In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, what concerns are discussed at the Finch home which eventually take place outside of the jailhouse?
At the beginning of Chapter 15, Sheriff Tate and a group of Maycomb citizens visit the Finch residence to discuss with Atticus the possibility of changing the venue of the trial. Sheriff Tate voices his concerns about the Old Sarum bunch causing trouble, but Atticus dismisses them. The community members comment that it is a special occasion, but Atticus remains unconcerned. Later on that night, Atticus decides to sit outside of Tom Robinson's jail cell as a precaution. Jem, Scout, and Dill decide to look for Atticus and find him reading the newspaper outside of Maycomb's jailhouse. Out of nowhere, a group of cars arrive from the Meridian highway, and the Old Sarum bunch gets out and surrounds Atticus. Their leader, Walter Cunningham, tells Atticus to move out of the way, but Atticus refuses. Then, Scout runs out from her hiding place, and Jem and Dill follow her. Atticus tells Jem to take the children home, but Jem refuses to leave. Jem knows that his father is in a dangerous position and loyally decides to stay. Oblivious to the serious situation, Scout recognizes Walter Cunningham and is able to get his attention. Fortunately, Walter sees the error in his behavior by putting himself in Atticus' shoes and tells the mob to leave. The Finch family narrowly avoids disaster, and Tom Robinson is saved from being lynched.
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