In Chapter 2, Scout attends school for the first time, and she is in Miss Caroline's first grade class. At the beginning of the day, Miss Caroline finds out that Scout can read, and she tells Scout that Atticus is no longer allowed to read to her anymore. Miss Caroline believes that it is best to start with a fresh mind which makes Scout extremely upset as she ponders the idea of never reading with Atticus again. Later on in the day, Scout gets bored and begins to write Dill a letter. Miss Caroline catches her writing and tells Scout that her father should stop teaching her how to write too. Clearly, Scout has gotten off to a rough start with her new teacher.
At lunch time, Walter Cunningham does not have any food to eat, and he refuses to accept Miss Caroline's quarter to buy lunch. Scout can tell that Miss Caroline is having a hard time understanding that Walter will not accept the quarter no matter what. Scout tries to help Miss Caroline understand why Walter refuses to accept her quarter but has difficulty explaining Walter's situation. Scout simply says, "Miss Caroline, he's a Cunningham" (Lee 26). Scout takes for granted that Miss Caroline is familiar with Walter's family and the Cunningham ways, but Miss Caroline is from Winston County and is unfamiliar with Maycomb. Scout realizes that she cannot fully explain herself, so she says, "You're shamin' him, Miss Caroline. Walter hasn't got a quarter at home to bring you, and you can't use any stovewood" (Lee 28). Miss Caroline is offended at Scout's comment and gives her a "half a dozen quick little pats" on the palm of her hand with a ruler. Needless to say, Scout's attempt at helping Miss Caroline is a complete failure.
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