Question

To Kill a Mockingbird What does Mrs. Dubose mean when she says, "What's this world coming to when a Finch goes against his raising?" In what ways does Atticus go against his raising? When is "going against your raising" a good thing? When is it bad?

Answer 1

Mrs. Dubose is referring to Atticus' defense of Tom Robinson. Her declaration that he was going against his raising directly relates to Simon Finch, and the fact he was a slaveowner. The fact that Atticus followed his own heart, values, and sense of morality was a good thing.