In chapter 24, Scout wonders at the world of women because prior to this time she thought that bravery was primarily a part of a man's life. However, courage is displayed when Mrs. Merriweather is denied hearing about Tom's fate, and the women silently defend Atticus.

At the ladies' Missionary Society meeting, Mrs. Merriweather epitomizes hypocrisy: she would rather help the oppressed people of Africa rather than help the African Americans in their own town. Miss Maudie admonishes the women for criticizing the Blacks in town for their "sulky" behavior. At this moment, Scout realizes that Miss Maudie represents how a real Southern lady should act. This action in the story contributes to Scout's development and eventually leads her to leave the world of innocence behind. Additionally, shaming Atticus in his own house is unacceptable.

In Chapter 24, Aunt Alexandra hosts her missionary circle at the Finch residence, and the women of Maycomb come to socialize. Scout is in attendance and listens as the women discuss J. Grimes Everett's missionary work with Mrunas tribe in Africa. The conversation then shifts as Mrs. Merriweather begins to talk about how her African American cooks and field hands are upset at the verdict of the Tom Robinson trial. Mrs. Merriweather then comments that there are some misguided folks in Maycomb who thought they were doing the right thing standing up for African Americans, but all they did was "stir em' up" (Lee 141). Miss Maudie realizes that Mrs. Merriweather is indirectly ridiculing Atticus about defending Tom Robinson and says to her, "His food doesn't stick going down, does it?" (Lee 141). Following Maudie's comment, Aunt Alexandra passes out refreshments and Scout mentions, "She gave Miss Maudie a look of pure gratitude, and I wondered at the world of women" (Lee 142). Scout is intrigued when Aunt Alexandra silently thanks Miss Maudie. Although Scout does not fully comprehend why Alexandra shows Maudie gratitude, she marvels at the subtlety of Alexandra's actions.