In chapter 24 of TKAM, What kind of topics are covered at the tea party?
In Chapter 24 of To Kill a Mockingbird, the tea party is organized by the missionary circle, a group of women from the Maycomb community. The topics discussed at the tea party include:
1. Church activities: The women discuss the current activities of their respective churches, such as fundraisers, Bible studies, and missionary work.
2. J. Grimes Everett: The women talk about the church missionary, J. Grimes Everett, and his work among the Mru tribes of Africa. They discuss the challenges he faces and express both admiration and concern for his mission.
3. The "Mrunas": The women show a generally superficial understanding of the Mru people, with Aunt Alexandra referring to them as "some kind of savages." They discuss how the Mru people live and dress, with Miss Maudie explaining that they lead a primitive lifestyle.
4. Calpurnia's church: When Calpurnia's church, First Purchase African M. E. Church, is mentioned, the ladies' attitudes become condescending. They criticize her for taking the children to a "negro church" and discuss the church's run-down appearance.
5. Atticus's involvement: The women talk about Atticus defending Tom Robinson. They express unease and disapproval, questioning why Atticus would take on such a case, particularly when Tom is accused of raping a white woman.
6. Current events: The ladies briefly discuss the recent unrest and fear in Maycomb due to the Tom Robinson trial, expressing concern about the influence it could have on the town's perception.
Overall, the tea party conversations demonstrate the town's divided social attitudes on race, religion, and the perception of "others." Harper Lee uses these scenes to highlight the closed-mindedness and racism prevalent in Maycomb's white community.