How Does Scout Mature In To Kill A Mockingbird
Scout’s Character
In a town where social classes and The Great Depression has dominated, in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch allows the readers to see past the preconceived ideas of Maycomb and view through the eyes of a 5 year old, inquisitive girl who has nothing more to offer than amiable intentions. Scout has been sheltered growing up, not from equality and acceptance, yet from the world’s prejudice actions. For instance, the naive child has a shortage of vocabulary that is used in the 1900s daily leaving Scout questioning “what [is] a whore-lady?” (99). Even though Scout may have a mature voice or understanding of certain topics, leaving her to seem ignorant in the choices she makes, her innocence shines throughout
her behaviour in the novel. The pristine child pushes herself through her inquisitive personality to seek adventure and push the boundaries which may eventually lead to certain scenarios. Scout’s curiosity is shown towards her interest in finding out if “Boo Radley’s still alive” (48), despite what others have told her. The young girl’s interfering actions push her towards making bold moves and not take other’s opinions into perspective until she finds out the truth for herself. As well as Scout’s ignorance and intrusiveness, the pugnacious girl’s occasionally gets herself into trouble, regardless, Scout acts upon amiable intentions. Such as when Scout “split [her] knuckle to the bone on [Francis’] front teeth” (96), after her father was insulted. Despite her ill-mannered actions, Scout shows nothing but love and compassion towards her family and friends. In the end, the astute Scout begins the novel as a naïve, curious, and pure hearted girl who faces diverse situations with an unadulterated perspective.
In a town where social classes and The Great Depression has dominated, in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch allows the readers to see past the preconceived ideas of Maycomb and view through the eyes of a 5 year old, inquisitive girl who has nothing more to offer than amiable intentions. Scout has been sheltered growing up, not from equality and acceptance, yet from the world’s prejudice actions. For instance, the naive child has a shortage of vocabulary that is used in the 1900s daily leaving Scout questioning “what [is] a whore-lady?” (99). Even though Scout may have a mature voice or understanding of certain topics, leaving her to seem ignorant in the choices she makes, her innocence shines throughout
her behaviour in the novel. The pristine child pushes herself through her inquisitive personality to seek adventure and push the boundaries which may eventually lead to certain scenarios. Scout’s curiosity is shown towards her interest in finding out if “Boo Radley’s still alive” (48), despite what others have told her. The young girl’s interfering actions push her towards making bold moves and not take other’s opinions into perspective until she finds out the truth for herself. As well as Scout’s ignorance and intrusiveness, the pugnacious girl’s occasionally gets herself into trouble, regardless, Scout acts upon amiable intentions. Such as when Scout “split [her] knuckle to the bone on [Francis’] front teeth” (96), after her father was insulted. Despite her ill-mannered actions, Scout shows nothing but love and compassion towards her family and friends. In the end, the astute Scout begins the novel as a naïve, curious, and pure hearted girl who faces diverse situations with an unadulterated perspective.