Well "universe of obligation" is when you are neighborly and help each other out. But in the South the "universe if obligation" is simply being Christian. So basically they treat people the way they would want to be treated. Since Miss. Maudie is a lonely woman and is basically helpless, people feel as if they should help someone like her.
It reveals the obligation they have as a community towards each other.
Explanation:
This chapter reveals the obligation of individuals and groups toward whom obligations are owed, to whom rules apply, and whose injuries call for amends. In other words, a community’s universe of obligation consists of those its members believe are worthy of respect and protection. IN this case, people feel like they need to come together and protect Miss Maudies since she is in need of help.
