But I never figured out how Atticus knew I was listening, and it was not until many years later that I realized he wanted me to hear every word he said.

But I never figured out how Atticus knew I was listening, and it was not until many years later that I realized he wanted me to hear every word he said.

– Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 9. Atticus and Uncle Jack have been talking about the abuse the children will face in school because of Atticus defending Tom Robinson. Atticus expresses the hope that the children will come to him for answers to questions. He does not want them infected with the same hatred and prejudice that many Maycomb people have when it comes to issues concerning black people. Another example of Atticus’s good parenting.

Harper Lee Quotes