In Chapter 3 of "To Kill a Mockingbird," Scout Finch has a tough day at school after a confrontation with her classmate, Walter Cunningham. After Scout tries to stand up for herself, she ends up getting in trouble and is reprimanded by her teacher, Miss Caroline. This incident leads to Scout feeling frustrated and confused about the adult world.
Later, Scout's older brother, Jem, intervenes and invites Walter to their home for lunch. During their meal, Scout’s manners and lack of understanding of social class differences create further tension. Calpurnia, their cook, teaches Scout a lesson about respect after she criticizes Walter's eating habits.
The chapter emphasizes themes of social class, empathy, and the complexities of childhood, highlighting the lessons Scout learns about the world around her and the importance of understanding others’ perspectives. The interactions among the Finch family and their guests also lay the groundwork for the broader social themes that will be explored in the novel.