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What does the political cartoon of Atticus chained to a desk mean to Jem?
Quick answer:
To Jem, the political cartoon of Atticus chained to a desk signifies a positive portrayal of his father's diligence and effectiveness in his job as a legislator. Jem interprets it as a compliment, suggesting that Atticus is essential for getting important tasks done, such as dealing with taxes. Despite Scout's confusion, Jem overlooks the negative implications of the cartoon, which depicts Atticus in a childish and restrained manner.
One day, while Atticus is in the capital for an emergency session of the state legislature of which he is a representative, Scout and Jem notice a cartoon in the Montgomery newspaper. It is captioned "Maycomb's Finch."
Scout is at a loss to understand why her father is depicted with a bunch of "frivolous-looking girls" yelling at him at his desk, to which he is shown chained. In addition, he is barefoot and wearing shorts.
Jem interprets the cartoon in a positive way. As it shows his father writing diligently on a slate, he thinks it is complimentary, as it means that Atticus is particularly effective at his job. If Atticus did not do his assigned tasks ("things"), they would not otherwise get done.
"Huh?" asks his sister.
Jem, who likes to seem wise, does not relieve her confusion. He gives her a fanciful interpretation of his father's "things" as having to do with taxes, the kind of subjects that most men find "dry." When Scout presses him, he dismisses her. Jem seems oblivious to the negative connotations of depicting him as both childish and fettered.
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