Attempted Lynch

One of the most important parts of the novel is the part where a group of white men attempt to break Tom Robinson out of jail in order to lynch him in chapter XV

Throughout this scene, we learn numerous important facts about Scout, Maycomb, Atticus and the perceptions of the time.

In this scene, a group of white men who are predominantly farmers or from the poorer areas of Maycomb (based on their descriptions), attempt to break Tom Robinson out of jail.  While their goal is never fully verbalised, the audience understands that they want to lynch him for his "crime."  Throughout the passage Lee paints both Atticus and the group of men differently and automatically we see who she thinks has the right attitude.  Look at the passage below and look specifically at the words being used to paint Atticus and the men:

How do the words/phrases above highlight Atticus' ideas and the attitudes of the men?  Also, think about how the description of the courthouse foreshadows what's to come in the passage.

The only reason the mob of men dissipate is due to Scout's innocence.  When Scout 'leaps' into the crowd of men, they're reminded of the consequences of their actions to not only themselves but to the people around them.  Therefore, they are forced to re-think their actions and return to their homes.