Scout
Extended Character Analysis
Jean Louise "Scout" Finch is the protagonist and narrator of To Kill a Mockingbird, and the events of the story unfold through her recollections of growing up in the small town of Maycomb. When the novel opens, Scout is a precocious five-year-old excited to attend her first day of school. Her tumultuous first day illustrates some of her defining characteristics: an impressive intellect and curiosity, a hotheaded and tomboyish disposition, and an innate innocence and inner goodness. Scout’s personality is greatly shaped by the influence of her father, Atticus, whom she deeply respects and admires. Scout routinely defies the gender conventions of her small southern town and, much to the chagrin of her Aunt Alexandra, prefers to tag along on Jem and Dill’s escapades rather than pursue more ladylike activities.
Scout’s naïveté and strong moral compass make her an astute observer of the injustice and hypocrisy in Maycomb, and (in part due to her childish innocence) she is one of the few characters that dares to openly confront it. Scout’s innate sense of optimism and justice is challenged by the racism and hatred she witnesses throughout Tom Robinson’s trial. With Atticus’s help, she is able to process the terrible events and realize that her fellow citizens are morally complex individuals who possess the capacity for both goodness and evil. By the end of the novel, eight-year-old Scout has grown not only physically but emotionally as well. She has gained some control over her temper and no longer views being a “lady” as synonymous with being weak. Ultimately, Scout learns to look past deceiving appearances and, like her father, employs empathy and compassion to find the good in those around her.
Quotes
- "Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it. In rainy weather the streets turned to red slop; grass grew on the sidewalks, the courthouse sagged in the square. Somehow, it was hotter then: a black dog suffered on a summer's day; bony mules hitched to Hoover carts flicked flies in the sweltering shade of the live oaks on the square. Men's stiff collars wilted by nine in the morning. Ladies bathed before noon, after their three-o'clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frostings of sweat and sweet talcum."
- "Summer was on the way; Jem and I awaited it with impatience. Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots, or trying to sleep in the treehouse; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape; but most of all, summer was Dill."
- "Naw, Jem, I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.”
- "Coming out of the courthouse that night Miss Gates was—she was goin' down the steps in front of us, you musta not seen her—she was talking with Miss Stephanie Crawford. I heard her say it's time somebody taught 'em a lesson, they were gettin' way above themselves, an' the next thing they think they can do is marry us. Jem, how can you hate Hitler so bad an' then turn around and be ugly about folks right at home . . ."
- "As Tom Robinson gave his testimony, it came to me that Mayella Ewell must have been the loneliest person in the world. She was even lonelier than Boo Radley, who had not been out of the house in twenty-five years. When Atticus asked had she any friends, she seemed not to know what he meant, then she thought he was making fun of her. She was as sad, I thought, as what Jem called a mixed child: white people wouldn't have anything to do with her because she lived among pigs; Negroes wouldn't have anything to do with her because she was white."
Expert Q&A
Scout's Interaction with Mr. Cunningham Disperses Mob
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch inadvertently diffuses a lynch mob intent on harming Tom Robinson by engaging Mr. Cunningham in a personal conversation. Her innocent demeanor and mention of Cunningham's son remind him of his humanity and individuality, breaking the mob mentality. This personal interaction leads Cunningham to see the situation from Atticus Finch's perspective, prompting him to disperse the mob. The episode illustrates how treating individuals personally can disrupt collective aggression.
Which passages in To Kill a Mockingbird specifically describe Scout?
"To Kill a Mockingbird" describes Scout through various passages. She is depicted as an early reader who is taller than her peers, showing her physical stature and intellectual curiosity. Her impetuous nature is highlighted when she fights Walter Cunningham. Scout's appearance is detailed at the ladies' auxiliary meeting where she wears a pink Sunday dress. Her straightforward, honest character is evident in her preference for her father's world over the superficial world of the ladies. Lastly, her maturity is shown in her walk home from Boo's house, yet her youth is still evident.
Why was Scout bothered by Walter Cunningham's behavior at lunch?
Scout is bothered by Walter Cunningham's behavior at lunch because he pours syrup all over his food, which goes against the table manners she has been taught. She views his actions as uncivil and disrespectful. Walter's behavior reflects his upbringing in a poor farming family that doesn't place importance on table manners, which starkly contrasts with Scout's own upbringing.
Scout and Jem's Perceptions of Their Father in To Kill a Mockingbird
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout and Jem initially perceive their father, Atticus Finch, as old, feeble, and unremarkable compared to other fathers. They think he lacks manliness and interesting abilities, as he spends time reading rather than engaging in activities like hunting. However, their perception changes dramatically when Atticus skillfully shoots a rabid dog, revealing his hidden talent and earning their admiration. As the story progresses, they come to respect his moral courage and integrity, especially during Tom Robinson's trial.
What does Scout mean when she says, "Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work."
When Scout says, "Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work," she means Atticus struggles with tasks typically associated with women of the time, such as nurturing and teaching manners. This realization comes when Aunt Alexandra's influence highlights his discomfort and unfamiliarity with these roles, despite his efforts to fulfill them.
Scout and Jem's Shifting Views on Boo Radley
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout and Jem's perceptions of Boo Radley evolve from fear and superstition to understanding and empathy. Initially, Boo is seen as a "malevolent phantom" based on town gossip. However, as they receive gifts in the knothole and experience Boo's subtle acts of kindness, such as mending Jem's pants and placing a blanket on Scout, they realize Boo is a caring individual. By the end, after Boo saves them from Bob Ewell, they see him as a real person and a hero, learning not to judge based on rumors but on actions.
Scout's Conflicts with Cecil Jacobs in To Kill a Mockingbird
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout faces a conflict with Cecil Jacobs when he insults her father for defending Tom Robinson, a black man. Although initially provoked to fight, Scout refrains, remembering her promise to Atticus to avoid physical altercations. Atticus advises her to "fight with her head," emphasizing moral integrity over violence. Despite the pressure and insults, Scout chooses not to retaliate, demonstrating her respect for Atticus's values. However, she later struggles to maintain this restraint when her cousin Francis also mocks Atticus.
Scout's Comparison of Boo Radley to a Mockingbird
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch compares Boo Radley to a mockingbird to symbolize his innocence and vulnerability. Mockingbirds represent harmless, defenseless beings who bring joy, much like Boo, who is shy and reclusive. After Boo saves Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell, Sheriff Tate decides to protect Boo from public attention, as doing otherwise would be like "shooting a mockingbird." This metaphor highlights Boo's purity and the need to shield him from societal harm.
Scout's Influences in To Kill a Mockingbird
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch is influenced by various characters and societal norms in Maycomb. Positive influences include her father Atticus, who teaches her empathy and integrity; Miss Maudie, who offers wisdom; and Calpurnia, who instills respect. Negative influences come from societal racism and Aunt Alexandra's emphasis on social status. Scout impacts others, like Dill and Boo Radley, by offering friendship and understanding. Her brother Jem also shapes her outlook, as he grapples with Maycomb's injustices. Overall, these interactions help Scout navigate her moral development.
What are three similarities and differences Scout notices between her own church and Calpurnia's in To Kill A Mockingbird?
In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Scout notices several similarities and differences between her church and Calpurnia's. Both churches sing songs, bless the sick, and discuss human faults, but do not use musical instruments or hymnals at Calpurnia's, and the collection is for specific purposes. Additionally, Calpurnia's church lacks certain common customs like printed programs and uses a call-and-response style during singing.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
