Therefore, stating one's beliefs is a very effective way to communicate with children. At the beginning of the novel, Scout overhears Atticus talking to Uncle Jack. She discovers some of her hopes for Jem and herself when Atticus says, "You know what's going to happen as well as I do, Jack, and I hope and pray that I can help Jem and Scout through this." without bitterness, and above all, without catching the usual Maycomb disease Why reasonable people go completely crazy when something involving a nigger happens is something I don't pretend to understand. Scout will come to me for their answers instead of listening to the city. I hope they trust me enough.?' (88).