Miss Gates comment at the courthouse referred to African Americans gaining independence taking away some freedoms from white people. Scout continues to be curious about the mysterious Boo Radley, as he remains an enigma even after all these years. Atticus refused the idea of getting a gun for protection because he believes no one will harm him and he is ready to die if his time comes. Scout asking Jem if it's right to persecute someone shows she is starting to understand that it is wrong to judge people merely because they are different.