Are Youth Capable of Having and Understanding Adult Emotions and Issues? Scout finds that after the trial she must seek to understand adult emotions and issues more so than in the past. Specifically, Scout focuses on the coping mechanism of self-control, a skill better used the more mature one is. In chapter 24, women gather at Scout's house to discuss politics and local events. While meeting, the women proudly share their casual superiority over African-Americans. For example, Mrs. Meriweather, described in the novel as "a faithful Methodist" (Lee 308), articulates her annoyance that the cooks and field hands were dissatisfied with the outcome of the Tom Robinson case, thus making her life harder because of their distasteful grumbling and pouting. Scout's ability to put her own views behind her and respect authority whilst politely and silently disagreeing with Mrs. Meriweather indicates self-control, exhibited in the quote, "I [Scout] carefully picked up the tray and watched myself walk over to Mrs. Meriweather. With my best company manners, I asked her if she would have some. After all, if aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I" (Lee 318). Scout still acts proper despite Mrs. Meriweather's rude comments about Atticus and the Tom Robinson case. Thus, she can control her words and actions while grasping the idea that …show more content…
While Dill reacted in a childish manner by crying uncontrollably, he shared the same complex thoughts as Mr. Dolphus Raymond, an alleged town drunk. He commented on the intricacy of Dills feelings by saying, "Let him [Dill] get a little older and he won't get sick and cry. Maybe things'll strike him as being- not quite right... but he won't cry" (Lee 269). This statement further proves that youth can experience the same emotions and struggles as adults, even if they react to them in an adverse