Conversation from pg 133-134

The reason I think that Atticus told Jem and Scout about the Finch's family history is because they have a proud family history, and he and Aunt Alexandra want to keep it that way. Also, he wants to teach them how to be polite and respectful to other people, and getting them ready for the real world. Finally, Atticus wants them to stop acting like kids and start being more respectful to other people. I think what Scout means at the end of chapter thirteen is that the men of Maycomb seem to be serious and not care about gossip. However, the women of Maycomb are the exact opposite. They tell people what they can or can't do, and they gossip about each other all the time.