To kill a Mockingbird

Introduction:
To Kill a Mockingbird was the first novel we read in class. We wrote how the
characters grew from the begining to the end of the novel.

Essay:
Throughout the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" ,by Harper Lee , a young girl
named Scout expierences a series of events that help build her identity. For example,
Tom's trial and the towns' people help in doing so.

Scout learns several valuable lessons from Tom's trial, Atticus Finch, Calpurnia,
Aunt Alexandra, and Boo Radley . She is most effected by Tom, Atticus, and Boo. Tom's
trail taught her about racisism, justice, and fairness. It also opened her eyes to how the
folks of Maycomb, Alabama really are. Boo showed her goodness can came frowm
anyone. She also learned not to judge based on rumors and on appearances. Atticus ( her
father) gave her advice for life.
Atticus once said to Scout " you never really understand a person until you climb
into their skin and walk around in it" (Lee 33). In the beginig she didn't fully understood
what that meant not until Boo rescues Jem and Scout from Bob's attack. Atticus said this
to teach Scout about manners and compasion. Near the end of the novel Scout

acompanies Boo to his house and then and there she says " Atticus was right. He once
said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them"
(Lee 374) which means she now undertands what Atticus meant. When she said this it is
showing how she is changing and shaping her idnetity. Atticus helped Scout become
forgiving, compasionate, and not to be judgy.

During the trial Scout

is "forced" to mature. She has to learn what the courtroom is talking about. She also has
to learn to hold her head high. When Scout says "Atticus says cheating a colred man is
ten times worse than cheating a white man. Says it's the worst thing you can do" it shows
she is a bit confused in what that means. She has to learn and adapt to the enviroment of
the courthouse (Lee 269). Scout is confused and upset when Tom loses she then relizes
how racist and blind the people can be. Scout has grown to be mature and more
understanding.
Scout has been taught many lessons by Boo, Atticus, and Tom's trial. At the end of
the novel Scout grew into a mature, forgiving, compasionate, and a not judgy child.

Reflection:
In all of my years o f school we always had to write an essay about the novel we
just finished reading. How did the charcter grow throughtout the novel was a common
question teachers always asked, and this is what our essay question was. I loved the book
"To Kill A Mockingbird" , but I was not happy to write an esssay. When I began writing I
couldn't decide whether to choose Jem, Scout, or Boo Radley as my character to write on.
All three character showed a growth throughout the novel. I finally chose Scout because
in my opinion she showed the most growth.

When I look back at my essasy for this book I believe that I deserved between
75%-85%.I say this becuase my quotes were awful and I did the assingment last minute. I
feel that the quotes I used weren't strong enough to get across my point. This essay has
helped me improve which quotes I use for my assingments. Because of this assignment, I
have improved on my responsibilites and how to choose a good quote.

Works Cited
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1960. Print.