The Effect of Scout Finch's naivete in To Kill A Mockingbird
In the words of William Shakespeare, “The silence often of pure innocence persuades when speaking fails.”(Shakespeare SearchQuotes). In Harper Lee’s unforgettable novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the innocence of children is the key to communicating several significant aspects of the story. The novel is narrated by Jean Louise ‘Scout' Finch, who relays the story of a series of events involving social issues that take place in the quiet town of Maycomb County during her childhood in the 1930’s. Harper Lee establishes a distinct narrative voice for Scout through the use of her adult narration reflecting upon childhood memories in the limited perspective, which communicates the malevolence of other characters present in Maycomb County and simplifies complex issues through the naïveté of childhood observation.
Through Scout’s innocent and naïve outlook upon the world around her, she is slowly exposed to the evil that is present in Maycomb County. Scout’s innocence magnifies the malevolence of several others around her in contrast to her purity. An example of this innocence is exemplified when Scout narrates her understanding of the lynch mob confrontation, saying, “I looked around the crowd, it was a summer’s night, but the men were dressed, most of them, in overalls and denim shirts buttoned up to the collars. I thought they must be cold-natured as their sleeves were unrolled and buttoned at the cuffs…I sought once more for a familiar face, and at the center of the semi-circle I found one. ‘Hey, Mr. Cunningham.’”(Lee 204). Scout is unable to understand why the men have crowded around, and casually approaches Mr. Cunningham with light conversation, contradicting the initial mood of the mob. She misinterprets the situation and underestimates the violent capabilities of the men overcome with racist ideologies, thus demonstrating the inherent evil present in Maycomb. Bob Ewell is another example of how Scout’s innocent outlook exposes her to evil. An example of this evil
Through Scout’s innocent and naïve outlook upon the world around her, she is slowly exposed to the evil that is present in Maycomb County. Scout’s innocence magnifies the malevolence of several others around her in contrast to her purity. An example of this innocence is exemplified when Scout narrates her understanding of the lynch mob confrontation, saying, “I looked around the crowd, it was a summer’s night, but the men were dressed, most of them, in overalls and denim shirts buttoned up to the collars. I thought they must be cold-natured as their sleeves were unrolled and buttoned at the cuffs…I sought once more for a familiar face, and at the center of the semi-circle I found one. ‘Hey, Mr. Cunningham.’”(Lee 204). Scout is unable to understand why the men have crowded around, and casually approaches Mr. Cunningham with light conversation, contradicting the initial mood of the mob. She misinterprets the situation and underestimates the violent capabilities of the men overcome with racist ideologies, thus demonstrating the inherent evil present in Maycomb. Bob Ewell is another example of how Scout’s innocent outlook exposes her to evil. An example of this evil