In To Kill a Mockingbird, why does Scout admire Miss Maudie?

Scout loves Miss Maudie for many reasons: for her kindness, her honesty, and her patient understanding of Scout, Jem, and Dill, as well. Scout feels the respect with which Miss Maudie treats them, even though they are "just children." Besides loving her, Scout develops a deep admiration for Maudie, especially in regard to how Maudie reacts when she loses her home to the fire.

The morning after the fire had consumed Maudie's entire house and its contents, Scout and Jem go to see her. They are amazed that Maudie is not sad and grieving; instead, she seems lively, smiling, and full of good cheer:

Always wanted a smaller house, Jem Finch. Gives me more yard. Just think, I'll have more room for my azaleas now!

Telling Scout not to worry about her, Maudie outlines her plans to build a smaller house and put in a beautiful yard.She then wants to talk about what had happened to them the night of the fire. Scout is both impressed and confused by her adult friend:

Miss Maudie puzzled me. With most of her possessions gone and her beloved yard a shambles, she still took a lively and cordial interest in Jem's and my affairs.

Furthermore, Maudie's only real fear and distress during the fire was that it endangered her neighbors and their homes. Years later, as Scout recalled Miss Maudie and the fire, she remembered this fact, clearly an indication of her respect and admiration for Miss Maudie.

Scout admires Miss Maudie's way of treating everyone the same, no matter if they are children or adults, or white or black members of the community. Scout is a sensitive child who notices when she is not being treated fairly, and resents such treatment; Miss Maudie is very fair, and she shows respect to Scout and Jem as much as she does to their father Atticus.

Scout also has to endure various female influences in her life telling her how to act a like a lady. Miss Maudie shows Scout that being a woman does not mean she has to be weak or quiet, or someone other than herself. This is a valuable lesson for Scout, who resists unhelpful advice from other women in her life—like Aunt Alexandra, who has a rather old-fashioned perception of being a lady, which Scout does not appreciate.

In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the Finch children, Jem and Scout, are presented with few positive role models among the town of Maycomb’s adult white population. One notable exception, however, is Miss Maudie Atkinson, the Finches’ neighbor. Describing their neighbor as “a relatively benign presence,” Scout initially gives the impression of a somewhat strained relationship, as when she explains the children’s unofficial arrangement with Miss Maudie regarding the latter’s property:

Our tacit treaty with Miss Maudie was that we could play on her lawn, eat her scuppernongs if we didn’t jump on the arbor, and explore her vast back lot, terms so generous we seldom spoke to her, so careful were we to preserve the delicate balance of our relationship.

The relationship between the Finch children, and their friend Dill, however, is close, and Miss Maudie is a regular and welcome fixture in their lives, baking cakes for them (“When she was admitted into our confidence, every time she baked she made a big cake and three little ones, and she would call across the street: ‘Jem Finch, Scout Finch, Charles Baker Harris, come here!’”) and providing some much needed female companionship for the young girl, whose other main female role models were Calpurnia, the family’s Black housekeeper, who acts as a disciplinarian, while Atticus’s sister, Aunt Alexandra, is a constant source of irritation for the young tomboy. Miss Maudie, in contrast, is a friend, a confidant, and an advisor, educating the children on the Radley family and enlightening them on the intolerance of what she called “the foot-washers,” the fundamentalist Baptists who scolded anybody they deemed insufficiently pious. Scout comments on Miss Maudie’s prickly relationship to the “foot-washers,” noting, “my confidence in pulpit Gospel lessened at the vision of Miss Maudie stewing forever in various Protestant hells.” Scout sums up her respect for Miss Maudie by stating the following:

Jem and I had considerable faith in Miss Maudie. She had never told on us, had never played cat-and-mouse with us, she was not at all interested in our private lives. She was our friend. How so reasonable a creature could live in peril of everlasting torment was incomprehensible.

As Lee’s novel progresses and the atmosphere around the Finch home begins to grow more tense as a result of Atticus’s defense of Tom Robinson in the latter’s rape trial, Miss Maudie’s role in the children’s lives becomes more important. Miss Maudie, in contrast to many of the town’s people, is a firm believer in justice, and her perceptions of justice preclude the persecution of an innocent man irrespective of the color of his skin. As Lee’s novel nears its end, the subject of racism remains a part of the town’s social fabric. Scout and Jem have learned from the examples of their father the proper way of conducting oneself, but there remain many in Maycomb who are resistant to change, especially in the realm of segregation. It is Miss Maudie, not the aforementioned fundamentalists, who most embodies the meaning of Scripture. Scout’s admiration for this sometimes cantankerous middle-aged woman only grows when Miss Maudie draws that distinction between presumed and actual fealty to God:

The handful of people in this town who say that fair play is not marked White Only; the handful of people who say a fair trial is for everybody, not just us; the handful of people with enough humility to think, when they look at a Negro, there but for the Lord’s kindness am l.

Miss Maudie is one of the novel’s most enduringly decent characters, and serves an important role in Scout’s emotional maturation. That the young girl admires the older woman is not surprising given their shared values.

Miss Maudie was Scout's favorite grown-up--aside from Atticus. Maudie always had time for the children, and she let them play in her yard whenever they wanted as long as they didn't bother her plants. She also gave them cake whenever she baked. Scout knew she could talk with Maudie just as she could with her father. Unlike Miss Stephanie, who couldn't be trusted, the children had "considerable faith" in Maudie. She didn't pry into their private lives, never told on them, and didn't play "cat-and-mouse" with them. She spoke with them just as if she was talking with other adults. Her speech "was crisp" and she showed "benevolence" toward the children. Scout particularly liked Miss Maudie's gold prongs that were attached to her eyeteeth. But above all, "She was our friend."

In To Kill A Mockingbird, what is Miss Maudie's opinion of Atticus?

While we are not told of Miss Maudie's feelings about Atticus until near the end of the novel, she allows us her insights through her conversation with Jem. She tells him that some men are ordained to do the unpleasant jobs that others won't touch, and that Atticus is one of those men. She also says that the "good" people of Maycomb actually support Atticus's defense of Tom Robinson rather than scorning his actions. Miss Maudie shows an overall attitude of respect and admiration toward Atticus, but it is her conversation with Jem that reveals her true, deeper feelings.

Miss Maudie feels enormous respect for Atticus and strives to help Jem and Scout understand what a good and courageous man their father is. She points out to them that their father is the same in his home as he is on the public streets, Maudie's way of explaining to them the concept of personal integrity. 

After the heartbreak of Tom Robinson's conviction, Maudie explains to Jem and Scout their father's moral strength and courage:

. . . there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father's one of them . . . . We're so rarely called on to be Christians, but when we are, we've got men like Atticus to go for us.

Maudie points out that Atticus was chosen specifically by Judge Taylor to take Tom's case for a reason: 

. . . I thought, Atticus Finch won't win, he can't win, but he's the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that.

Maudie knows the children are too young to understand fully their father's integrity and moral character, but she knows they will one day. She speaks from her heart.

What is Miss Maudie's opinion of Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird?

According to Miss Maudie, Atticus' courage and integrity makes him an admirable man. She tells Jem that Atticus has taken on the mantle of a true Christian: he is defending an innocent black man from being convicted for a crime he didn't commit.

In Miss Maudie's conversation with Jem, she tells him what she most admires about Atticus: his belief in equality for everyone. Atticus' principles can be summed up in the following quote:

“But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal—there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentlemen, is a court...Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal."

During her conversation with Jem, Miss Maudie tells Jem that Atticus has more supporters than most people realize. She maintains that Judge Taylor's naming of Atticus as Tom Robinson's court-appointed lawyer was no accident. By right, Tom's case should have gone to Maxwell Green, Maycomb's newest lawyer. However, Judge Taylor named Atticus because he knew that Atticus was the only lawyer who could come close to saving Tom.

Most importantly, Judge Taylor knew that Atticus was the only lawyer who could tweak the public's conscience about the travesty of justice Tom has suffered.

Later, Miss Maudie tells Aunt Alexandra that, by letting Atticus represent Tom, Maycomb was paying the highest tribute they could pay to a man. Essentially, the public trusted Atticus to do what was right in the eyes of the law. Miss Maudie also maintains that Atticus has his supporters: people who believe that fair play is for everyone.

What does Mayella think of Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Mayella Ewell gives her testimony in chapter 18. She has just witnessed Atticus Finch make a complete idiot out of her father in chapter 17 as Bob Ewell took the stand. As a result, she's feeling like she can't trust Atticus as she takes the stand. She breaks down sobbing before anything can actually happen! They ask her what is wrong and she says, "Don't want him doin' me like he done Papa" (179). The judge calms her down and Mr. Gilmer starts with questioning her. After that, Atticus gets to cross-examine her and he respectfully calls her ma'am, which she isn't used to because she's never been called that in all her life. Mayella threatens not to answer a word as long as Atticus is mocking her. Atticus is confused, so she clarifies by saying, "Long's you keep on makin' fun o'me" (182). Mayella then explains to the judge that calling her ma'am is how he is mocking her and she won't take Atticus's "sass" (182). 

Mayella struggles with Atticus for the duration of the cross-examination because she doesn't trust him and she thinks he is disrespecting her. She sees him as an enemy rather than a man simply doing his job as an attorney. For her, this case is about saving her face in the community and avoiding her father's wrath. In addition, Atticus Finch is someone who could prove her to be the liar she is, so she doesn't like him one bit. Eventually, she says she will say one more thing for the case and then she won't say anything else. After crying again, she says the following:

"I got somethin' to say an' then I ain't gonna say no more. That ni**** yonder took advantage of me an' if you fine fancy gentlemen don't wanta do nothin' about it then you're all yellow stinkin' cowards, stinkin' cowards, the lot of you. Your fancy airs don't come to nothin'--your ma'ammin' and Miss Mayellerin' don't come to nothin', Mr. Finch--" (188).

Thus, Mayella thinks they are cowards merely if they don't side with the Ewells against a black man. She finalizes her speech, though, by calling out Atticus's name specifically; which suggests that she is actually calling him the coward.

Mayella sees Atticus as the enemy. She most likely expects her to be mean and harsh with her while she is testifying. We are also left to assume that she is trying to protect her father from being charged with abuse, so she is maintaining the lie that Tom Robinson beat her. Atticus does not speak harshly to her, though. He speaks to her with more respect and sincerity than she has ever been exposed to before. We know this from her response -- she thinks he is being sarcastic at first. This fact, combined with his questioning about her father's treatment of her and whither or not she has any friends, takes Mayella through a process of apprehension, confusion, then hatred of Atticus.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, why do the children trust Miss Maudie?

The text states, in chapter five, that the reason they had faith in her was that "she had never told on us, had never played cat-and-mouse with us, she was not at all interested in our private lives."  So, she is what kids like:  unobtrusive, loyal, and not a tattle-tale.

Also, Miss Maudie has always been kind to them, has a really funny, blunt, and moral perspective on things, is friends with Atticus, gives them individually made cakes, lets them play in her yard, and is an overall friend to both of them.  Scout and her become even closer as the novel progresses and Scout is ostracized more and more from Jem's activities.  Scout and Miss Maudie spend many evenings sitting on her porch, talking, commenting on people's behavior, and exchanging ideas.  Also, it is Miss Maudie who tells them the true story behind many things:  Boo Radley, Atticus and his shooting ability, and on many other issues of the town.  They know that they can come to her and will receive a friendly reception, and details about issues that they are curious about.  All of these reasons give the children a fondness for, and faith in, Miss Maudie.  She is a continuous presence in their lives, and in the major events of the story.

What is Miss Maudie's view on Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Miss Maudie holds Atticus Finch in high regard.  She knows him better than almost anyone.  When they were children, they were neighbors out by Finch's Landing.  She has known him for her whole life.  As adults, they became neighbors in Maycomb.

Scout and Jem enjoy talking to Miss Maudie.  She speaks to them as equals and shows them respect.  Sometimes they complain about their father to her.  Miss Maudie always speaks positive words about him.  She tells Scout one day that "Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets" (To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 5).  She knows him as someone who is authentic.  He does not change who he is for anyone.

Later, Miss Maudie tells Scout and Jem that "if [their] father's anything, he's civilized in his heart" (Chapter 10).  She refers to the fact that he had given up shooting, even though he had immense talent.  Miss Maudie respects Atticus and his decisions.

Miss Maudie and Atticus share a quiet solidarity that comes with knowing someone for many years and through many seasons of life.  The following quote shows this special bond:

"Atticus wheeled around and faced Miss Maudie. They looked at one another without saying anything, and Atticus got into the sheriff's car" (Chapter 10).

Atticus had just shot the rabid dog.  It had been a scene of tension.  Through this, they share a quiet moment of friendship.

What does Miss Maudie admire about Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Old friends of the Finch family, the widowed Miss Maudie Atkinson obviously has strong feelings for Atticus. She is one of the few people to whom the usually serious Atticus exhibits his humorous side, and Maudie jokingly calls him a "devil from hell." She considers Jem and Scout as equals and friends, partly out of respect for the way Atticus has brought them up. Maudie knows that Atticus is one of the few men in Maycomb who treats all people equally and always acts the same way around everyone. She later tells Jem that Atticus is one of "the men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us." She tells them how he is "civilized in his heart" and explains his humility concerning his nickname, "One-Shot" Finch.

Why does Scout admire Miss Maudie Atkinson in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Miss Maudie Atkinson is the Finch's magnanimous neighbor who is also a morally upright individual like Atticus. Scout describes her as a "chameleon lady" with an "acid tongue" who enjoys everything about the outdoors. Maudie is a lovely lady who keeps Scout company when she feels neglected by Jem and Dill. Maudie generously allows the children to play in her yard, just as long as they don't ruin her azaleas or jump on the arbor. She even treats the children to tasty cakes several times throughout the novel. Maudie is always there for her and gives Scout and Jem words of encouragement following the devastating Tom Robinson trial. In Chapter 24, Maudie's presence comforts Scout when she participates in the missionary circle. Scout gets nervous when the ladies begin to ask her questions, and Maudie softly touches Scout's hand which calms her down and makes Scout feel secure. Maudie's benevolent attitude and willingness to share her time with Scout is the reason Scout enjoys her company and considers Maudie a friend.