To Kill a Mockingbird - Essay

To Kill a Mockingbird - Essay

Children can easily be influenced. However, that influence could either have a positive or negative

impact on their behavior, or thoughts. To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee and published in 1960, shows a good example of how different things can change a child, as it portrays the story of a young girl by the name of Jean Louise Finch who is surrounded by three women, who will eventually bring to her think and act differently. Each woman, Calpurnia, Aunt Alexandra and Miss Maudie, individually play important parts in her growing and learning.

Jean Louise Finch, also known as “Scout”, and Calpurnia have a teacher-student relationship. Although Calpurnia may sometimes be severe, she is still an affectionate teacher towards Scout. Calpurnia also scolded her a few times. An example of that is when she made fun of Walter Cunningham for pouring syrup all over his meat and vegetables at lunch, only to be scolded by Calpurnia afterwards. "There's some folks who don't eat like us… but you ain't called on to contradict 'em at the table when they don't. That boy's yo' comp'ny and if he wants to eat up the table cloth you let him, you hear?" Even though Jean Louise tried to get her father to get rid of her, the two of them seem to have a fine and loving relationship. Calpurnia’s impact on Scout’s life has mostly been positive because she has taught her positive values like respect and politeness, amongst many other things.

Scout’s relationship with her aunt Alexandra is in stark opposition to her relationship with Calpurnia. She does not get along with her very well with her due to the fact that their opinions diverge so much. Aunt Alexandra expects Scout to act and dress like she did when she was younger, and is often harsh when she speaks to her. "Aunty said that one had to behave like a sunbeam, that I was born good but had grown progressively worse every year. She hurt my feelings and set my teeth permanently on edge..." is what Jean Louise recollected after an argument with her aunt on whether she should be doing anything that requires wearing pants or not. Aunt Alexandra also tried cutting the friendship between Scout and Walter Cunningham. "Because—he—is—trash, that's why you can't play with him. I'll not have you around him, picking up his habits and learning Lord-knows-what. You're enough of a problem to your father as it is." Even though aunt Alexandra and Scout are family, they’re not able to bond because of aunt Alexandra’s close-mindedness, opinions and attitude towards her. She is trying to force Scout into being someone she isn't, and that isn’t a good influence on her at all.

Miss Maudie Atkinson and Jean Louise have a friendly relationship, and Scout considers her a good friend. She even routinely bakes her and Jem delectable cakes. Scout feels like she can always rely on her and always tell her the truth. Miss Atkinson supports Atticus through Tom Robinson’s trial and comforts the children after their father loses the case. Throughout the novel, Scout is grateful for Miss Maudie and what she does for her and her brother. Miss Atkinson is also very compassionate, affectionate and wise. She speaks to Jem and Scout like adults and always respects their

...