Chapter naming

Chapter 3 - Walter Cunningham / Atticus

I feel that there are two reasons as to why this chapter can either be named "Walter Cunningham" or "Atticus"

Reason 1:

Walter Cunningham's life and background is introduced to the readers as he is invited by Jem to go to their house for dinner. During the meal, Atticus and Walter Cunningham "talked together like two men" (Pg 30). Scout embarrassed Walter when he "poured syrup on his vegetables and meat with a generous hand". This shows that Walter brought his habits from home and that the Cunninghams were poor. I can infer that the Cunninghams are poor as the reason why they pour syrup on their food is to make it more tasty due to their lack of money to buy good food.

Reason 2:

The writer brings out several attributes of Atticus. Firstly, Atticus is tolerant of all man. I know this as when Walter Cunningham was invited for dinner by Jem. Atticus greeted Walter and talked to Walter "about crops" (Pg 29), a topic that Walter is familiar is, so that he would feel at ease. Atticus is also able to see the other person's point of view, which is something he tries to teach Scout. "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Pg 35).

Atticus also shows his ability to reason and his wisdom when he offers a compromise to Scout. Atticus too, has a sense of humour as shown when he walked to the "wisteria vine" (Pg 35). He is clearly amused by what has happened to Scout and does not want to offend Scout by laughing at her. When Scout tries to seal their compromise by spitting on her hand before she and Atticus shake hands, Atticus once again shows his sense of humour by commenting "We'll consider it sealed without the usual formality" (Pg 37)