Miss Maudie Atkinson is one of the few people in Maycomb County who can see the world how it is, and judges people on their personalities. The day after Tom Robinson’s trial, news about the case is buzzing all over the neighborhood. Miss Maudie invites the children to her house to sample her newest cake, but doesn't mention the trial. The children eat in silence but Miss Maudie breaks it when she states “that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father’s one of them” (Lee 288). Miss Maudie understands that there is dirty work in the world, and someone has to do it, even if they don’t want to. That someone is Atticus, who takes it upon himself because he knows no one else will.
Everyone in Maycomb County looked down upon the Finches after Atticus began defending an African American. However, they don’t disapprove of them because of who they are, it’s because Atticus was given the case, and they can’t see past that, save for Miss Maudie. Miss Maudie continued to treat the Finches the same way she always did, and barely batted an eye when she found out about the trial. As the children were invited to her house, the children “sensed that this was Miss Maudie’s way of saying that as far as she was concerned, nothing had changed” (Lee 288). Miss Maudie knows that the Finches’ personality and values haven’t changed because of this case.
While Maycomb County once revered the Finches, and now disapproves of them, Miss Maudie hasn’t changed her views. She looks past the obvious facts and into the more complicated details of people’s lives where the true story lies.
I agree that in chapter 22 Miss Maudie shows tremendous support for Atticus. In this chapter she conveys to the reader her great understanding of people and how she expresses empathy. "We're so rarely called on to be Christians, but when we are, we've got men like Atticus to go for us," (Lee 288). Miss Maudie knows that Atticus didn't choose to defend Tom, but also that he did a great job. Because of this she is able to feel empathy for him because of all of the hate he gets from the fact that he defended a black person. Overall, Miss Maudie is able to show her support for Atticus through empathy throughout the days of the trial.
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