To Kill a Mockingbird: Scout Finch

The novel To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, has many interesting characters such as Atticus Finch, Arthur 'Boo' Radley, Aunt Alexandra, Scout Finch, Jem Finch, Tom Robinson, Mr. Dolphus Raymond, etc.. However, Scout Finch is a character that has sparked my interest. The novel is written from Scout's point of view. Scout is a young girl who has a very interesting train of thought, capturing my attention with her blunt, naïve point of view. Along with the capturing story, Harper Lee takes us on a subtle journey of seeing Scout mature and learn more about the abhorrence and prejudice in the world.

Throughout this novel, Scout becomes more aware of the world and its cruelty. We are first introduced to Scout as being a young naïve girl. One day at school Scout states, "…Jem says my name's really Jean Louise Bullfinch, that I got swapped when I was born and I'm really a-"(Lee 17). Scout was speaking with her teacher, Miss Caroline, at school one day resulting in this statement. Scout was just rambling on about the silly names her brother has for her and his reasoning behind the name. Through this statement Harper Lee shows the reader Scout's immaturity.

Scout goes on to learn many important values. She learns that she must look at situations through others' eyes. Her father, Atticus tells her, "If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-" (Lee 30). Scout took her father's words to heart, which one may see through her actions and thoughts throughout the book. Scout ponders about a scenario between her and Boo Radley, "[She] imagined how it would be: when it happened, he'd just be sitting in the swing when I came along. "Hidy do, Mr. Arthur," I would say, as if I had said it every afternoon of my life..." (Lee 242). Scout was imagining what it would be like to finally meet the mysterious Arthur "Boo" Radley. Again Scout views things from another's point of view, "…The boy helped his sister to her feet, and they made their way home…They stopped at the oak tree, delighted, puzzled, apprehensive…Autumn again, and Boo's children needed him." Scout continues, "Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough." (Lee 279). With these words of wisdom Scout learns not to judge others before trying to understand their position. This lesson helps her on her journey to maturity.

In addition, Scout also learns about the hate and bigotry in the world. One day, the Finch's neighbor, Mrs. Dubose publically stated, "'Your father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for!'" (Lee 102). Scout was surprised an adult would make such an offensive remark about her father. Another time Jem, Dill, and Scout were talking to Mr. Dolphus Raymond about Tom Robinson's trial, Dill proclaimed, "The way that man called him 'boy' all the time an' sneered at him, an' looked around at the jury every time he answered-" Mr. Dolphus replied, "'Well, Dill, after all he's just a negro.'"(Lee 199). This is an excellent example of how Scout has witnessed unjustness in the world. Tom Robinson is wrongly accused, just because he is black. Scout doesn't like how he is treated with hate.

Scout Finch has learned many valuable qualities, such as respect, wisdom, patience, responsibility, etc.. With these traits she will live a good and virtuous life, treating everyone with the respect they deserve. As well as Scout, one too can live out these virtues and continuously become a well rounded individual. Scout will continue to learn priceless merits which will further her journey on becoming a mature, kind person.

Harper., Lee,. To Kill a Mockingbird. Grand Rapids: Grand Central, 1988. Print.