Atticus meant that the children, by empathizing with Walter Cunningham and seeing the situation from his perspective, were able to understand the humanity in him and appeal to his kindness and reason, preventing a violent confrontation. It highlights the power of empathy and understanding in diffusing tension and promoting harmony.
The children stopped Walter Cunningham from fighting by having Scout talk to him about her father, Atticus, and his kind treatment of him. They diffused the situation by getting Walter to see reason and helping him save face in front of others.
Yes, one of the men in the mob outside the jail is indeed Walter Cunningham. However, he is there with a group of men to protect Atticus Finch from harm and ensure that the mob does not cause any violence. Walter Cunningham ultimately respects Atticus and chooses to disperse the mob peacefully.
Mr. Walter Cunningham is poor and represents the common White Man raised in a racist town in the South. He does not go away from the jail to save Tom's life, but because of a history of respect he had with Atticus. It is through White bonds that saves a Black Man from lynching--at least that night. And because the other men respected Cunningham and Atticus Finch, they relented-- again, from a bond with Whites, not because they suddenly didn't feel racist anymore.
Heck Tate, the sheriff, watched over Atticus with a shotgun on the night before the trial to protect him from any potential danger.
Atticus went to go stay outside the jail that night because he was Tom Robinson's lawyer. Tom Robinson was staying in the jail the night before the trial, and Atticus wanted to make sure he was safe. Scout and Jem notice there father has suspiciously left the house that night so they follow him to the jail. A mob of white, unfamiliar men come to the jail and tell Atticus to move away from the jail house door. He refuses. (These men were most likely a lynch mob, Klu Kux Klan) Right then Scout jumos out and tell the men to leave her father alone. She notices Walter Cunningham in the crowd, and she go's up to him and tells Mr. Cunningham to tell his song that she said hi. Because of Scouts dissruptance, the mob leaves and Atticus and TOm ROobinson were saved. Hope this helped
Walter Cunningham was too scared to go near the Radley place due to the rumored stories about Boo Radley, such as him coming out at night to harm people. Walter's fear and superstition kept him from exploring or interacting with the Radley house and its mysterious occupants.
Peter Cunningham MacBeth has written: 'Structural determinants in George Crumb's Night of the four moons and Ancient voices of children' -- subject(s): Vocal music, History and criticism
Atticus explains to Scout that Mr. Cunningham's actions were influenced by a mob mentality and that he is still a good person at heart. He suggests that people sometimes do things in a group that they wouldn't do on their own, and that understanding this can help us see the good in others.
The men want to take matters into their own hands and harm Tom Robinson. They ask Atticus to leave so that they can do so without interference or opposition from him. Their actions show the depth of prejudice and racism within the community.
Atticus explains mobs to his children as a cowardly group of people who act without thinking for themselves. He teaches them the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it goes against the popular opinion of the group. Atticus wants his children to understand the dangers of following a mob mentality and the necessity of individual courage.
atticus reads to scout at night at the end of the novel
Atticus is conveying that individuals may act irrationally or unjustly when they are part of a group, but they are still responsible for their actions as individuals. He is emphasizing the importance of recognizing the humanity and individuality of each person, regardless of the group dynamics at play.