Scout's Role Models in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Essay Sample

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee There are three main characters in Jean Louise Finch ,also known as Scout Finch, life that help her grow as a person. The main people that impacted Scout’s life are Jeremy Atticus Finch, Calpurnia, and Atticus Finch. Jem is Scout’s older brother who always looks out for her and he plays a big role in Scout’s life. Calpurnia is the Finch’s maid who teaches Scout manners and is her mother figure. Scout’s father Atticus is another huge role model for Scout because he helps her mature and teaches her important lessons.

The first person that helps shape Scout personality is Scout’s brother Jem. Jem is always looking out for Scout even though he pushes her away sometimes. When Jem and Scout walk over to the school pageant on Halloween Jem says, “ ‘I can tell we’re under the big oak because we’re passin’ through a cool spot. Careful now, and don’t fall again.’ “ (Lee 342). Jem tells Scout not to trip and that shows how Jem always looks after her. After Bob Ewell attacks Scout and Jem, Scout tells Heck Tate, “ ‘Jem says that ground is always cooler under a tree’ ” (Lee 361). This demonstrates that Scout truly listens to Jem and remembers what he tells her even after a shocking event. As a whole Jem looks out for Scout and influences her knowledge.

In the book, Calpurnia is always there for Scout and always makes Scout a better person. A great example of that is when Walter Cummingham eats lunch at Finch’s Landing. Walter pours a lot of molasses on his pancakes and Scout comments on it. Calpurnia pulls Scout aside and says, “ ‘Anybody sets foot in this house’s yo’ comp’ny, and don’t you let me catch you remarkin’ on ways like you was so high and mighty!’ ” (Lee 33). This shows that Calpurnia contributes to Scout’s manners and makes her more humble. Calpurnia also leads Scout to not discriminate people, so just because some people are different does not mean that she is better than them. When Jem starts to grow older he starts to ignore Scout, Calpurnia tells Scout, “ ‘You just come right on in the kitchen when you feel lonesome’ ” (Lee 154). During those times Scout watches Calpurnia do housework and starts to realize there is some skill involved with doing things girls like to do. Calpurnia ultimately helps Scout have better manners and have a new perspective on being a lady.

Another character that played a major role in Scouts growing up is Atticus. After Atticus told her to refrain from fighting people Cecil Jacobs called Scout names. Scout describes it like, “I drew a bead on him, remembered what Atticus had said, then dropped my fists and walked away. . . It was the first time I ever walked away from a fight” (Lee 102). This quote demonstrates how much of an influence Atticus has on Scout. She does not want to disappoint Atticus so she does not fight Cecil. “ ‘You never really understand a person. . .until you climb in his skin and walk around in it’ ” (Lee 39). This is a very important lesson for Scout to learn because it is shown throughout the whole book. Atticus is a huge role model for Scout so these words allow Scout to get past the prejudices in the town. To sum it up, Scout learns wise life lessons from Atticus.

In conclusion there are three important characters that push Scout to grow and mature as a person. The main characters that shape Scout are Jem, Calpurnia, and Atticus. Jem influences Scout and her desicions. Calputnia teaches Scout manners. Atticus shows Scout important values and life lessons. Overall Scout would not have been the same if it was not for all of the role models in her life that push her to be the best person she can be.