Written by Harper lee to kill a mockingbird, is an intriguing allegorical story that highlights the theme of racialism in society. The protagonist of the story Scout reflects on her life describing all her childhood experiences. Although Scout is young, she can internalize and memorize everything that happens around her. Character-wise, Scout presents different qualities as expounded in the next discussion.
On their way from the Halloween party, Scout and Jem fall in fear because of not only darkness but also because a stranger was approaching them. Filled with nervousness and fear, they started running towards home. When recounting the events of the fearful night, Scout says, “Jem said he would escort me to the school auditorium. Thus began our longest journey together” (Lee, 1960, p.70), which shows the Halloween night, was full of anxiety.
Most children love to receive attention from both their peers and their parents. However, in the case of social negligence, the child becomes psychologically affected. When Scout and Jem meet with Dill, initially their friendship seems solid. After some time, Jem and Dill neglect her, a situation, which forces her to spend most of her free time with Miss Maudie Atkinson. Due to loneliness, Scout says, “I suppose, that Jem and I first began to Part Company. Sometimes I did not understand him, but my periods of bewilderment were short-lived” (Lee, 1960, p.61). Although she felt neglected, she was optimistic that when Dill leaves the town, she would be able to bond with her brother again.
Scout feels frustrated and disappointed with both the school curriculum and Miss Caroline’s harsh character. Due to her high level of intelligence, Scout can read and write well when compared to other students. Her moral uprightness propels her to fight for her rights. If I were in her shoes, I would behave similarly. Therefore, Miss Caroline scolds her and a conflict ensues between them, which makes her angry. In addition, although Cunningham is poor, Miss Caroline insists he settles his debt. Sadly, when the argument gets out of hand, the teacher slaps her with the ruler, which makes her react rationally. Furthermore, she asks her father to teach her because of the unpleasant environment at school. Due to anger, Scout says, “I told Calpurnia to just wait, I’d fix her: one of these days when she wasn’t looking I’d go off and drown myself in Barker’s Eddy and then she’d be sorry” (Lee, 1960, p.39). Her declaration proves that she hates her teacher.
Suddenly when Boo Radley covers Scout with a blanket, he motivates her to change her contemptuous attitude towards him. Boo, Radley portrays love especially towards children an aspect that compels Scout to have a feeling of admiration. Although there were many people at the scene of the fire, he picks out Scout only. Earlier on, he hand mended Jem’s pants. At this point Scout remembers her father’s philosophy, which says, “You never really understand a person until you… climb into his skin and walk around” (Lee, 1960, p. 60). Consequently, Scout and his brother are happy with Boo Radley’s presentation as not only a caring man but also as a sane person.
Besides being the main character and the protagonist, Scout also faces different challenges as a child. Both her vulnerability, courage, and skin color made her experience so many low moments. Mostly, her moods fluctuated depending on the situation at hand. Sometimes she seemed anxious, angry, or neglected while other times she felt delighted.
Reference
Lee, H. (1960). To Kill a Mockingbird. United States of America: Warner press.