To what extent does Scout understand the hypocrisy in Chapter 24?

In Chapter 24, Scout participates in Aunt Alexandra's missionary circle. It is her first time experiencing an exclusively female social event, and she is quite nervous. Luckily, she has Miss Maudie to support and comfort her. Throughout the gathering, Scout listens intently as Mrs. Merriweather displays her prejudice towards foreign cultures by taking pity on the Mrunas in Africa. When Mrs. Merriweather comments, "Thing that church ought to do is help her lead a Christian life for those children from here on out," Scout asks if she is talking about Mayella Ewell (Lee 310). Grace Merriweather responds by saying, "No, child. That darky's wife. Tom's wife, Tom---" (Lee 310). Scout continues to listen to Mrs. Merriweather elaborate on how the community's African American population was bitter after Tom's trial. Merriweather then tells Gertrude that nothing is more distracting than a "sulky darky," and claims that she had to tell her maid, Sophy, that Jesus never went around grumbling and complaining. Scout is tired of hearing her talk and mentions, "Mrs. Merriweather had to run out of air..." (Lee 311).

After Mrs. Farrow comments that there is no lady safe in her bed, Mrs. Merriweather indirectly criticizes Atticus for defending Tom. Miss Maudie subtly accosts Grace by saying, "His food doesn't stick going down, does it?" (Lee 312). Scout notices Alexandra acknowledge Maudie by giving her a look of "pure gratitude." Scout is intrigued for the first time by the female world but feels more comfortable around men. Scout mentions that Atticus and the men she knew were not hypocrites like the females in Maycomb.

Scout if fully aware of the hypocritical nature of the females at the missionary circle. She tries her best to daydream about Finch's Landing and the river so that she doesn't have to listen to Mrs. Merriweather elaborate on the African American community. She understands that Grace's Christian persona is hypocritical because she is prejudiced towards African Americans and even refers to them individually as "darky." Scout also realizes that Merriweather's critical views of Atticus are considered hypocritical. After all, the missionary circle is being held at Atticus' home.