To Kill A Mockingbird Quote Analysis

Teiva Gerling

Honors English 9

Ms. Threet

15 February 2023

“Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them…” This quote by protagonist Jean Louise “Scout” Finch shows her character growth as she finally understands that people aren’t always what they seem to be. To Kill a Mockingbird is a masterful work of art by Harper Lee. In the piece, Scout Finch grows physically, mentally, and emotionally. She learns to understand others and look past what everyone says they’re like. Along the way, she knows many thoughtful lessons from either Atticus, her father, Calpurnia, her housemaid and mother figure, and Ms. Maudie, her neighbor and second mother figure. Through many trials

On many occasions in the book, Scout is shown asking questions and is open to learning whenever she gets the chance. This is seen on multiple occasions with Miss Maudie. “That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it” (Lee 103). When posed with the killing of mockingbirds being a sin, Scout turns to Miss Maudie for answers. One of the best ways to learn is the ability to ask questions whether thoughtful or “stupid.” Scout is always eager to learn. Being eager to learn is one of the key points in having a growth mindset. She also always inquires about those near her when she is confused or questioning something. “Why does he pay you like that?” I asked” (23). This is evident here when Mr Cunningham pays Atticus in turnip greens instead of money. All this reasoning was enough for anyone to deduce that Scout Finch has a Growth

This is shown when she starts to picture herself in others' shoes to understand them more as opposed to the beginning of the book where she insults Walter. On page 27, she shrieks, “But he's gone and drowned his dinner in syrup, I protested. “Heʻs poured it all over--” (27). She then goes on to compliment him to his father which then saves Tom Robinson from being lynched. She states “Heʻs in my grade,” I said, “and he does right well. Heʻs a good boy” I added, a real nice boy…” (175). In addition, she also helps Heck Tate persuade Atticus to leave Bob Ewellʻs death as an accident. “Atticus sat looking at the floor for a long time. Finally he raised his head. “Scout,” he said, “Mr Ewell fell on his knife. Can you possibly understand?” Atticus looked like he needed cheering up. I ran to him and hugged him and kissed him with all my might. “Yes sir, I understand,” I reassured him. “Mr Tate was right” (318). This shows that even though Bob Ewell was murdered she would still care for Boo and let him live unbothered. With these few but impactful quotes and evidence, it can be easily proved that scout shows