In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, a young girl, named Scout Finch goes through numerous adventures that make her see her everyday life differently. One of the things that make her view life in a different aspect is putting herself in someone else’s shoes. By doing this she learns not to judge anybody, especially based on the rumors in town. At the end of the novel, Scout realizes that to really know a person she must know what they go through, and what they see. To do she must put herself in the shoes of others and look through to see what they see.…
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch completes the hero’s journey, beginning with her mundane world in Maycomb County. Unlike Nick Carraway, her ordinary world does not hold much significance considering Scout wasn’t prepared for her call to adventure, nor was it voluntary. Her life changes when her father, Atticus, takes on a case to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of rape. Moreover, this is a pivotal moment in Scout’s life, she will begin to understand the society she lives in and separate from the life she is comfortable with. As she continues on this journey, she will learn about the tendencies of humanity and the unethical side of her town.…
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Jean Louise (Scout) Finch undergoes vast character change. Her views and perspective went through drastic alterations due to the events that ripped through Maycomb in rapid succession and the part her father, Atticus Finch, played in those events. She was selfish and somewhat self-absorbed in the beginning of the book, as expected for a child almost six years old but as she grew older and life threw its curve balls at her, she matured and became more compassionate and empathetic. In this essay Scout’s attitudes, values, and traits will be evaluated, as will her changes throughout the novel.…
To Kill a Mockingbird and Inherit the Wind are two vastly different forms of literature, focusing on different topics, characters, and morals. Yet there is a similar theme within these stories that they share. Through various characters and traits, Jerome Lawrence, Robert E. Lee and Harper Lee each demonstrate the necessity, as well as, the importance of change and growth through their characters. Scout, only a child throughout the To Kill a Mockingbird, doesn’t change but grows into her character.…
In To Kill a Mockingbird , The rabies-infested dog, Tim Johnson, represents the challenge that Atticus has to face by defending Tom Robinson and the town knowing that he is the most qualified person to do so. According to Atticus in chapter 10,”He’s far from dead, Jem, he hasn’t gotten started yet.” (Lee 126). This quote explains how Atticus knows the severity of this situation and how he knows it isn't over yet. According to Heck Tate in chapter 10, “I’d feel mighty comfortable if you did now.”…
After Jem and Scout begin to mature, Atticus helps them understand the role that racism plays in Maycomb, and from there on, to establish their own healthy and honest ideas on the subject. He does this by incorporating events from their everyday life; “As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t…
In Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, the Finches discover important themes through the lives and events of the people in Maycomb. To Kill a Mockingbird centers around Scout Finch, who is a young girl living in the 1930s during the Great Depression. In the story, Scout is upset because of the ignorance that her teacher showed because of the short time she lived in Maycomb. Her dad, Atticus, told Scout to put herself in the teacher’s shoes so she could better understand the teacher. This major theme, which is revisited throughout the novel, is empathy.…
Throughout the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, we see Scout learn many valuable life lessons that help grow as a person. Most of these important lessons come from Scout’s father, Atticus, a wise man that has justice running through his veins. Therefore, Atticus is the most influential person in Scout’s life. One lesson that Scout learns from Atticus is that you can’t shoot “mockingbirds.” This is an important lesson that Scout finally wraps her mind around when she says “it would be sort of like shooting a mockingbird”(Lee pg.280) This quote displays to the reader that Scout now understands other forms of mockingbirds such as Boo Radley and Tom Robinson.…
Atticus expects his children to stand up for what they believe in, and he does the same himself. He does not feel that he can tell them one thing and do another. Finally, Atticus is always guiding Jem and Scout with advice so that they will become more compassionate people. Atticus sets a good example for the children when Mr. Ewell confronts him. Even though he is provoked and insulted, Atticus simply has a “peaceful reaction”.…
In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atticus Finch chooses to defend an African American against many racist southerners. Knowing he had little chance of winning the case, he still pursued it making him a very fair and courageous man. He is fair because he treats everybody respectfully and equal no matter what color their skin is. He is courageous for trying to save an innocent man even though everyone was against him.…
Witnessing children’s curiosities expand while developing them into an active citizen in society can be a blessing, but revealing the harsh realities of society is never easy. Harper Lee, the author of the timeless classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, depicted the story of a tomboy girl named Scout, who matured in the racist-filled city of Maycomb as she came to comprehend the society in which she lived in. Scout’s surroundings helped shape her life as she matured by observing the trial of Tom Robinson, behaviour of adult figures, and social customs. To begin, Scout spectating the trial matured her understand regarding adulthood. As Mayella was declaring her testimony, Scout observed Mayella with a sympathizing state of mind.…
(page 39) One of Atticus’ central roles in this book is teaching Scout important life lessons, and not only does he preach these lessons, but he practises them too. “So if spitting in my face and threatening saved Mayella one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take.” (page 218) Atticus is facing great adversity, and yet he still makes it a point to be a respectful figure that his children can look up to.…
Likewise, Atticus is instructing Scout to consider understanding a person’s actions before speaking or taking action. Besides, Atticus has a huge impact on Scout and her life as he is always trying to be a good role model for both scout and Jem. Scout is also apprehending that her father is truly the peacekeeper of Maycomb. “ It was time like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived”(134). Here Scout is receiving courage and integrity from her father Atticus as he is a brave man in her eyes.…
Scout, against her father’s wishes, sat and observed the trial and as she was soaking up the complexity of the trial she came to a realization that “ … Mayella Ewell must have been the loneliest person in the world. She was even lonelier than Boo Radley, who had not been out of the house in twenty-five years. When Atticus asked had she any friends, she seemed not to know what he meant, then she thought he was making fun of her. She was as sad, I thought, as what Jem called a mixed child… “ (ADD PAGE NUMBER HERE). Atticus has taught Scout everything he can and now he has left the ball in Scout’s court and is awaiting her to make the first move towards the basket of maturity.…
Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, explores the role of heroes in unjust societies. The community of Maycomb, Alabama, the novel’s setting, is unjust, with inherent prejudice against many in the society. However, the character of Atticus Finch shows great heroism and fights the injustice that is prevalent throughout Maycomb, chiefly by electing to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Atticus Finch deserves distinction as the greatest moral hero of all time. He demonstrates heroism by his willingness to oppose tradition and institutionalized racism.…