There are no secrets in the county of Maycomb. Harper Lee uses characterization to emphasize how society can change one’s perspective on life. Scout is referred to as a tomboy and does not conform to the standard image of a young, sweet, and small girl. Early on in the novel, Scout becomes of age to go to the local school. On the first day, she was told to wear a dress because it was considered to be more proper. She feels uncomfortable in it, and unlike herself. This is shown through her actions throughout the day. Unfortunately, she had no choice because it was deemed the appropriate attire for girls her age. “I swear Scout, sometimes you act like such a girl, it’s mortifyin.” - Jem. This quote shows that even though for most of her life …show more content…
These expectations can confuse young girls like Scout and can lead to identity issues as she matures. In today’s society, people have the freedom to dress how they want and won’t be ridiculed for it. As society has changed over time people are more aware of the issues in the world which can help them make better choices regarding their actions and words. Although Lee depicts the failure of the Maycomb education system through the description of the elderly students in Scout’s first grade. Scout is a very well-educated young woman, as she already knows how to read and write at an advanced level. Mrs. Caroline is surprised to see how smart young Scout is. Mrs. Caroline tells Scout that she shouldn’t have learned to read and write before coming to school and that she must unlearn it all. When Mrs. Caroline questions the class about the alphabet, most of the students failed to complete the whole series of letters. Mrs. Caroline is new to the county of Maycomb and her teaching method is impersonal and does not meet the needs of Maycomb’s students, which leads to a lack of learning. Proven by when the Ewell family only comes to the first day of school and never shows up