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Keep in mind when this book was written- 1960- it was a different era then. Atticus was the man of the house- responsible for earning the money, doing his job and protecting his household, not raising the children, per se.

Because Jem and Scout had been mostly raised by their African-American maid/nanny Calpurnia, and because Atticus did not spend much (what we would call) "quality" time with them, they did not get a true understanding of their family history and their family's place in Maycomb's history. In those days, the mother would dispense such knowledge of family history. In this chapter, Aunt Alexandra was trying to fill this role. However, she did so with her own frame of reference, not one that would suit Atticas' mind.

Because of Atticus' personality and the situation he found himself in concerning the trial, he understood that such things as family standing in a community were not worth as much as one's personal character. Atticus may have been half-heartedly trying to instill a sense of family pride, but I think what he really wanted was to help Scout and Jem understand that it was alright for them to develop their own understanding of their place in their community, and what is the proper behavior (such as when he had them visit Mrs. Dubose after assaulting her garden).

What was Atticus trying to do? He was trying to help the children behave well. Why would it take a woman to do it? In those days, the early 1960's, it was considered "women's work" to raise the children to have good manners.

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13y ago
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5mo ago

Scout is recognizing the courage and strength required to stand up against injustice, implying that it takes a special kind of strength and compassion typically associated with women to do that kind of work effectively. She appreciates her father's efforts but also acknowledges the unique qualities that women bring to such important work.

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Q: What does scout mean when she says i know what he was trying to do but Atticus was only a man it takes a woman to do that kind of work?
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Related questions

In To Kill a Mockingbird what does it mean when Scout says I know what he was trying to do but Atticus was only a man It take a woman to that kind of work?

it means that Atticus was trying to be Scout mother as well as her father. he was trying his best to be both parents, where as she knows that its impossible for him to be her mother aswell.


What news does Scout overhear about Atticus' defending Tom Robinson?

Atticus had to take the case because Judge Taylor assigned it to him.


Who is sitting on the porch when scout jem and call return from curch?

Atticus is sitting on the porch when Scout, Jem, and Calpurnia return from church.


Atticus and Alexandra disagree about how to deal with children How does Atticus handle the situation?

Atticus goes and talks to Jem and Scout and tells them that they need to change the way they act. He tells them that they need to act more like the rest of the finch family.atticu originally tries to follow alexandras way to raise children but it makes scout cry and then stops her way of raising children.


Why did scout fight with Cecil Jacobs at school?

Scout fought with Cecil Jacobs because he insulted her father, Atticus, by calling him names and slandering his reputation for defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. Scout took offense and reacted physically to defend her father's honor.


Who is Alexandra and how is she related to atticus and the children?

Alexandra Finch is Atticus Finch's sister in "To Kill a Mockingbird." She is the children's aunt and comes to live with Atticus and his children, Scout and Jem, to provide a female influence in their lives. Alexandra is depicted as a traditional and strict woman who often clashes with Atticus's more liberal parenting style.


What is the role of Aunt Alexandra in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Aunt Alexandra - Atticus's sister, a strong-willed woman with a fierce devotion to her family. Alexandra is the perfect Southern lady, and her commitment to propriety and tradition often leads her to clash with Scout.


Why does scout get in a fight with Cecil Jacobs at school?

Scout gets in a fight with Cecil Jacobs at school because he insults her father, Atticus, by calling him names and criticizing him for defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. This angers Scout as she is protective of her father and believes in standing up for what is right.


When does Atticus call aunt?

When he realizes that the children are going to at sometime need a woman in the house especially Scout because she is going to start to like cloothes and boyes more


What is Scout and tom robisons relation?

Scout and Tom Robinson are not related by blood. Tom Robinson is a black man accused of raping a white woman in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird", and Scout is the daughter of the lawyer defending him, Atticus Finch. Scout develops a close connection with Tom as she learns about racial injustice through his trial.


What makes scout cry while attius is talking with her and jem?

Scout cries during Atticus's conversation with her and Jem because Atticus tells them that Mrs. Dubose had died. Mrs. Dubose was a cantankerous old woman who lived near the Finches, and her passing was a sad moment for the children. Despite her difficult personality, Atticus wanted them to understand the courage and strength it took for Mrs. Dubose to face her addiction before she died.


What does the reader understand about why the townspeople are upset that scout does not?

The townspeople are upset that Scout does not know how to reconcile with them because they feel a sense of betrayal towards her father, Atticus, for defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. They expect Scout to conform to the community's racial prejudices, and are disappointed when she does not.