Throughout the book, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, many characters have matured through the teachings of people in Maycomb. The main character Scout Finch, is taught many lessons from family and neighbors in Maycomb County which have all contributed in her maturation. Atticus, Calpurnia and Mrs. Dubose have all greatly influenced her by teaching her many valuable lessons during her childhood.
Atticus Finch, Scout’s father, teaches Scout all the essential lessons in life through people around them. For example, Atticus tells Scout “‘You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it’” (Lee 39). This statement signifies that Scout should not judge
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people based on how they are portrayed. For instance, Boo Radley is portrayed as a psychopath who “drove scissors into his parents leg” (Lee 13), though in reality, he is a kind man who has helped Scout many times, like during Miss Maudie’s fire, Boo came out just to put a blanket on her so she would stay warm and he killed Bob Ewell, trying to protect Scout from Bob’s drunken state. Furthermore, when Miss Caroline pleaded Walter to take the nickel from her, Scout tried explaining to her, thinking she was dumb rather than seeing it as an honest mistake. Another lesson taught by Atticus is that one should never hurt an innocent being. “‘Shoot all the bluejays you want but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird’”(Lee 119). All mockingbirds do is play beautiful music, unlike bluejays, they do not destroy anything. Similarly, Tom Robinson is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, when all he did was chop the chiffarobe along with other small tasks while asking for nothing in return even though Mayella offered him a nickel which he denied. Plus, Boo Radley has committed no crime towards the people of Macomb yet he gets portrayed as a monster. These are the main lessons that Atticus has taught Scout throughout the years. Meanwhile,Calpurnia who joined the family as a cook, is so much more than just that.
She is portrayed as a motherly figure towards Scout who teaches her some valuable lessons throughout the years. First off, Calpurnia teaches Scout to be well-mannered and treat everyone well no matter their class, race or religion. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. When Walter Cunningham comes over for dinner and pours syrup all over his food, Scout tells him that it is not the proper way to eat. “‘Don’t matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house’s yo’ comp’ny and don’t you let me catch you remarkin’ on their ways like you was so high and mighty!’” (Lee 33). Calpurnia explains to Scout that everyone has their way of living and it is not very lady-like to criticize someone. Scout seems to have learnt her lesson later on in the book when Aunt Alexandra invites her missionary circle to the house. “‘Can I help you Cal?’ I asked, wishing to be of some service” (Lee 306). Scout asks Calpurnia if she can help since they have guests over and she is trying to be polite by serving them. Moreover, Calpurnia teaches and shows Scout the harsh reality of the world (racial segregation). For instance, Scout has been told that she should respect everyone and treat them equally but when she went to church, what she sees is the complete opposite. “‘You ain’t got business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’s’” (Lee 158). Ms.Lula is judging Calpurnia for …show more content…
bringing white children into a black church. This proves that the whole issue of equality has not yet settled in with everyone which contradicts what Scout has been told, to respect and treat everyone equally. Plus, when Scout listens to Calpurnia talk to her friends at the church, she notices that Calpurnia’s way of speaking is completely different. “‘That’s why you don’t talk like the rest of em’ …but you talked like they did in church’” (Lee 167). This proves that Maycomb is very two-sided. Also, when Tom Robinson is accused of rape, no white man seems to believe the possibility that he could be innocent. “‘When it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white man always wins.’” (Lee 295). Not only is Calpurnia a motherly figure, but she teaches Scout how to behave towards and treat others and shows her that the world is not a perfect place. Although Scout says that “‘Mrs.
Dubose is plain-hell’” (Lee 7), she has managed to teach Scout about real courage. Scout thinks that Atticus is a real hero and very courageous since he was able to shoot Tim Johnson, when even Mr. Heck Tate, the sheriff could not even do it.. “‘I saw that One-Shot Finch!’” (Lee 128). Since Jem ruined Mrs. Dubose’s camellia bush, he was told to go read to her everyday after school, accompanied by Scout. As the weeks went by, Scout noticed “‘that each day we had been staying a little longer at Mrs. Dubose’s...and that she was well into one of her fits by the time it sounded’” (Lee 145). Atticus later on explains that her fits were because of her morphine addiction. She had been taking it “as a pain-killer for years” (Lee 147). When Mrs. Dubose had been told by Dr. Reynolds that she had a little while left to live, she then decided to get rid of her addiction which is why Jem and Scout would go read to her, to pass time. Everyday she would go a little bit longer without taking her medication. By getting off her morphine addiction, she showed the kids real courage. Real courage is when one knows it is tough but they continue anyways, “when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what” (Lee 149), like when Atticus is defending Tom Robinson, he knows it is tough and virtually impossible to win, yet he tries his best to win. Mrs. Dubose knew from the very beginning it was going to be tough but
she went through with it because it was the right thing to do, she wanted “to leave this world beholden to nothing and nobody” (Lee 148). Given these points, Atticus, Calpurnia and Mrs. Dubose have all greatly influenced Scout by teaching her some valuable lessons throughout her childhood. Atticus taught Scout to never judge someone, Calpurnia taught Scout to respect everyone and Mrs. Dubose who taught Scout what real courage is. Had it not been for Atticus,Calpurnia and Mrs. Dubose, Scout would not have been the beloved matured girl now known as Jean Louise Finch.
The novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, takes place in the 1930s in a small Alabama county called Maycomb. The novel is about the Finch family of three. Atticus, the father, Scout the older brother and Scout the younger sister, who acts like a tomboy. Scout may be a lady, but does not like to act like one, she likes to play and get dirty with her brother. Being young, both children learn lessons throughout the novel by many different residents, such as, Calpurnia, the maid, Miss Maudie, the neighbor, and their father, Atticus. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird various citizens in the town of Maycomb play an important role in the lives of Jem and Scout Finch
Scout does not heed Atticus’ advice in Chapter 4 of To Kill a Mockingbird, as she continues to express her biased hatred for Calpurnia, and also openly contradicts Jem, without considering the perspectives to which they are taking. As stated by Harper Lee, “...Calpurnia’s tyranny, unfairness, and meddling in my business had faded to gentle grumbling of general disapproval (45)”. This quote expresses the many ways Scout thinks of Calpurnia, a great many of which as terrible and controlling. This biased description of Calpurnia shows how Scout is still unable to understand why Calpurnia consistently disciplines her, and from what standpoint she is doing so. Also stated by Lee, “Jem stamped his foot. “Don’t you know you’re not suppose to even
In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee, the author, wrote about the journey of a little girl, named Scout, as she grows up. Scout’s father Atticus serves as a grand part of her aging because he teaches her many life lessons. The most significant of all the lessons and a pivotal moment in the novel occurs when Atticus tells Scout that “you never really a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them,”, which contributes to one of Scout’s intellectual changes and the theme, understanding requires time (Lee 372).
Calpurnia is the Finch housekeeper. However, she is much more to the family. She acts as a mother figure to Jem and Scout as she practically raised them after their mother’s death when Scout was two years old. Along with Miss Maudie, Calpurnia is a strong, positive female influence in Jem and in Scout’s life. She is corresponding to Atticus in her lessons of politeness and compassion. For example, when Walter came home for dinner, and proceeded to pour maple syrup all over his meal, Scout made fun of him to the point of total embarrassment. Calpurnia told Scout, “There’s some folks who don’t eat like us,” she whispered fiercely,” but you ain’t called on to contradict’em at the table when they don’t. That boy’s yo’ comp’ny and if he wants to eat up the table cloth you let him, you hear?” “He ain’t company, Cal, he’s a Cunningham- ““Hush your mouth! Don’t matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house’s yo’ comp’ny and don’t you let me catch you remarkin’ on their ways like you was so high and mighty! Yo’ folks might be better’n the Cunningham’s but it don’t count for nothin’ the way you’re disgracin’ ‘em – if you can’t act fit to eat at the table you can just set here and eat in the kitchen!” Calpurnia sent me through the swinging door to the dining room with a stinging smack.” (Lee, page 26-29). Calpurnia’s moral lesson here is to respect
Atticus is a great leader of his family, teaching his children morals and life lessons. He makes them better people by showing them how to deal with the trial and people making fun of them. Atticus teaches Scout how to respect other people. First, Scout learns to respect Atticus, then to respect "Boo" Radley, and finally to respect a whole race of people, negroes. He makes it a common practice to live his life as he would like his children to live theirs, and thus displays the attributes of an honest, respectable, and kind man. Throughout the trial process, Atticus shows Jem and Scout that true courage is standing up for what you believe in and that all human beings, despite their race, deserve respect. "You never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." This quote shows that Atticus wants his children to get along with people, and so other people will respect them for whom they are.
In Harper Lee’s book To Kill a Mockingbird, most of the younger characters show growth throughout the book and Scout Finch showed the most growth in becoming mature. If it weren’t for her family, acquaintances, and people she saw regularly every day, her personality and growth would have been extremely different. The people that lived in the town of Maycomb had the biggest impact on how Scout grew up and became the person she was.
In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus is an ideal father, who sets a great example for his kids. A picture of Atticus is important to Scout because Atticus teaches Scout many important life lessons about life. Firstly, as Atticus talks to Scout about Miss. Stephanie, he states “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee,30). Scout realizes that one can never feel someone’s pain, happiness, or glory until she looks at their point of view of things; she learns to consider other people’s situation and feelings. She also understands that she will never know what goes in other people’s lives, and therefore she cannot judge anyone. Scout matures as she learns to apply Atticus’ wise advice to understand Mrs. Dubose and Boo Radley, who are individuals that are misunderstood by the community. Furthermore, as Miss Maudie talks to Scout, she states “Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets” (Lee, 46). Miss Maudie knows about Atticus’ personality quite well. Miss Maudie explains to Scout Atticus is a man with moral principles, he does what he believes is right even if others are not there to praise him. Through Atticus’ exemplary role, Scout understands the importance of integrity, and strong moral values. Finally, when Scout questions her father about the possible outcome of the trial, Atticus states “simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us to try to win” (Lee, 76). Atticus teaches Scout toleration, determination and moral courage. He already knows he is going to los...
Similar to Atticus, Calpurnia takes a stand against racism and believes everyone is equal. Due to Atticus’ and Calpurnia’s morals toward racism, Jem and Scout are heavily influenced by their views, and will most likely take after them. Calpurnia seeks every opportunity possible to educate Jem and Scout that racism is unacceptable. For example, Calpurnia takes the children with her to her black church called First Purchase, and because of this, the children are able to better understand the vast separation of race. Scout learns that not only are white people prejudice, but black people are also prejudice. Most of the negroes at First Purchase were very welcoming as the three entered except for Lula who made them feel unwelcome. "You ain't got no business bringin' white chillun here—they got their church, we got our'n” (136). Clearly, Lula is prejudice towards white people, similar to how white people are prejudice towards black people. In addition to these prejudice ways, Scout realizes how differently Calpurnia acts around her folks. Calpurnia stated that talking white folks in her church would be “out of place”, and how “folks don’t like to have somebody around knowin’ more than they do” (143). As a result, Calpurnia talks colored-folks’ at her church so she fits in with everyone else, rather than speaking more advanced, which ultimately shows
Dubose bravely tried to break her addiction to morphine. Even though she knew there is a small chance of success, she tried it anyway. Her addition was getting worst day by day, but she slowly understood that she could get rid of it by diverting her attention to different things. When Jem use to come to her house and read the books the duration of time was getting a bit longer every day. The amount of time was increasing every day. Atticus describes her as the bravest person he knew. He describes courage, “It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what” (Lee, 149). Atticus explains Jem how great was Mrs.
Throughout the novel, Atticus’ assistance to Jem and Scout’s development becomes evident. Atticus takes every opportunity to attempt to teach his children the importance of having an open-mind. For instance, when Scout queries Atticus about Maycomb’s prejudice perspective, he tells her, “You never really understand a person until…you climb in their skin and walk around in it.” (Lee 30) Even during the early stages of the novel, it is apparent that Atticus endeavors to instill the values of empathy and tolerance within Jem and Scout by teaching them how to have multiple perspectives on a situation. In addition, Atticus also attempts to enlighten his children about peaceful resolution in society. For example, when Atticus is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus tells Scout, you might hear some ugly talk about it at school but…you just hold your head high and keep those fists down.”...
Scout Finch is not the stereotypical girl from the 1930’s. Agents the wishes of everyone around her, she grows up in overalls instead of dresses. Scout plays in the dirt and sand, instead of in the kitchen. In the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird, by Harper Lee, Scout is the wild spirited narrator, growing up in the small town of Maycomb. As she gets older, she learns mostly from her father Atticus how to interact with people. Scout learns to show dignity and respect to everyone, under any circumstances.
Dubose, I can see that she was a strong and courageous woman. Although Mrs. Dubose was often prejudice about Atticus helping a nigger, she fought a battle against herself. This chapter allows the reader to understand two themes of the story, which are courage and human dignity. Even though she knew she was defeated, she fought against the morphine addiction. As stated by Atticus on page 112, “’I wanted you to see something about her—I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyways and you see it through no matter what.”’ In other words, Atticus is saying courage is not within holding a gun but rather standing up for what’s right, regardless of whether they win or lose. Furthermore, it teaches the readers that we need to fight in what we believe in.
When one is young, one is oblivious to the harsh realities of life. The imperfect human nature, suffering, and trauma can influence a child’s view of the world and the people in it. In her novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee tells a story about the coming of age of Scout, a young girl living in the post Civil War South, in a context of racism, violence and aggression. As Scout faces these new experiences, she relies upon her African-American nanny, Calpurnia, her reclusive neighbor, Arthur Radley, and her father, Atticus Finch to help her through it all. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses the characterization of Scout to illustrate that when a naive child is exposed to traumatic, adult situations, they may develop a deeper and a more mature understanding of the people who influence them in their life.
Much of the credit for Scout 's moral development is owed to Atticus. He is a loving, patient, and understanding father who guides his children to virtue while respecting them as individuals capable of judgment and decision. He teaches them compassion and tolerance, frequently advising Scout to "step into the shoes" of others such as the Ewell’s and Boo Radley. (Dare 96-97)
Atticus is a major influence on Scout’s identity. He tells Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” (33). Atticus’s counsel teaches Scout to never judge someone until she is aware of their reasoning. This guidance helps Scout to interact with the people around her. One example of when she used Atticus’s advice is against the lynch mob. She convinces Mr. Cunningham to leave by talking to him about what he cared about. This interaction shows how an individual’s connection to family members affects his judgement and, therefore, his character. In addition, Atticus expands on this advice later in the novel, stating, “The one thing that...