essay about scout in to kill a mockingbird

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2366 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11015 literature essays, 2791 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

To Kill a Mockingbird

The key influences in scout's and jem's lives anonymous 9th grade.

The course of growing up is always influenced by the people around you, since the people in your environment are vital in shaping the person you will become. Harper Lee demonstrates this reality in the classic tale To Kill a Mockingbird , through the eyes of a six year-old Scout and a ten year-old Jem in the racially-tense Southern town of Maycomb during the Great Depression. Both Scout and Jem are exposed to different influences from very important people in their lives. They encountered positive and negative influences that taught them important things about the world they live in. Each influence makes Scout and Jem expand their knowledge of their surroundings and think differently about the society they live, discovering in the process how racism and social class infect the foundation of Maycomb County.

In the novel, Atticus is perhaps the most important factor in Scout and Jem’s growth and maturity. Atticus is not only their father, but also a state legislator and lawyer who sets a fine example to his children by doing what he believes is right regardless of what everyone else thinks. He also encourages his children to follow his footsteps of doing the right thing as well. An example of this is when he was speaking with...

GradeSaver provides access to 2312 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 10989 literature essays, 2751 sample college application essays, 911 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Already a member? Log in

Scouts Qualities in to Kill a Mockingbird

This essay about Scout Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird” analyzes her critical role as the narrator and central character, focusing on her innocence, intelligence, and determination. These traits allow her to offer insightful commentary on racial injustice, ethical growth, and empathy, deeply influencing the reader’s understanding of the novel’s moral themes. Scout’s growth, shaped by her experiences and interactions in Maycomb, highlights her transition from naivety to a nuanced understanding of humanity.

How it works

In Harper Lee’s iconic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Scout Finch serves not only as the central character but also as the story’s narrator, offering a deep and poignant view on complex themes such as racial injustice, ethical development, and empathy. Scout’s narrative is particularly effective due to her distinct characteristics; her innocence, sharp intelligence, and robust determination shape her experiences and deeply influence how readers perceive the moral teachings of the story.

Scout’s innocence is immediately apparent and forms a core theme around which the narrative’s moral lessons are structured.

As a child, she views the world with straightforward curiosity typical of her age. This innocence is vital in a narrative that addresses harsh realities like racism and assault, providing a sharp contrast to the ignorance and prejudice displayed by many adults in the story. Through her interactions with her father, Atticus, and her encounters with deeply ingrained racial prejudices of Maycomb society, Scout’s initial simplicity gradually transforms into a more layered understanding of human complexities. Her evolving relationship with the enigmatic Boo Radley, transitioning from childhood myths to a mature acknowledgment of Boo’s kindness, highlights this development and supports Lee’s commentary on the inherent innocence and decency that can exist alongside human cruelty.

Intelligence is another defining trait of Scout, evident in her precocious reading skills and acute observational abilities. She reads the Mobile Register and interprets complex political cartoons even before attending school, showcasing her advanced intellectual abilities. This intellectual prowess not only sets her apart from her peers but sometimes even isolates her from them. However, it also makes her a perceptive observer of the social and moral dynamics in her community. Scout’s intelligent and reflective narration helps her and the readers question and understand the irrational and unjust behaviors exhibited by the townspeople. This intellectual maturity is crucial as she confronts the racial injustices central to the plot, especially during Tom Robinson’s trial.

Moreover, Scout’s determination is a vital aspect of her character, displayed in how she responds to challenges and confrontations. Whether defending her father’s integrity or confronting peers who insult her family because of Atticus’s role in defending Tom Robinson, Scout’s responses are marked by a fiery spirit and a deep sense of justice and loyalty. Initially, her reactions often involve physical confrontations, but under Atticus’s mentorship, she learns to control her physical impulses and express her strong emotions through more thoughtful avenues. This maturation does not weaken her resolve but rather enhances her ability to deal with the complex moral questions the novel raises.

Throughout the story, Scout’s experiences expose her to the harsh realities of her society, prompting a significant evolution in her understanding of morality. Her interactions with individuals like Calpurnia and Mrs. Dubose help Scout to look beyond initial perceptions and appreciate the inner struggles and strengths of others. This developed capacity for empathy, even towards those who appear different or antagonistic, is a significant growth in her intellectual and emotional journey.

In essence, Scout Finch’s character is a compelling amalgamation of innocence, intelligence, and unwavering determination. These qualities not only define her persona but also propel the narrative and deepen the novel’s exploration of themes like justice, empathy, and the loss of innocence. As readers accompany Scout on her path from naive child to insightful young adult, they are encouraged to contemplate the complexities of human nature and the social structures that influence our moral decisions. Through Scout, Harper Lee not only delivers a gripping tale but also imparts a significant moral education, demonstrating the transformative power of literature.

Cite this page

Scouts Qualities In To Kill A Mockingbird. (2024, May 01). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/scouts-qualities-in-to-kill-a-mockingbird/

"Scouts Qualities In To Kill A Mockingbird." PapersOwl.com , 1 May 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/scouts-qualities-in-to-kill-a-mockingbird/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Scouts Qualities In To Kill A Mockingbird . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/scouts-qualities-in-to-kill-a-mockingbird/ [Accessed: 25 Oct. 2024]

"Scouts Qualities In To Kill A Mockingbird." PapersOwl.com, May 01, 2024. Accessed October 25, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/scouts-qualities-in-to-kill-a-mockingbird/

"Scouts Qualities In To Kill A Mockingbird," PapersOwl.com , 01-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/scouts-qualities-in-to-kill-a-mockingbird/. [Accessed: 25-Oct-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Scouts Qualities In To Kill A Mockingbird . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/scouts-qualities-in-to-kill-a-mockingbird/ [Accessed: 25-Oct-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

KMV Expressions

SHOW YOUR EXPRESSIONS IN KMV BLOGS

Growth and Development of Scout Finch’s character in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”

In Harper Lee’s classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Scout Finch is the young narrator and protagonist of the story. As a six-year-old at the beginning of the novel, she provides a child’s perspective on the events unfolding in the racially divided town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. Scout is intelligent, curious, and often blunt, which helps her to challenge the prejudices and injustices she encounters. Her father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who defends Tom Robinson, an African American man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Scout’s experiences throughout the novel, including her interactions with people like Boo Radley and her observations of her father’s moral courage, play a crucial role in her development and in the broader themes of the book, such as empathy, justice, and social inequality. Scout has many experiences throughout the story that have made her become more mature and has shown that she has grown up. Scout, is not a typical southern girl. She likes to rough and tough it, hang with the boys, explore and play the Boo Radley game. Her maturity isn’t portrayed until the last few chapters. Scout begins to mature around the time of the trail and after that when Aunt Alexandra comes back around. In the beginning of the book, Scout wanted nothing to do with the girls. She liked hanging with Jem and Dill and exploring and wondering about Boo Radley. She begins to feel distant from Jem as me matures throughout the story before she does. Her maturity starts to be shown when her innocence and view of the town of Maycomb and society changes. This was because of the Tom Robinson trial. The first experience is when Scout starts school. School matures any human being because it’s the start of the rest of your life and what you do with it. Scout was excited about school starting because she already knows how to read and write. However, her first day showed she was still immature because she got into a fight with Walter Cunningham. But she did learn a little something from the fight and her new teacher and Atticus.

“If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get long 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 around it.” – Atticus Finch. The second experience is when Miss Maudie’s house was caught on fire. Scout and all of the neighbours come over to Miss Maudie to stick by her side through the tragedy. Even though she said the house was too big anyways. Scout had finally witnessed a fire. She was around all of the adults and was being a mature young lady. When the house finally burned down, Scout had realized how a fire can effect a person and all their memories in their home. Further in the novel , where she begins to mature is when Aunt Alexandra comes to visit. Aunt Alexandra tries to get Scout to act and dress more like a lady, but she tries to fight for who she is and that is a tomboy. Aunt Alexandra also didn’t want her hanging out with Calpurnia, but she did anyways because Calpurnia is the mom figure in her life and also teachers her how to write in cursive. Standing up for who she is shows maturity and confidence. “Aunt Alexandra’s vision of my deportment involved playing with small stones, tea sets, and wearing the Add-A-Pearl necklace she gave me when I was born.” Dill didn’t come one summer. Scout was obviously sad. But, that gave her time to get insight on how Jem is beginning to mature and not want to play games as much and not assume things about Boo by the things they hear. Scout I think begins to do the same just doesn’t want to admit it. She gains insight on how you can’t assume things about people since Boo was leaving gifts and fixed Jem’s pants. They still haven’t seen him but it changes judgment on him since they think it might be him. The next experience was when Jem and Scout when to church with Calpurnia. What Scout had learned from that was blacks can also judge whites because whites judge the blacks. She also learned how Calpurnia really acts and how she actually talks to her loved ones and her close friends. It shows her that people have a different side to themselves when they are around close relatives etc. Also learned how things are different for blacks back in the day such as they didn’t have books to sing along with because most of them didn’t have the education to be able to read. So instead the priest sang and they repeated. It shows how blacks were really treated and how they always got less than whites. The next experience is the trial. Everyone went but Miss Maudie because she didn’t want to see someone risking there life. But what scout had learned from the beginning of the trial was that people back in the day thought blacks were trouble makers compared to whites. Everyone is very prejudice in that town. But Scout learns that everyone should be equal and that everyone is the same whether they are coloured or not. She realizes that blacks are the same as whites and that they shouldn’t be judge. Another event that showed her growth or helped her mature was again the trial, but, this was when the blacks stood up for Atticus as he left. Scout stood with them but at first didn’t know why they stood. When she learned it was out of respect for Atticus for taking a case that was doomed from the start and put up a good argument. They appreciated what he did. Atticus took a risk to fight for an innocent man. This helps Scout grow and mature because this shows how to be respectful, to do what’s right, even if it means getting looks and rude comments. Atticus felt like he had to do this morally and this helps show Scout what a real man is. Next Scout finally wears the dress and goes to Aunt Alexandra’s tea party. She learns that its okay to dress fancy and still be the tomboy that she is. She still wore her pants under her dress because that’s how scout is. She learns that its fun to dress up, be around the grown ups and laugh with them. She learns that she doesn’t have to be feminine to wear a dress. Scout loves her unique self and is proud of who she is as a person. One of the final experiences is the attack on them by Bob Ewell. Bob Ewell told Atticus that he would get him back for the trial and making his daughter out to be a liar. Even though the won the case and tom ended up dying, Bob still wanted revenge. Throughout the story he had been uneducated, racist and dirty. So, after the pageant as Scout and Jem were walking back home, and they hear someone following them. All of the sudden, Jem is grabbed. He told Scout to run but she fell. All she can hear is Jem screaming and the his arm breaking. Once she gets up, all she sees is a man carrying Jem home as she feels the ground she feels Bob. She runs home to find Jem unconscious. They all turn out to be okay except Bob who was killed by Boo Radley. This shows Scouts maturity and helps her finally grow up because she finally sees how society is and how doing the right thing doesn’t always benefit others.

Last experience is when Scout walks boo to his house. After helping him walk around her house and communicating with him, helping him and taking care of him. When she held his arm as she walked him up his stairs and stood on his porch, she saw his perspective in everything. She took Atticus’s advice about being in someone else’s shoes while she was standing on Boo’s porch. She was finally in his shoes. She had finally grown up and became mature over every experience that had happened to her over the years. Standing in his shoes made her realize that. Therefore, being a coming-of-age novel, Scout grows and develops with the progression of the plot. She learns through her surroundings and that, especially her father, Atticus Finch and brother Jem Finch, has a huge impact on what kind of person she grows up to be.

Written by: Nancy Class : B.A. Honours English, Semester-5

Share this:

Kmv Expressions

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar