Scout´s Change in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Essay Example

📌Category: Books, To Kill a Mockingbird
📌Words: 489
📌Pages: 2
📌Published: 19 June 2021

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, a single moment forever changed the protagonist, Scout Finch. Growing up as a child, she had to mature her often irrational views and develop her personality. However, she never underwent a change as rapidly as when she heard Tom Robinson's court verdict. This moment forced the realization that the world can be cruel and unforgiving as one man cannot make much of a difference. It shapes the meaning of the world as a whole because it highlights the disappointments that occur no matter how much support is provided.

Scout's childish innocence vanished once she learned that Tom was declared guilty despite the lack of evidence and unreliable testimony. She had previously thought the world was fair and the outcome of the trial with her father, Atticus Finch, would display this belief. However, it was expected that he would lose the case as it was a time period of widespread discrimination against African Americans. Her character was drastically enhanced morally when her eyes were open to the fact that people refuse to change their criminal ways. An all-white jury declared him guilty and even the support of the entire African American community could not have saved him.

She was exposed to corruption at a  young age with this event that caused her to recognize her place. In the past, Scout believed that she was invincible and could do whatever she pleased, as shown when she beat up one of her classmates for judging her father. Now, she was aware that one person cannot make a noticeable difference in the cruel world, especially when traditions are set and expectations are applied.

Scout's older brother, Jem, had been growing up psychologically at a faster rate than her, but this turned everything around. She grasped the complicated concept of racism after witnessing the trial firsthand. Even with no direct evidence against Tom and Atticus' intelligent actions as his lawyer, he was still found guilty and charged with rape of a young, white girl. Additionally, Bob Ewell, the victim's father, was well known for being racist. However, none of these circumstances changed the outcome and it caused the siblings to question justice. Scout's view was clarified as the world is not innocent and she was vulnerable to experiencing terrible, life-changing occurrences.

The entire book took a dark shift once the verdict was reached and announced. It shapes what happens after because the biased court case emphasized the uncontrollable aspects of life. Certain parts are out of one's control and this was one of them. If Atticus or Scout maintained control, the trial outcome would have been fair. Scout ultimately learned that there is only so much an individual can influence. Her place in society is to do well in school, behave, and only preside over her own actions, thoughts, and beliefs.

Overall, the altering court trial deeply impacted Scout as her point of view darkened. Before that pivotal point, she believed that her father would claim victory with Tom's innocence, but it operated as a reminder to not get one's hopes up. An excessive sense of optimism is naive and Scout certainly learned that valuable lesson at that time.

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