Examples Of Maturity In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Scout Finch’s Maturing Process Overcoming obstacles in life is the only way for people to grow into mature adults. Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, has many adventures which change who she is. Scout goes from believing that violence is true courage to understanding that true courage does not involve a gun - demonstrating personal growth. Furthermore, Scout shows maturity in the end by being able to control her emotions when needed, rather than lashing out as she starts off doing. Finally, Scout matures by learning to form her own opinions of people rather than basing them on rumours as she does in the beginning. Scout Finch gains qualities of maturity after facing various experiences throughout the book. Scout …show more content…

Scout’s lack of self control causes her to act out, blinded by her own temper. After being beaten by Miss Caroline, Scout is angry with Walter. “Catching Walter Cunningham in the schoolyard gave me some pleasure, but when I was rubbing his nose in the dirt Jem came by and told me to stop” (Lee 30). Scout goes on to explain her reasoning by stating, “‘He didn’t have any lunch,’ I said, and explained my involvement in Walter’s dietary affairs” (Lee 30) When Scout is punished for speaking out, she grows angry with Walter, although he does not intend for her to get in trouble. She loses control of her emotions as she beats up Walter, rather than being the bigger person and recognizing that is is not his fault. As the story progresses, Scout begins to understand that, to be a lady of society, she must take control of herself. When Scout learns that Tom Robinson is dead, she “found [herself] shaking and couldn’t stop” (lee 317). Scout, Miss Maudie and Aunt Alexandra must go back …show more content…

At the start of the novel, Scout believes everything that the people of Maycomb say as if it is all fact. Many rumours about Boo Radley circulate around the county. “People said he went out at night when the moon was down, and peeped in windows. When people’s azaleas froze in a cold snap, it was because he had breathed on them” (Lee 10). Scout, being a young child, learns everything she knows from her environment, neighbours and family. She believes what others tell her instead of figuring it out for herself, which shows that she is quite young and lacks maturity from real world experience. As a result, watching the court case is an essential experience that pushes Scout to figure out for herself what is right and what is wrong. Outside of the courthouse, Scout and Dill speak to Mr. Raymond about the injustice of racism taking place. “‘Cry about the simple hell people give other people - without even thinking’” (Lee 269). Mr. Raymond continues, “‘You haven’t seen enough of the world yet. You haven’t even seen this town, but all you gotta do is step back