Theme Of Tolerance In To Kill A Mockingbird

Atticus explains this lesson to Scout after she has a bad day at school. This relates to one of the major theme in the book, which is tolerance. He tells her that judging is wrong and should not expect things from people that you do not know or understand. Atticus wants Scout to learn that she will start to make more friends in Maycomb after she understands what the full story is before making an assumption. Atticus believes that most of the prejudice in the town occurs due to the judgement. Scout should know the circumstances of a person before judging their character. She needs to step into their skin to fully appreciate their real life even if she degrees with the situation. Atticus explains this to Jem, after Jem is mad at Atticus because
People know each other, but they don’t really know each other besides who they are and what they do for this town. Mrs. Meriweather wants people to know that others should not be intrusive of their life, just let people live theirs. Since this idea is a canopy for Maycomb, there is a lot of discrimination. It occurs because no one is close with anyone in the town, this leads to judgement, which Atticus knows is wrong. Yes, people should have their times of privacy, yet the people of Maycomb should not shut each other out. Atticus tells Scout to give others the first impression that you are not self absorbed. By letting others talk about what they want to talk about, it gives the person the feeling that you care about them and what their life is about. He wants Scout to learn to become and act more like a lady, without turning her into one to fast. For example, if Scout were to just talk about what she is doing all day, every day, no one would take interest in her. There needs to be a balance of what you want to say and what the other person wants to say, this balance creates relationships that could last
During that night, all Scout understood was that people gathered at the jail, however Atticus understood why they were actually there. Having Scout still be young, she is innocent and confronts Mr. Cunningham. Her innocence, made Mr. Cunningham that he is still human. Despite, Mr. Cunningham starting the mob, Scout’s politeness made him think twice about the mob, and helped disperse it. Atticus’s lessons here is to follow your heart. Atticus believes that even if everyone else agrees with the situation, but your heart is telling you something different, always go with your heart. Even if it might hurt someone, it will work out in the end for the best. He wants try and have faith with themselves and believe that they stand for, despite pressure from anyone else. No matter what anyone else says, following your conscience is better than your wits. Atticus wants Scout to know that no matter how bad the situation is always stay positive. Scout is a tomboy, which means many times when she feels inferior to others she fights them. Atticus explains to her that if she has the urge to fight someone, open her fists and smile, instead of closing them and pouting. He tries to state to her that violence should not always be the first option, but be proud of who you are and what you have done is first. Scout should learn that this is important because instead of always thinking negative, her happy thoughts will help her