New Historicism in To Kill a Mockingbird To Kill a Mockingbird is told through the eyes of a young girl named Jean Louise Finch, also known as Scout, who is not afraid to speak her mind or question the ways of society. Scout and her father, Atticus Finch, are not afraid to act in ways that are different than the people of Maycomb County and they influence the perspectives of others. Courage is necessary to assert one’s beliefs and change the views and behavior of society. In the novel, Atticus is appointed to defend a black man named Tom Robinson, who is accused of raping a white girl (Lee 62). Atticus knows that Tom did not rape the girl, Mayella Ewell, and is willing to protect him in any way that he can. Atticus is sitting in front of Maycomb jail to protect Tom and a mob of white men arrives (Lee 126). Atticus’ children, Jem and Scout, and their friend Dill snuck out of the house to find Atticus and they hide in the dark to watch him (Lee 125). The mob of men clustered around Atticus and Scout runs out of her hiding place to protect her father (Lee 127). Scout had the bravery to …show more content…
Arthur, also known as Boo, killed his father at a young age and has been kept inside his house with his brother, Nathan. When Scout and Jem were walking home from the school play, they were attacked by Bob Ewell (Lee 222). Bob Ewell followed the children in the dark with the intent to kill them, but was something prevented him. Readers can infer that Ewell was stopped and killed by Boo Radley (Lee 234). Boo carried Jem home and stayed inside to watch over him. Boo Radley had the courage to leave his house, kill Bob Ewell, and go into the Finch house.This courage is why Scout and Jem are still alive and Bob Ewell can no longer harm the people of Maycomb. Bravery and courage save lives and gives one the strength to push through times of