in chapter 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird Jem Scout dill and aunt Alexandra are worried about Atticus after he's been threatened Atticus assures the family that it was simply Bob mules way of venting and might prevent him from taking his anger out on his children as the summer continues to pass they all look forward to Tom Robinson's appeal Atticus thinks they'll have a good chance of winning he and the children have a long talk about juries and evidence Jem gains a greater appreciation for the law even if he still holds to idealistic views of justice and equity Atticus reveals that it was a cousin of mr. Walter Cunningham who kept the jury from convicting Tom right away this leads to Scouts proposal to invite Walter jr. to dinner when school starts again but aunt Alexandra says no the Cunningham's are too low class when Scout objects for aunt remarks that the Cunningham's are trash Alexander a further upset Scout by suggesting that spending time of the Cunningham will be a terrible influence on her under Jemez protective wing they retreat to his bedroom where he tries to comfort her Jem tells her he's starting to understand why Boo prefers to stay inside the Finch family's discussion examines how the events of the trial affect each member Atticus and gems discussion of a potential appeal for Tom Robinson provides insight into Jim's continued interest in the legal system and how racism can influence it as Scout joins the conversation it's clear she's beginning to think more deeply about issues of prejudice even if she doesn't have the words for it yet her idea to invite Walter jr. for dinner and her reaction and Alexandra show how much she's changed since first inviting Walter jr. to dinner just over a year ago