Natured Manners In To Kill A Mockingbird

Whether it’s through the practice of praying before every meal, offering hospitality to neighbors and friends, or simply greeting another with polite language, the ideas of good natured manners are an essential part in every society. Manners are approached in distinct ways depending on the culture and environment one is exposed to. However, no matter how one has been influenced, every individual can accentuate the importance of manners and their contribution to society. In Harper Lee’s historical novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee stresses these concepts through the young character Scout Finch and her interactions with Walter Cunningham. Similarly, an excerpt from Amy Tan’s autobiography Fish Cheeks, Tan features a difficult lesson she learns

That boy’s yo’ comp’ny and if he wants to eat up the table cloth you let him’” (Lee 27). Calpurnia points out that since Walter was not making accusations about the Finch’s habits, Scout should do the same for the Cunninghams. Scout is expected to treat her guest in a hospitable manner and respect his different approaches when it comes to feasting upon his food. Calpurnia continues her lesson by explaining, “‘Don’t matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house’s yo’ comp’ny… Yo’ folks might be better’n the Cunninghams but it don’t count for nothin’ the way you’re disgracin’ ‘em’” (Lee 27). She stresses the fact that the Finch family may be wealthier than the Cunningham’s, but that does not permit Scout to mistreat their youngest son. Scout learns the importance of manners and the reward from being polite through the influence of

When supper is completed, her mother reassures her by explaining, “‘You want to be the same as American girls on the outside…but inside you must always be Chinese. You must be proud you are different. Your only shame is to have shame’” (Tan 7). While Scout learns her lesson through respecting others, Tan’s recollection presents the idea of self respect. Her mother reminds her that “inside you must always be Chinese”, meaning that her culture is a part of her, and she must be proud of it. Learning to respect her heritage was Tan’s first step in learning to respect others. This concept is also played throughout American society, where all heritage should be openly accepted and respected by others. Through Tan’s personal experience, the importance of self respect and manners towards differing cultures is