The Novel To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, follows two young protagonists, Jem and Scout, as they mature and learn about the world. Growing up, Jeremy Atticus Finch (Jem) and Jean Louise Finch (Scout), are influenced by many different individuals. Two of the characters that influence the two children are Miss Maudie and Aunt Alexandra. In the novel, Miss Maudie displays to Jem and Scout: positivity, empathy, and tells them not to harm the innocent; while Aunt Alexandra teaches mostly Scout to keep calm even in difficult situations, to put your family first, and to comfort those who are going through a difficult time.
Miss Maudie has a great influence on Jem and Scout as they grow up. Always trying her best to stay optimistic about everything, Miss Maudie, after her house burns down, simply accepted it and said “Always wanted a smaller house [...] Gives me more yard” (Lee,73). Her accepting the tragedy, and looking at the bright side of such a devastating incident, is a great demonstration of optimism to Scout and Jem. Empathy is another thing that Miss Maudie displays. After the Tom Robinson Trial, the traumatized Jem was given a larger slice of cake than Scout and their companion (Dill), by Miss Maudie. Miss Maudie knowing that Jem needed special treatment, therefore comforting and giving him the bigger slice is a great demonstration of empathy. Not only does she display these great examples of empathy and positivity, Miss Maudie also