Skip to content

Well, coming out of the courthouse that night Miss Gates…

“Well, coming out of the courthouse that night Miss Gates was-she goin' down the steps in front of us, you musta not seen her- she was talking with Miss Stephen Crawford. I heard her say it's time somebody taught 'em a lesson, they were gettin' way above themselves, an' the next thing they think…” quote by Harper Lee
Download Open image
““Well, coming out of the courthouse that night Miss Gates was-she goin' down the steps in front of us, you musta not seen her- she was talking with Miss Stephen Crawford. I heard her say it's time somebody taught 'em a lesson, they were gettin' way above themselves, an' the next thing they think they can do is marry us. Jem, how can you hate Hitler so bad an' then turn around and be ugly about folks right at home-””

Harper Lee

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A character criticizes hypocrisy, warning against arrogance and betrayal within their own community.

In simple terms: Calling out hypocrisy and warning against arrogance.

Key Takeaway

Beware of self‑importance and betrayal.

Themes

hypocrisy justice community betrayal

Mood

critical reflective

Type

literary social commentary

When to use this quote

  • family disputes
  • political rallies
  • community meetings
  • civil rights activism

Key Concepts

moral conscience social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does arrogance erode trust?
  • What responsibilities do we have to confront hypocrisy?
A Different Perspective

May overlook systemic factors influencing behavior.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Harper Lee

Explore all 494 Harper Lee quotes

More Hitler Bad quotes

Browse all 6 Hitler Bad quotes