too. She’s Francis’ mother. She wants Scout to be a lady. Scout doesn’t care about being a lady. For Christmas, Uncle Jack gives Jem and Scout air rifles. They love them.
Scout thinks about shooting Francis. But Atticus said they must be very careful, and use the rifles correctly. Scout does not want to lose her air rifle.
Later during the holiday, Scout is talking to Francis. They are talking about Dill. “You know, Jean Louise,” says Francis, “Grandma says Dill doesn’t have a home. She says he goes from relative to relative.” “That’s not true,” says Scout.
“You’re pretty dumb sometimes, Jean Louise,” he says. “But I guess it’s not your fault. If Uncle Atticus lets you be friends with stray dogs like Dill, that’s his responsibility. So it’s not your fault.”
“And it’s not your fault that Uncle Atticus is a nigger-lover, too. The rest of the family hates it.” “Francis, what do you mean?” asks Scout angrily. “He’s nothing but a nigger-lover!” Scout hits Francis very hard in the mouth!
