Chapters 26 and 27

Summary

Scout describes a day in her third grade class when Cecil Jacobs gives a presentation on Adolph Hitler. The ensuing class discussion reveals yet another example of hypocrisy and the randomness of the distinctions people make between people. In this case, Scout's teacher defends the Jews and proclaims how lucky they all are for living in a democracy. She states, "That's the difference between America and Germany. We are a democracy and Germany is a dictatorship'Over here we don't believe in persecuting anybody. Persecution comes from people who are prejudiced" (258). How can her teacher, Miss Gates, possibly think that Americans aren't prejudiced and do not persecute anyone? Scout is confused by the class discussion and follows up with Atticus on several of the issues.

By mid-October life in Maycomb has settled back into its normal routine with the exception of three small but ominous events. First, Bob Ewell finally acquired but quickly lost a job. He was so irate about losing his job that he marched down to Atticus's office and accused him of "getting" his job. Second, someone broke into Judge Taylor's house. Finally, Link Deas, Helen Robinson's employer, threatens Bob Ewell after Helen complains that Bob had been following her to work every morning. Clearly, Bob Ewell still seeks revenge on the people he feels wronged him during the Robinson trial.

Meanwhile, Scout looks forward to a Halloween pageant at school and occupies the rest of the chapter with the story of Tutti and Frutti Barber, two old ladies who were tormented by children who thought it would be a grand practical joke to hide the ladies' furniture from them

Interpretation

After a classroom discussion of Adolf Hitler and his treatment of the Jews, Scout is struck by the hypocrisy of many of Maycomb's residents. While condemning Hitler for being prejudiced and genocidal, the same people act racist and genocidal themselves.

It would appear that Bob Ewell has not forgotten his grudge against some of Maycomb's citizens, including Judge Taylor and Helen Robinson.

In the meantime, Scout prepares for a Halloween night presentation at her school. She plans to wear a bulky pig costume, one that severely limits her vision.