Journal #7: To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a story of childhood. Harper Lee, otherwise known as Scout Finch in this story, lives with her brother, Jem, her father, Atticus, and their nanny, Calpurnia. So far, the book simply discussed Scout’s day-to-day life. Scout is six years old in the beginning of the story and has just begun school. However, Scout dislikes the institution, primarily because her teacher criticizes her on the very first day of school. The teacher claims that Scout’s father should not have taught her to read, and that Calpurnia should not have taught her to write, because they taught her incorrectly. Scout, a stubborn child, however, continues reading with her father at home, while putting up with (but still disliking) school. In the summertime, Scout plays all day with her brother and their visiting friend, Dill. Their games generally involve acting of some sort. In fact, a major pastime of theirs is to act out the life of their mysterious and believed-to-be-deranged neighbor, Boo Radley. Eventually, Atticus finds out about their mockery of this man and advises them to stop, but the children, curious as ever, are only inspired to delve deeper into the mysteries of Boo Radley.

Scout’s childhood is like every other middle class southern child’s—she is well fed, but doesn’t live in luxury. Her father has a job as a lawyer, unlike most children whose parents farm. In this sense, Scout and Jem are fortunate compared to some of their classmates. A common theme seems to be the lack of parental figures and the effect it has on children. Some of their peers, such as their friend Dill, don’t have fathers. As a result, Dill is always defending himself and making up lies about his father.  When Boo Radley’s father dies, more and more rumors are spread about Boo and how crazy he is. Other characters lack mother figures. Scout’s classmate, Burris Ewell doesn’t have a mother, and as a result he is malnutrition and not cared for. Scout and Jem themselves don’t even have a mother. Other figures have stepped in, however, to serve in her place. Calpurnia teaches Scout discipline and provides food. Atticus teaches Scout to read. Ms. Caroline acts like a mother by reading to the children and providing money for those who can’t afford to eat. As a result, Scout and Jem would seem as if they have a mother. However, Scout’s personality is affected. Due to the lack of a true mother, Scout acts like a boy: she is reluctant to orders, she plays with her brother, she likes to resolve problems through fighting, and she even writes of “the pain of being called a girl” (55).