Scout Finch, the narrator of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, contrasts sharply with society in the early-mid 1930s; their differences are evident in her judgement, behavior, and family life. Throughout the novel, it is implied that she was much different from others, whether that be the school children mentioned near the beginning of the book or even the adults of Maycomb, whose position on common issues are exposed during the Tom Robinson trial. These elements caused her to stand out among other characters as she was presented with more predicaments to face throughout the book. As a result of Scout being raised by her father and brother, she was a tomboy who rejected the lady-like qualities of other women in society. For example, when Aunt Alexandra arrived at the Finch home to assist Atticus in bringing up the children, Scout clashed with her due to …show more content…
Many times it was mentioned that she was playing with Jem and Dill, not female classmates. Scout frequently found herself in quarrels and verbal arguments. When she felt challenged by Jem, she simply tackled and punched him. She was very content with an air-rifle that was gifted to her; she and Jem would “go exploring with our air-rifles to see if we could find a rabbit or squirrel” (92). According to Aunt Alexandra, other girls her age did not behave in such ways; they were supposed to be submissive and quiet. On the first day of school, Scout contradicted those girlish qualities by standing up in class and speaking her mind without fear of the consequences. She also stated that after school “catching Walter Cunningham in the schoolyard gave me some pleasure, but when I was rubbing his nose in the dirt Jem came by and told me to stop” (22). Generally, she would tag along with Dill and Jem when they went on endeavors, which almost always landed her in an unfortunate position that resulted in a warning or even
Her determination allows her to continue to swear, which is not fitting for the kind of woman that society expects. In addition, she continues to participate in similar activities that involve Jem and Dill. She is also able to avoid acting like a lady in front of Dill, who she aspires to marry, in the future. She is unwilling to change her decision to become ladylike. Also, even though he father reminds her to use her head instead of her fist, she still reckons to fight against her family instead of publicly. This shows us that she is willing to continue to fight, if it concerns her father and anything that holds great value to her. Scout does not let go of her ability to fight, even though, she knows it is not the right choice for a lady, and she keeps her head held high like her brother, like a man. In all, Scout’s determination aids her in resisting the attempts that society inflicts upon her towards becoming a befitting
Scout Finch changes and grows significantly over the course of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. In the beginning of the novel, Scout is a young girl who hadn't thought much of the prejudice in the world and was quick to judge others. Throughout the novel she becomes more aware of the prejudice in her own community, more sympathetic and understanding of others, and learns to stick to her morals. These changes were largely influenced by her father's example, the trial he was a part of, and her experiences in school.
The people we surround ourselves with will eventually greatly influence how we develop and change over time. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird we follow a young girl named Jean Louise Finch or commonly known as Scout. As she goes through life she comes across many events that will being to shape how her character will turn out to be. Her moral decisions and reactions to the controversial events that occur, play a big role in the way she develops as a person.
Aunt Alexandra doesn’t believe that Scout is feminine enough and disapproves of her tomboyish looks. She hates the way Scout dresses, can't believe that Atticus allows her to curse, and disapproves of her friends.
Later in the novel when both the children have matured since the beginning, Scout has found herself involved in the ladies meeting by Aunt Alexandra and realises what it is like to be a lady. After hearing the horrid announcement of Tom Robinson’s death, Scout sees how affected by the news Aunt Alexandra is she till retains her lady-like manners as she has company. Scout thinks, “After all, if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I.” Scout allows herself
Scout had been raised in a masculine environment, with her father Atticus and her brother Jem, after her mother passed away. During the first chapters of the book, many negative comments were made about acting or being a girl from Jem. Jem would say comments such as, “ ’Scout I’m tellin’ you for the last time, shut your trap or go home-I declare to the Lord you’re gettin’ more like a girl everyday!’ “. Comments like this were made throughout the beginning of the book, making it seem that acting feminine was inferior to masculinity. This environment contradicted what many believed a little girl should dress and act like.
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, there are many characters that demonstrate heroic qualities. The story is narrated by a young girl named Scout Finch who lives in Maycomb County Alabama in the 1930’s. There is a lot of racial prejudice in Maycomb County and Scout’s father, Atticus, is a lawyer defending a black man named Tom Robinson. In the novel, Atticus, Scout, and Scout’s brother Jem have to overcome many insults and bullying because Atticus is defending a black man. While the trial is going on, Scout and Jem befriend their mysterious neighbor whom they have never even seen. Through this friendship and the trial Scout and Jem are able to open their eyes to the injustices and prejudices of the people of Maycomb. Scout, Atticus, and Tom Robinson are all heroes in the small town of Maycomb.
Atticus asked Aunt Alexandra to come for a visit unexpectedly. Aunt Alexandra says, “Jem’s growing up now and you are too, we decided that it would be best for you to have some feminine influence.” (Lee 169-170). It is unfair of Atticus to suddenly want Scout to change her personality just because she is getting older. This could lead to Scout thinking that she is not good enough for Atticus the way she is. That utter disrespect for Scout’s feelings shows Atticus’s ignorance, because if he was an understanding father, he would love her the way she is and not want her to change. Furthermore, Atticus is ignorant because he does not show interest in the activities his children enjoy. Jem and scout had received air rifles for Christmas, from their Uncle Jack. When it came time for them to learn how to shoot, Atticus said that he was not interested in guns. One day a rabid dog was wandering around their neighborhood, Scout explains, “Atticus’s hand yanked a ball-tipped lever as he brought the gun to his shoulder. The rifle
Scout is a very strong and independent character who believes in who she is. She does not allow anyone to push her around even if that means she has to settle an argument in an immature way such as fist fights. Scout is unlike many girls in her town. She likes to play outside,wear pants and she doesn’t like to play with teasets or dolls. This appalls many adults who are not understanding of why Scout is different from the other girls. Many neighbors and relatives put the blame on Atticus for “not raising her right”. Atticus is often criticized because he took a different role in life than his siblings and left the Finch landing. The Finch Landing is a huge farm run by workers paid slim to none. Atticus’s siblings, Alexandra and Jack stayed at the farm and took in the money and watched the workers work. Generations and generations of Finches had done this with the exception of Atticus. Instead he felt there was more to life and decided to go to school and become a lawyer. He is now raising Scout and Jem. With Scout’s mom dead, many people feel they need to intervene with Atticus’s parenting to play a mother figure. Alexandra plays a big part in this and sits Scout down to chat. Alexandra tells Scout that she
The famous quote from Anne Frank, “parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands,” couldn’t be truer to Harper Lee’s character, Scout Finch. Throughout the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Scout Finch changes and grows both emotionally and socially with the help of her friends and family.
Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch is the main character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and is the narrator of the story. She starts the novel at the age of six, and over the course of the novel, grows to be nine. Racism affects Scout throughout the story mainly because of her father, Atticus Finch, being involved with defending a black man in court that was accused of raping a white woman. Scout also resides in a small Alabama town called Maycomb. This also leads to much prejudice throughout the book.
Scout was particularly affected by gender discrimination as she was a girl. She was told she acted too much like a boy when she should be acting like a girl. Scout described Aunt Alexandra as “Fanatical on the subject of my attire. I could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches; when I said I could do nothing in a dress, she said I wasn’t supposed to be doing things that required pant” (108). Aunt Alexandra discriminated Scout for not wearing lady like attire and told her that if she continued to dress that way then she could not be a lady. Aunt Alexandra soon became determined to put an end to Scout’s non-feminine behavior. Atticus tried to explain to Scout that "She asked me to tell you must try to behave like the little lady and gentleman that you are. She wants to talk to you about the family and what it's meant to Maycomb County through the years, so you'll have some idea of who you are, so you might be moved to behave accordingly"(178). Atticus decided to take his sister’s word and told his children what they should act like despite him not approving of this. Scout’s behavior is what leads her Aunt Alexandra to discriminating her and telling her she will never be a lady if she continues to not dress
As they were walking past Mrs. Dubose’s house, she accused them of making trouble and disapproved of Scout’s wardrobe by bellowing and saying“...‘And you—’ she pointed an arthritic finger at [her]—’what are you doing in those overalls? You should be in a dress and camisole, young lady!’ ” (Lee, 135). As far as the reader is aware of, Scout’s usual wardrobe consists of overalls and she is not a big fan of dresses, another indicator that she despises acting ladylike. Like Mrs. Dubose, Aunt Alexandra disapproves of Scout’s attire and is constantly telling her to change the way she dresses and acts, so she can act more like a girl and less like a boy. This is another situation from the book where a character is treated unequally from the others, simply because of their gender and because of the way they carry themselves. In attempts to convince Scout to dress more like a girl, Aunt Alexandra feeds her lies by telling her that dressing up in dresses would allow her “to be a ray of sunshine in [her] father’s lonely life” (Lee, page
She even lets Cecil Jacobs call her a “cow-ward” in order to keep her promise. The situation shows how much respect she has for Atticus. Not only does Scout have to endure such harsh language, she has to keep herself from lashing out. This perseverance demonstrates change from the beginning of the book to at the current point. After Walter Cunningham caused her to be embarrassed in front of the classroom, Scout states, “Catching Walter Cunningham in the schoolyard gave me some pleasure, but when… ‘He made me start off on the wrong foot.’” (Lee, 30) The start of the book shows Scout using revenge to justify her anger. Contrasting to her current situation, she grows and learns to not settle her emotions through physical means. She does unfortunately snap when Francis insults her. “Francis looked at me carefully, concluded that I had been sufficiently subdued, and crooned softly, ‘N****r-lover…” (Lee, 112) The fury clouds her mind and proceeds to harm Francis profusely, where she receives consequences from Uncle Jack. Even so, growth is shown in the situation when Scout requests, “Promise you won’t tell Atticus about this. He-he asked me one time not to let anything I heard about him make me mad, an’ I’d ruther him
How Scout Develops from a Tomboy to a Young Lady in To Kill a Mockingbird