To Kill a Mockingbird
What is the effect of Atticus’s explanation to Scout that the “n-word” is “common”?
A. Readers learn that Atticus, as an educated attorney, feels superior to most of the people living in Maycomb, and therefore does not speak their “common” language.
B. It shows Atticus wants Scout to sound intelligent in the words she uses, not “common” like many uneducated citizens of Maycomb.
C. Readers realize that Atticus strives to be better and more considerate of others than the majority of Maycomb citizens -- in his actions and his words.
D. It shows that even Atticus, who proclaims to want equality for everyone, doesn’t fully realize how truly insulting the word is to African-Americans.