The humor of this Atticus Finch Lesson
is just like the humor in most of Atticus' lessons. Instead of avoiding the
situation, glossing over it, or simply ignoring it (as many parents do), Atticus tackles
Scout's question in his own very straightforward and matter-of-fact
way.
First, he tells Scout that "n*gger-lover" is basically
a silly made up word used by ignorant people. In Scout's words (which Atticus accepts
as a viable example) it is much the same as "snot-nose." Scout clarifies by asking,
"You aren't really a n*gger-lover then, are you?" Atticus' response is probably key to
the humor of this situation.
Atticus says, "I most
certainly am. I do my best to love everybody..."
Instead
of allowing the term to be the insult it was intended to be, Atticus takes the word at
face value and agrees with it. The effect, therefore, is Atticus once again
rising above the immaturity of the town, rather than living at the
same level. By raising himself above the insult, he is able not only to diffuse its
sting, but to teach his children, by example, how to deal with petty
insults.
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