1. To Highlight Hypocrisy: The meeting exposes the hypocrisy of the white community in Maycomb, who are eager to preach Christian values and "save" the "heathen" people of Africa, but are blind to the racism and prejudice they perpetuate within their own community. This hypocrisy is exemplified by the characters like Miss Maudie and Scout, who see through the facade and condemn the hypocrisy.
2. To Underscore Racial Prejudice: The meeting highlights the racist beliefs and attitudes prevalent in Maycomb. The discussion revolves around the need to "civilize" the African people, revealing the deeply ingrained prejudice that permeates the town and sets the stage for the novel's central conflict surrounding Tom Robinson's trial.
3. To Showcase Maycomb's Social Structure: The meeting offers a glimpse into the social dynamics and power structures within Maycomb. The Missionary Society is a prominent institution, reflecting the influence of religion in the town and the social hierarchy that dictates its members' roles and responsibilities.
4. To Introduce Aunt Alexandra: The meeting provides the opportunity to introduce Aunt Alexandra, a pivotal character who represents the traditional values of Maycomb's social order and its rigid adherence to social norms. Her presence at the meeting reveals her commitment to upholding these norms, setting the stage for her later conflicts with Scout and her progressive worldview.
5. To Provide a Contrast to the Radley Mystery: The Missionary Society meeting provides a contrasting perspective to the Radley family mystery. The focus on "saving" others in faraway lands emphasizes the town's ignorance and self-righteousness, while the Radley mystery underscores the fear and prejudice they harbor towards the "unknown" within their own community.
6. To Lay the Foundation for Scout's Moral Development: The meeting sparks Scout's critical thinking about morality and social justice. The juxtaposition of the missionary society's actions with the injustices she witnesses in her own community allows her to question established norms and develop a more nuanced understanding of the world.
In conclusion, the Missionary Society meeting in *To Kill a Mockingbird* is a crucial scene that serves to introduce important themes, characters, and social dynamics. It highlights the hypocrisy and prejudice of the white community in Maycomb, underscores the importance of social justice, and lays the groundwork for Scout's journey of moral development.