How does Atticus explain the mob's actions to Scout?

In , the
Old Sarum bunch arrives at the Maycomb jailhouse and attempts to harm Tom Robinson.
Fortunately,is waiting outside of Tom's cell, and Walter Cunningham tells the mob to leave after
Atticus' children arrive. In , Atticus explains mob mentality toand . Atticus displays his
tolerance by telling his children that Walter Cunningham was still a good man despite his
attempt to harm Tom Robinson. Atticus proceeds to tell Jem and Scout that mobs are made up of
individuals. Atticus also mentions that despite being part of a mob, the members are still human
and can be stopped. His comments suggest that when individuals form a mob, they are heavily
influenced by the other members and lose their individuality. Scout's presence was enough to
make Walter Cunningham view the situation from Atticus' perspective. Atticus' explanation gives
his children additional insight into mob mentality and the situation outside of Tom Robinson's
cell.