5H GSAW Chapter 4

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 5

Summary

On the way to the restaurant with Hank for their date, Jean Louise thinks about the history and culture of Maycomb. Things have changed since her childhood, and she tells Hank she doesn’t like the changes. They talk about their childhood games and make a plan to go to the river that evening.

Hank tells Jean Louise that she is a mystery to him: Every time he thinks he has won her attention, she seems to slip away. She tells him he is being too obvious about his uncertainty, that what women really want is to feel safe, understood, and protected. She learned all this about romance, she says, from watching the failing marriages in New York.

When Hank questions her sudden cynicism, Jean Louise apologizes, explaining that she is afraid of marrying the wrong man. Hank declares that he is not the wrong man. A familiar black waiter named Albert briefly interrupts their conversation. He calls Jean Louise by her childhood name, Scout. Hank asks why Jean Louise never drinks more than half of her second cup of coffee after dinner. The fact that Hank knows her eccentricities so well startles her.

Short questions

Why do women want a relationship, according to Jean Louise?

Why do women want a husband, according to Henry?

"The second World War did something to Maycomb..." How were the boys changed?

"You're a Jekyll and Hyde character," he said. What does Jack mean here?

Questions to discuss...

Part II begins with more information about the history of Maycomb. Explain how this chapter develops the idea that Maycomb is largely isolated.

How does Jean Louise use irony to prove her point about marriage to Henry?

Why does Jean Louise never finish her second coffee?