Miss Maudie Atkinson

Miss Maudie Atkinson Miss Maudie is part of the world where “fragrant ladies rocked slowly, fanned gently, and drank cool water” (24.53) Miss Maudie lives across the street from the Finch's. She's a very optimistic person and is utterly obsessed with her garden. “Miss Maudie hated her house: time spent indoors was time wasted. She was a widow, a chameleon lady who worked in her flower beds in an old straw hat and men’s overalls, but after her 5’oclock bath, she would appear on the porch.” (5.5)
Mrs. Maudie Atkinson emphasizes the theme by having respect for all—even those who don't necessarily deserve it.
She has the rare ability to act the same to children as she does to adults: “She had never told on us, had never played cat-and-mouse with us, she was not at all interested in our private lives” (5.36). Miss Maudie sees the kids as slightly-less-experienced adults, and treats them like that. "Miss Maudie puzzled me. With most her possessions gone and her beloved yard in shambles, she still took a cordial interest in Jem and I's affairs."

Mrs. Maudie Atkinson emphasizes the theme by having respect for all—even those who don't necessarily deserve it.
She has the rare ability to act the same to children as she does to adults: “She had never told on us, had never played cat-and-mouse with us, she was not at all interested in our private lives” (5.36). Miss Maudie sees the kids as slightly-less-experienced adults, and treats them like that. "Miss Maudie puzzled me. With most her possessions gone and her beloved yard in shambles, she still took a cordial interest in Jem and I's affairs."

Miss Maudie sets the mood and supports the works tone by adding ‘goodness’ to the story. To kill A Mocking Bird is full of evil, but that doesn’t stop Mrs. Maudie from letting her loving spirit shine. Throughout the book she constantly has a positive attitude and uses her sharp tongue to counter