Scout's Fights and Family Conflicts

Scout's physical confrontations defending Atticus's honor and the lessons she learns about restraint.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Fight with Cecil Jacobs

Fight with Cecil Jacobs The Taunt Cecil Jacobs announces that Scout Finch's daddy defends niggers. Scout is furious and wants to fight. But she remembers Atticus's request to hold her head high and keep her fists down. The First Walkaway Scout walks away from the fight, the first time she has done so. She feels noble but also hears "Scout's a coward" ringing in her ears. She struggles with the decision. The Internal Conflict Scout learns that fighting is not the only way to defend her father. She begins to understand that Atticus's battle is in the courtroom, not the schoolyard. This lesson in restraint is difficult but important.

Fight with Francis Hancock

Fight with Francis Hancock The Provocation Francis calls Atticus a nigger-lover and says he is ruining the family. Scout loses control and attacks him, splitting her knuckle on his teeth. The Punishment Uncle Jack spanks Scout without hearing her side. He later learns the truth and apologizes. Scout tells him he doesn't understand children. The Lesson about Temper Atticus tells Uncle Jack that Scout must learn to keep her head. He says that with what's in store for her, she needs to control her temper. Scout realizes that her hotheadedness can lead to more trouble.

The Aftermath of the Christmas Fight

The Aftermath of the Christmas Fight The Conversation Overheard Scout listens to Atticus and Uncle Jack talking. Atticus says Scout must learn to keep her head, and that she is coming along. He praises her ability to try. The Promise Kept Uncle Jack does not tell Atticus what Scout told him, keeping his promise. Scout is grateful. She realizes that Atticus wanted her to hear the conversation—he was teaching her indirectly. The Growth Scout begins to understand that her father trusts her to learn from his words. She feels a deeper bond with him. The fight and its aftermath contribute to her moral education.

early in the school year, after Atticus takes the case

Christmas at Finch's Landing

later that Christmas evening