Miss Maudie explains to Scout that the mob mentality is like the Upcoming Dark Ages, which is when people abandoned reason in favor of their emotions. She notes how normally decent people can be swayed to do terrible things when they are in a group mindset.
Mrs. Maudie invited the children in for cake to comfort them after the disappointing outcome of the trial, where Tom Robinson was convicted. She wanted to show them kindness and support during a difficult time.
Miss Maudie inviting Scout to come over and sit with her in her front yard during the trial signifies a gesture of friendship that cements their relationship. Miss Maudie's kindness and willingness to share her perspective with Scout help strengthen their bond.
In "To Kill a Mockingbird," besides Scout, Atticus, and Alexandra, the other characters in Jem's room are Miss Maudie and Calpurnia. They are discussing the news of Tom Robinson's trial and its impact on the town.
Miss Maudie did not attend the trial because, as she tells Scout in "To Kill a Mockingbird," she could not bear to witness Atticus making "the best defense he can." She chooses to stay home and pray for Atticus's success instead.
before the trial miss maudie says she does not want to go because she does not want to see a man on trial for his life.
Miss Maudie is a neighbor of the Finch family, and one of Scout's female role-models. She grew up at Finch's Landing with Atticus and therefore has a long-term relationship with him. She helps to provide Scout and Jem with some insight into their father's life before they came along. She is also one member of society in Maycomb that doesn't become entangled in the drama surrounding the trial.
Mrs. Maudie
Miss Maudie views Atticus as a principled and honorable man, and she believes in his ability to uphold justice fairly. She respects his integrity and admires his courage in defending Tom Robinson despite the unjust verdict of the trial.
Miss Maudie Atkinson says this about the trial of Tom Robinson, and she refuses to attend because she does not want to be a part of the spectacle and injustice of the event.
She says it was because Judge Taylor wanted Tom Robinson to have the best chance at winning the case and he knew that Atticus was the only lawyer around who would legitimately support him (Tom).
Scout was about 8 years old when the trial of Tom Robinson took place in the book "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Scout believes the world is coming to an end in Chapter 8 of "To Kill a Mockingbird" because it is an unusually cold winter, there is snowfall, and Miss Maudie's house burns down. These events, along with the tension in the town over Tom Robinson's trial, contribute to Scout's feeling that the world is falling apart.