Sunday, September 30, 2018
Chapter 16-17: What is revealed that is confusing about Mr. Underwood in chapter 16? How does this relate to one of the themes of the novel? (Grace)
In the beginning of chapter 16, Atticus says that Mr. Underwood “...despises Negroes, won't have one near him.”(Lee 209) It is strange that Mr. Underwood is known to hate people of color because in chapter 15 he protected Atticus and Tom Robinson from the angry mob of townspeople who were trying to kill Tom. After the mob left, Mr. Underwood let Atticus know he had been protecting them, telling him, “Had you covered all the time, Atticus.” (Lee 206) Braxton Underwood is the editor of the town newspaper, The Maycomb Tribune, and he lives out of his office. From there, he has a clear view of the jail. So while Atticus was unarmed that night, Mr. Underwood was there to protect him. Although Mr. Underwood may not value Tom Robinson's life and is clearly prejudiced against him, he is loyal to Atticus and is there to support and protect him. He also does not want to see anyone get hurt or allow anyone to break the law. Although Mr. Underwood is prejudiced, he is not a completely evil person. His actions show that most people are not all good or all bad, and his character gives the reader an idea about how complicated the ideas of race are in the town of Maycomb.
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Mr. Underwood is someone who supports Atticus's work, but is also slightly prejudiced against the black community. In chapter 15 he only reveals his hiding spot after the danger has disappeared and there are no longer any threats. Mr. Underwood says he "had [them] covered all the time." (Lee 206) but he still let Scout do all the talking. Perhaps he isn't as racially prejudiced as it seems, he just doesn't have the courage to stand up for his beliefs like Atticus does while society is still so against it. Harper Lee also introduces Mr. Underwood as helping Atticus and Tom before she gives the background on his racist tendencies. The reader's first impression of him is that he's good.
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