To Kill a Mocking Bird Chapter 14

© Harper Lee

“From rape, to riot, to runaways “

Taking her opportunity, Scout remembers to ask Atticus what rape means. Having received her answer, she is innocently reminded of her trip to the Negro church with Calpurnia, and recalls how Calpurnia said she could visit her at her at her home anytime. Making her request to visit Calpurnia this coming Sunday, Scout is shocked when Aunt Alexandra says she can’t go. Scout visibly upset shouts at Aunt Alexandra until chastised by Atticus, she is forced to apologise. Leaving the room, Scout overhears a conversation between Atticus and Alexandra about the suitability of Calpurnia to continue as their housekeeper and that she is superfluous now that Aunt Alexandra has taken over the household. Atticus refuses to consider this, and stresses that he considers Calpurnia to be a valued member of the family.

Leaving the grownups to their conversation, once in their rooms Jem warns Scout not to antagonize Aunt Alexandra, and when Scout takes offence at his comments, an energetic fist fight occurs, forcing Atticus to intervene – he sends both children to bed early. Whilst Scout is getting ready for bed she thinks she steps on a snake, and calls for Jem to come take a look. Armed with a broom, Jem sweeps under Scout’s bed and discovers Dill hiding there.
Dill has run away from home, and is tired and hungry. Taking food from the kitchen, Scout and Jem listen as Dill comes up with some incredible tale of escape, whilst the reality is far from fantastical. Jem, to the horror of Scout and Dill, calls for Atticus, who decides that Dill’s Aunt Rachel must be informed of Dill’s whereabouts. After some initial scolding Miss Rachel agrees that Dill can spend the night at the Finch’s house, where he can share Jem’s room.
In the middle of the night Scout is awakened when Dill gets into bed with her. They have a heart to heart discussion, and Dill explains that whilst his mother and stepfather love him and give him material gifts, they never spend time with him, or allow him into their company. Dill makes a surprising announcement to Scout “Let’s get us a baby “. He then comes up with some implausible nonsense about a man who gives babies way...“Dill was off again... beautiful things floated round in his dreamy head...”

In a sleepy moment of complete clarity Scout asks why Boo Radley has never run away and Dill makes the profound observation “ Maybe he doesn’t have anywhere to run off to “-


This chapter is about attitudes and prejudice - Aunt Alexandra is stuck in ways and unwilling to compromise. Atticus is trying to lead by example, and Jem and Scout are confused and unsure of how and why their world is changing. Jem, is maturing and trying to see the adult perspective.
And then into the mix, steps Dill who has his own share of problems and fanciful ideas...

Share your thoughts, please ?

It was hard to read about all of the facts of life Scout and Jem have become aware of, now, and even more difficult to think that anyone would try to keep them from people they care about...coming of age and all the dangers and realities of life came to a head here...especially the scene with Scout and Dill-my heart stopped at that one, I have to admit! Aunt Alexandra isn't making things any easier, I wonder how long she will continue to stay with them, at this rate?

There's 2 things working here. Atticus needs his sister to help him through the upcoming trial but he doesn't agree with her on life and how to raise children. On the other hand, he has Calpurnia who he does agree with on life and how to raise children, but feels that she is inappropriate in this situation. I think Scout is getting and seeing the mixed signals and is trying to find a way between them.

Now we have Dill who is between families also. He recognizes Scout as a soulmate of sorts and decides that the resolution is to marry her and have a "real" family.

This chapter is all about family and raising children but from all different angles.