To Kill A Mockingbird Ch. 7, 8, &9

     It is in these chapters we first catch wind of the trial.  In the end of the ninth chapter we get to listen in to Atticus's and uncle Jack's conversation.  The last sentence says it wasn't until many years later Scout realized Atticus intended for her to hear that conversation. I feel as if Atticus let Scout listen in so that she can be a little more prepared for the hardships to come.  Another reason he allowed her to hear the conversation was so that she would know why Atticus was being talked negatively about around the town, and that just because people are saying its wrong that he is defending a black man, doesn't mean it isn't the right thing to do, as well as what he is obligated to do morally.  Earlier in the chapters Atticus told Scout if he didn't defend this man he wouldn't be able to tell Scout and Jem what to do anymore.  By this I think he means that he couldn't expect his children to respect what he says if he were to allow other people's predispositions dictate his actions, rather than what he thinks is right.