"To Kill a Mockingbird": Literature Review

Introduction

In this story, "To Kill a Mockingbird," Scout Finch undergoes a significant transformation in her attitudes, similar to how many people do, such as in her choice of clothes, approach to fighting, and by standing up for her own beliefs rather than conforming to what others believe. Scout learns new things through asking questions and observing her surroundings. She asks challenging questions, which she can do because she is a child. As a child, Scout does not fully grasp the implications of the events happening around her. "To Kill a Mockingbird" presents two different versions of Scout: the young girl experiencing the story and the adult Jean Louise who narrates it. The woman narrating the story clearly understands that her father is extraordinary. However, the child Scout often complains, saying, "Our father didn't do anything. He sat in the living room and read." The adult Jean Louise can better comprehend the impact of various events than the child living through them. Scout hates school because, in many ways, it actually inhibits her learning. Her teacher is appalled that she already knows how to read, instead of celebrating that fact. She is bored waiting for the rest of the class to catch up to her skill level, and she doesn't have more than a passing respect for either of the teachers.

Understanding and Maturity

The most sympathy she shows towards Miss Caroline is to remark, "Had her conduct been more friendly toward me, I would have felt sorry for her." She is offended by Miss Gates' comments about African Americans, especially after her moving support for the Jews in Hitler's Europe. As a sign of her maturity, though, at the end of the story, she realizes that she doesn't have much more to learn "except possibly algebra," and for that, she needs the classroom. Scout faces numerous issues, but one of the most lingering for her is the question of what it means to "be a lady." Scout is a tomboy. Sometimes her brother criticizes her for "acting like a girl," while at other times, he complains that she's not girly enough. Dill wants to marry her, but that doesn't mean he wants to spend time with her. Many of the boys at school are intimidated by her strength and actions, yet she is told she must learn to handle herself in a ladylike way by her aunt. Scout's tomboyishness drives Aunt Alexandra crazy.

Influence of Atticus

Miss Caroline sees Scout's outspokenness and honesty. Nevertheless, the person she most wants to please is Atticus. He is least concerned about her acting in a certain way. In fact, she tells Jem, "I asked him 'Atticus' if I was a problem and he said not much of one, at most one he could always figure out, and not to worry my head a second about botherin' him." By the end, when she explains why the sheriff can't charge Boo with Bob Ewell's murder, she has become the kind of person who makes her father very, very proud.

Empathy and Growth

Atticus begins teaching her the importance of looking at things from another person's point of view very early in the story. He points out her actions and how some of them are wrong, emphasizing the need for empathy. Then he demonstrates his point in his own interactions with other people. By the end of the story, Scout is able to put herself in Boo Radley's shoes, the person she's feared most throughout the story, which signifies her growth and understanding.

Conclusion

Through these experiences and interactions, Scout transforms from a naive child into a more understanding and empathetic individual. The narrative demonstrates the complexities of growing up and the significant influence of parental guidance. As Scout navigates her childhood, she learns valuable life lessons that shape her into a person capable of deep empathy and understanding, qualities her father, Atticus, has always exemplified.

References:

• Lee, H. (1960). To Kill a Mockingbird. J.B. Lippincott & Co.