The use of the N word is used in this chapter. Why do you think the author used it in the context of what was going on in the book and the time and place in which the book is set in?

The "N" word was a common term for black people. It was an accepted term used by the white community. Still it was offensive. Atticus was a progressive man and knew the common status quo was offensive, he wanted more from his children.

"Scout," said Atticus, "nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don't mean anything—like snot-nose. It's hard to explain—ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody's favoring Negroes over and above themselves. It's slipped into usage with some people like ourselves, when they want a common, ugly term to label somebody."