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To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

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Student Question

What does the quote "His food doesn't stick going down, does it?" mean in To Kill a Mockingbird?

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The quote "His food doesn't stick going down, does it?" from To Kill a Mockingbird, spoken by Miss Maudie, addresses the hypocrisy of Mrs. Merriweather during the missionary circle meeting at the Finch house. It highlights how Mrs. Merriweather criticizes Atticus Finch's actions in stirring up the black community following the Tom Robinson trial, yet she has no qualms about enjoying the food provided by his earnings. This metaphorically suggests that while she disapproves of his actions, she benefits from them without discomfort.

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This quote is spoken by Miss Maudie, someone who knows how to speak her mind and is unafraid to do so.  She has been a supporter of Atticus since we first met her, and it is through her Scout and Jem begin to see Atticus in a new light.  She points out that he's not boring and dull, as his children think he is.  Instead, he can write airtight contracts, shoot better than anyone else in Maycomb County, does the unpleasant work on behalf of the town (which they're unwilling to do), and acts the same in his house as he does on the streets.  She recognizes in him the qualities which may not be glamorous but are characteristics everyone should want to have and should appreciate in others.

So, when Miss Maudie hears good "Christian" ladies at a Missionary Circle meeting--a meeting held in Atticus' house, no less--complaining about the...

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Negroes in town getting all stirred up by the trial and blaming Atticus for that unrest...well, she must speak. 

The comment itself is fairly literal--you may not like what Atticus is doing, but you sure don"t have any trouble eating the food his work provided.  It's a roundabout way of calling out the hypocrites without actually doing any namecalling.  Miss Maudie is subtle but her point is clear, just what we'd expect from her.

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A bit of context will help you understand this line. In chapter 24, the missionary society is at Atticus's house. Aunt Alexandra has invited them. During this meeting they talk about the Mrunas tribe of Africa. They also talk about Tom Robinson's trial. In particular, they mention that their own black servants are acting poorly on account of Tom's trial. The women intimate that they disapprove of Atticus taking on the case. There is no surprise here, as most of the town is against Atticus on this one. 

Miss Maudie is perturbed to say the least. There is where the quote comes in. 

Miss Maudie is shaming the women. They are very hypocritical. They are in Atticus's house and judging him. Moreover, they are explicitly Christian in their faith (they are actually a missionary society), yet they cannot see their own sins! 

Miss Maudie cannot tolerate the hypocrisy, and so she speaks these words. Here is Scout's impression:

To Kill A Mockingbird

“Maudie, I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” said Mrs. Merriweather. “I’m sure you do,” Miss Maudie said shortly.

She said no more. When Miss Maudie was angry her brevity was icy. Something had made her deeply angry, and her gray eyes were as cold as her voice. Mrs. Merriweather reddened, glanced at me, and looked away. I could not see Mrs. Farrow.

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Great question--when I teach this book, I get a lot of questions on this quote.

Mrs. Merriweather has just subtly (well, somewhat subtly) insulted Atticus. Miss Maudie responds with the above quote. There are two interpretations I give to my students.

1. Miss Maudie is referring to Mrs. Merriweather eating Atticus's food. Mrs. Merriweather is is Atticus's house, eating Atticus's food, in front of Atticus's sister and daughter and others that respect him. Miss Maudie's come back is asking Mrs. Merriweather (snidely) if Atticus's food is good enough to eat, even though Mrs. Merriweather insults Atticus.

2. The other explanation is that Miss Maudie is referring to Atticus eating food. Atticus knows he did the right thing, defending Tiom, and therefore, doesn't have a troubled conscience, so he can doing things freely, without feeling guilty--such as eating.

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