Chapter 26/27: "What is ironic about the lesson Miss Gates is teaching the children?"
In chapter 26, Miss Gates teaches her third grade class about Hitler’s merciless actions towards Jews in European Countries abroad. In juxtaposition, Maycomb’s common practices are similar to the discriminatory treatment in the far away countries. As the children show clemency for the inequitable situation in other countries, Miss Gates reassures them that they are safe in a democratic country. It is ironic that the Maycomb children proclaim their democratic country while they are simultaneously exposed to the prejudiced Maycomb culture. In the classroom, Miss Gates simply states “We are a democracy…that’s the difference between America and Germany…Over here we don’t believe in persecuting anybody. Persecution comes from people who are prejudice…there are no better people in the world than the Jews, and why Hitler doesn’t think so is a mystery to me.” (p. 329) It is ironic that Miss Gates so blatantly states the corrupt prejudices in countries far away while she easily denies any prejudice feelings in the United States and acts in such racist manner towards blacks in Maycomb.
It is interesting that Scout innately recognizes the inconsistencies between Maycomb’s common culture and the idealistic morals that Miss Gates professes. In explanation to Jem on page 331, Scout describes Miss Gates, “…I heard her say it’s time somebody taught ‘em a lesson, that they were getting’ way above themselves, an’ the next thing they think they can do is marry us, Jem, how can you hate Hitler so bad an’ then turn around and be ugly about folks right at home---” In this quote, Scout acknowledges the irony in Maycomb’s culture. She expresses how ironic it is that the prejudices of Maycomb are neglected and instead overshadowed by concern for similar conflicts in distant cultures. Even at a young age, Scout is independently developing her own opinion on such complex problems.
I think that Miss Gates is a symbol of racist Southerners who easily profess ideals of an equal society, but fail to carry through with their idealistic teachings. This hypocritical attitude is also established in the women’s Missionary Society in Chapter 24.
Question: Do you think that Scout will eventually learn to express her opposition to racism in Maycomb, or do you think she will begin to conceal her true perspective regarding prejudice in the town like Aunt Alexandra does in front of the other Southern women?
As you have pointed out, Scout has begun to shape her own opinions on racism. This, Atticus has shaped her up to be like, however only expresses these ideas with close family. I find it hard to tell at such an early stage in her life however, whether she would eventually hide behind people such as Atticus to do the dirty work, keeping herself out of danger, or harden her morals as Atticus has done. One thing about Scout that characterizes her a lot is her definite defiance against male authority, which might help shape how she voices her opinions with the public later on in her life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kristen, for Miss Gates is prejudice against Blacks, yet she is disgusted by how Hitler discriminates against Jewish people. This proves ironic because they claim a democracy to be, "equal rights for all" (328) yet Black people are obviously not treated equally. It was also interesting how Cecil Jacobs said, "..but that ain't no cause to persecute 'em. They're white ain't they?" (329), for he was obliviously discriminating against Blacks while being horrified at the fact that such a dictatorship and discriminating occurs.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Kristen's previous question on whether Scout would eventually express her own beliefs on racism like her father, I believe she will, being as she already revealed her feelings about the situation to Jem.
A question that arises is do you think Jem agrees with Scout's point of view on this situation?
I think that she will be able to express her feelings about racism, because Atticus is a huge influence in her life. And while growing up with a father like Atticus, who teaches his ideals, it becomes hard not to pursue them, because they are enforced so thoroughly. Also, Scout is very bright for her age and is already questioning Maycomb's ways, so I see no reason for her not to continue along that path. Lastly, she is not as intrigued with the basic Maycomb women's life as she is with the men's. So she will continue to grow and her ideals will flourish as she witnesses the prejudice of her home.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Do you think that men are more able to express their feelings of racism than women? Or the other way around? Or neither?
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ReplyDeleteAn answer to Gaby's question:
ReplyDelete“There was something else wrong—I would ask my father about it,” Scout said, when referring to the Holocaust (329). Even Scout picked up on the hypocrisy. She was too young to fully understand the consequences. Jem though, who was the older and more aware sibling in the family, was feeling the pain. He was more affected by the injustice that led to Tom Robinson’s death. Jem even covered up the pain he felt by yelling in anger at his sister: “Don’t you ever say one word to me about it again!” (331). Jem was a very sensitive boy and his sadness was only amplified by seeing his own father distraught over the triumph of injustice. Jem likely now felt confused and vulnerable, witnessing the double failure of evil triumphing over good and of his dad’s impotence in preventing catastrophe. In turn, Atticus understood his son’s quandary; he told Scout, “…until enough time passed. Then he would be able to think about it and sort things out,” (331). Clearly Jem had witnessed his first real battle between good and evil, in which ignorance won. This terrible experience likely shapes our yearning for insight and justice, as much as it did at the time for Jem.
**Sorry about my earlier deletion, my computer malfunctioned.**