To Kill a Mockingbird chapters 12-14 – Flashcards

Jem is growing up. He is trying to make sense of the things that he sees happening and tries to be like Atticus. He wants to put behind his childish games and activities. Consequently, he is moody sometimes and occasionally seems to have authority over Scout. She resents his new "airs."

Scout learns that Cal leads a double life. She talks and acts like her black friends when she is with them, and she talks and acts like Scout's family when she is with them. Scout thinks this is interesting and asks to visit Cal at her home one day.

Aunt Alexandra was waiting for the children when they came home from church. She had come to stay and help out while Atticus would be busy with the Robinson trial.

Alexandra knew all the proper social things to say and do, and she knew a great deal of the history of the local families. She joined some clubs and entertained at her home, and she generally did fit right into the town's society. However, Alexandra didn't understand or agree with the values by which Atticus was raising his children. Therefore, she did not understand the children's behavior. Because their value systems were different, they were more often than not at odds.

Atticus makes the children obey Alexandra, but he lets them know that their relationship with him will always be the same as it was. He tries to appease Alexandra when he can, but on the major issues, he puts his foot down.

Jem and Scout seem to grow apart, but they don't really. They argue more often than they had, mostly because Scout resents Jem's telling her what to do. Actually, they are still very close and would support and defend each other.

Dill had everything a boy could want except his mother remarried and he feels his parents don't spend any time with him. He didn't feel like they needed him anymore.