To Kill A Mockingbird: Scout Character Analysis Essay

Perspectives are key for us to grow in the world we are today. People’s perspectives are what influence them to think certain things and act in certain ways. Everyone has their own perspectives on life, but that is something that can change as time goes on. Experiences in our day to day lives can change a person’s perspective by allowing them to comprehend a person and their life.

Experience can change a person’s perspective by letting them understand the people around them and their current situation. By understanding the people around you, you’re able to understand how to interact with them and open your eyes to something new. In chapter 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout mentions to Atticus about the experience she had with her teacher Miss Caroline. She mentions how Miss Caroline didn’t know of the Cunnigham or Ewell family and didn’t want Scout to read anymore at home(Lee). After telling the tales of the morning at school, Atticus responded with, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view”(Lee). From this, Scout later understands that it isn’t Miss Caroline’s fault for not knowing about the ideals of the Cunninghams or Ewell family because she was new to town. Learning about a person and how they interact is one of the key ways of learning more about the world. It helps you look at the world in a different light so that you can have a better connection with the people around you.

I’ve experienced a change in perspective when I was younger. I believed I grew up in a world that was wonderful and everyone was happy and optimistic. I remember when I was in elementary school I had my first experience with a homeless person. I was confused on the reasons why a homeless person would stand on the street with a sign asking for money. My mom one day explained to me that homeless people don’t have a home, money, food, clothing, etc. That day I started to realize that the world wasn’t as pleasant as I thought because some people out there have it rough. Since that day, I’ve had the mindset of helping every person I encounter that needs help. I am always being nice towards others because I don’t know what they’re going through. The experiences I’ve had with people have changed my perspective on life and I always try to understand people from their point of view and help them in any way I can.

To conclude, experience can change a person’s perspective by allowing them to understand people and their life. Some may argue that the amount of empathy a person shows to others after learning about their circumstances leads them to manipulate the victims. While people will start to show empathy towards others, most that show empathy only want to help or understand others. Scout did the same thing when she had her interactions with Miss Caroline. The world is filled with so many stories from people, and learning from them will allow us to become better people and a better society.