The children are both shocked by Atticus
‘Jem was paralysed. I had to pinch him to get him moving’
This quote strengthens my point of the children’s surprise this is because earlier in chapter 10 scout said ‘ Atticus was feeble: he was nearly fifty……..which is we felt reflected upon his abilities and manliness ‘ thus showing that scout and Jem believed that Atticus has no real secrets. Building on this I think Atticus has kept this side from his children as he is possibly ashamed of his past or feels his gift brings more harm than good however there is no real evidence of this in the chapter. This could be the start of the loss of innocence throughout the book as Atticus reveals more about his character.
Harper lee has shown contrasting sides of Atticus towards the end of chapter 10 as structurally the end of the first part of the novel is over and this change eould interest the audience however I would disagree with this as I think Harper lee has shown contrasting sides of Atticus to show that Atticus has more to him then what meets the eye, in the sense that upcoming event could bring out a darker, firmer side of Atticus that hasn’t been seen in the novel so far. Harper lee has used…(language device)
React!