Change In To Kill A Mockingbird

Aside from learning about her fellow citizens of Maycomb, Scout also had to start to protect herself, and her father from their neighbors and classmates. The atmosphere of discrimination towards the black defendant, and hatred towards their father, caused many uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous situations for the Finch Family. When Scout is confronted by her uncle Jack about a fight between Herself and her classmate, Scout responds “-tell you one thing right now, Uncle Jack, I’ll be-- I swear before God if I’ll sit there and let him say something about Atticus.” (114) This quote explains how she had to protect her father, and she could not just stand around and let him say malicious things about Atticus. Those actions were very brave of Scout, but she did not stop there.

Early in the book when Scout starts school she finds she does not like her teacher because her teacher does not believe Scout should be reading yet. Scout who has known how to read for a few years now finds this idea silly and decides to ask Atticus if she can stop going to school. Atticus tells her that if she can learn a little trick it will help her a lot in life he states “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 helps scout realize that even though she does not like her teacher’s thinking she can see the logic behind it if she looks at it from her point of view.

In the book “To Kill A Mockingbird” there are numerous coming-of-age events with Jem and Scout, who are brother and sister. Scout is a different type of girl, she wears clothes that make her look like a tomboy, has her hair cut short to her shoulders and is innocent and naive. Jem is a boy who is starting to spark an interest in things such as football and guns. Scout and Jem grow up in a time of racial discrimination and segregation in Maycomb, Alabama. Yet, have a father who shows them a disparate perspective of thinking.

Atticus is teaching Scout not to give up because she has had a bad experience and to be a law abiding citizen even if others do not follow the law. During school Ms. Caroline who is a school teacher tells Scout to stop reading. Ms. Caroline upsets Scout which is another reason Scout does not want to return to school. Atticus explains “ If you’ll concede the necessity of going to school, we’ll go on reading every night..” (Lee 41).

To Kill a Mockingbird Character Analysis In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, there are many complex characters. A complex character is a character that goes through a change throughout the story as well as having a variety of traits and many sides to their personalities. One of the main characters, Scout Finch, is a complex character that shows how she can be determined, defensive, and understanding throughout this novel.

In spite of Scout’s inability to fully comprehend the significance of what Atticus is doing for Tom, she readies herself to defend Atticus, which ultimately portrays that she does not regard society’s expectations on how she should

She teaches her to live life to the fullest and the ways of Maycomb. There are many interactions between Scout and Miss Maudie and all of them are positive. Scout is guided by Miss Maudie’s manner and looks up to her. When she is first introduced, Miss Maudie is described as, “a widow, a chameleon lady who worked in her flower beds in an old straw hat and men’s coveralls, but after her five o 'clock bath she would appear on the porch and reign over the street in magisterial beauty,”(Lee 56). Scout loves that Maudie is able to get her hands dirty during the day and become ladylike at night, and nobody judges her for it.

Scout is a very outspoken girl throughout the book. This is obvious to see in (lee 112) “ she called me a whore lady and jumped on me, is that true scout, said uncle jack. I reckson so.” Scout is in trouble she does not care she still chooses to smart off. Another way

Scout’s innocence and bravery manage to make the men leave. Despite feeling intimidated by all of the looks she received from the men, she still found the courage to talk to Mr. Cunnignahm. In the end, her bravery and ability to stand up to the men unintentionally save the lives of Atticus and Tom Robinson. In addition, Scout also expresses her bravery when she fights Cecil Jacobs. Everyone learns that Atticus is appointed as a lawyer for Tom Robinson’s case and the people of Maycomb are not happy about it.

Scout believes teachers should teach students at their level, even if it is more advanced then the teacher assumed a student would be. Also, Scout believes she should be free to learn at a faster pace and not be held back. Scout is confronted by Cecil Jacobs, who insults Atticus, at her school. Scout is confused by his actions, but rises to defend Atticus anyway. Scout yells at Cecil, “You can just take that back, boy!”(99) when Cecil slanders Atticus for his part in the Tom Robinson case.

After Scout’s observation of Miss Caroline’s reaction to Walter Cunningham’s attitude, Scout realizes she can’t judge a person’s actions without being in their position. During school, Scout explains to Miss Caroline that Walter couldn’t pay her back, as the Cunninghams “never took anything they can’t pay back,” but was met with a hard lecture (26). Miss Caroline’s innocence shines through and meets reality of the Maycomb people with denial. Moving from northern Alabama, she’s unadjusted to Maycomb life and its people. Initially confused about Miss Caroline’s ways, Atticus explains to Scout Miss Caroline learned something about the town, and to “not expect her to learn all Maycomb’s ways in one day” (40).

While school may teach lessons, they are certainly not valuable life lessons. Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird repeatedly shows the ineffectiveness of the education system in a child’s morals. To Kill A Mockingbird takes place in the Great Depression era in Alabama, where education was not the best. Teachers would only seek to teach their classes average, everyday lessons rather than valuable life teachings.

Atticus is a morally upright person who teaches his kids a number of important life lessons and leads by example. In Chapter 3, of To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus shows an interest in Scouts feelings as he is quick to notice that something is bothering her. Scout tells Atticus of her rough first day at school and teaches her an important lesson. Atticus says, “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you 'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks.

What she learns is slowly taught to her by the people around her and the experiences she has. The first life lesson that Scout encounters is not to judge someone until one really knows them. In this novel the first person that starts to teach Scout a lesson is Atticus,

“To Kill a Mockingbird “is a coming of age novel. Discuss this statement, with reference to at least two characters. In the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” there is evidence of a coming of age story or lesson. Scout learns not to judge people and try and understand where they are coming from and to view a situation from their point of view.