Scout experiences challenges that embody the culture of the time. Because Scout learns that the judgment of others are often incorrect and misguided, Scout is also the protagonist in the story “How to kill a mockingbird” she is a young girl growing up in Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. Scout is intelligent, curious, and fiercely independent, with a strong sense of justice and a desire to understand the world around her. Despite the many challenges she faces as a young girl in a deeply divided and prejudiced society, Scout remains determined to stand up for what she believes is right, even when it means going against the norms of her community. Through her eyes, we see the struggles and triumphs of a young girl coming of age in a world that …show more content…
However, her first year of school proves to be a challenge when she is introduced to her new teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher. Miss Caroline's teaching methods are at odds with the traditional ways of Maycomb, and she struggles to connect with her students. Miss Caroline's goes to teach Scout how to read and write but it comes to her attention that Scout has already learned to read from her father, Atticus. Miss Caroline is frustrated by Scout's advanced reading ability, and tells her: "Now you tell your father not to teach you any more. It's best to begin reading with a fresh mind. You tell him I'll take over from here and try to undo the damage" (3). Later, Miss Caroline is further frustrated when she discovers that one of her students, Burris Ewell, has head lice. When she tries to send him home to wash his hair, Burris lashes out at her, causing Miss Caroline to cry in front of the class. Scout also thinks she learned reading from her dad because she says: "I guess I picked up reading from sitting in my fathers lap each night while he read the newspaper out loud and followed along underneath the words with his finger" …show more content…
Radley. As the pageant unfolds, Scout reflects on the Radley family and their mysterious ways. She says: "Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that's something I'll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I'd rather it be me than that houseful of children out there" (58-59). This quote highlights the social stigma attached to the Radleys, as well as the fear and curiosity they inspire in the townspeople. The play about the Radleys is a crucial moment in the story that sets the stage for the novel's climactic