How does this quote relate to To Kill a Mockingbird??

Question

How does the quote

"Credulity is a man's weakness, but a child's strength."

relate to To Kill a Mockingbird??

Answer 1

First, you need to know the meaning for credulity...or rather credulous. Credulous means "ready to believe without proof."

It seems to me the phrase is saying that as a child it is good to trust or have faith easily, but as an adult it would be a mistake.

Perhaps it is referring to Tom's trial. Atticus proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Tom couldn't have been the one to rough up May Ella because of his bad arm, yet people seem convinced by Mr. Ewell's statements (which are clearly false) just based on the fact that he is white (therefore the "honest" one...even though his actions and what we've learned about him clearly prove the oppisite).  

But maybe it has something to do with how the kids look up to Atticus? It's a thinker...and I couldn't really venture more without re-reading the book.