Maturity In To Kill A Mockingbird

Growth and Maturity: Jem and Scout’s morals and values in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird

Children develop their morals and values from the actions of those around them. Throughout the novel “ To Kill a Mockingbird” Jem and Scout learn several life lessons from their many teachers. Scout Finch, one of the protagonists of Lee’s story, is taught to consider things from other people's perspective. Furthermore Jem learns about social classes and hypocrisy in the adult world. Finally Jem and Scout were both taught by Boo Radley that one cannot be judged and should not be judged by anything other than their actions. Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” displays how Jem and Scout’s values and morals are shaped by the actions of the characters

Calpurnia is one of the characters that teaches Scout not to judge and to tolerate and respect the actions of others. Scout gets in trouble with Calpurnia, when she embarrasses Walter Cunningham by pointing out his eating habits at dinner; Walter poured syrup on his vegetables and meat with a generous hand. Scout says “ he’s gone and drowned his dinner in syrup, He’s poured it all over-” (Lee 32). Calpurnia calls Scout into the kitchen and says furiously “ There’s some folks that don’t eat like us, but you ain’t called on to contradict ‘em at the table when they don’t. That boy’s yo’ comp’ny and if he wants to eat up the tablecloth you let him, you hear”(33). “Don’t matter who they are , anybody sets foot in this house’s yo’ comp’ny, and don’t you let me catch you remarkin’ on their ways like you was so high and mighty.”(33). Scout not knowing any better made fun of the eating habits of Walter Cunningham. But after a quick dispute, Calpurnia teaches her to tolerate the actions of other and not to look down of them. Furthermore Scout interactions with Atticus help her to further understand empathy. After Scout’s first day of school, she does not want to go back because of an incident with her teacher. Atticus says “ First of all, if you can learn a simple trick, Scout you’ll get along with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-” “ Sir?” “- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. Atticus understands Scout’s feelings and gives her advice which he hopes will help her be more empathetic. Finally empathy and tolerance is shown through the actions of Mrs.Lafayette Dubose. Mrs. Dubose calls Atticus filthy names and hates many of his views. She is merciless towards Jem and Scout and they despise her. Even though the children hate Mrs. Dubose they are taught to tolerate her in her final moments. While Jem and Scout are