How does Atticus explain the mob? What does he think the children did that changed Mr. Cunningham’s mind? Do you think Atticus is right? Is his understanding of a mob realistic or naïve?
Scout wonders out loud why Mr. Cunningham wanted to hurt Atticus when he usually is Atticus's friend. Atticus explains that some people can forget that they are human beings when they become part of a mob. Clearly moved by the situation, Atticus explains to her that it took an eight-year-old girl to bring them to their senses. Atticus is perhaps understating the danger of the mob. They really wanted to lynch Tom Robinson and were ready to hurt Atticus.
