Scout Finch’s First Day: Unveiling Attitudes and Characters in To Kill a Mockingbird

How does Scout's first day at school give a broader understanding of attitudes and characters in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Harper Lee reveals much about life at Maycomb throughout Scout's first day at school in the opening chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird. The narrative is focused on Scout and the challenges she faces during the day in the new environment, which show her individuality and background intelligence through the way she behaves around other people. Her attitude is established through her encounters with other children and adults. Her father Atticus teaches her some important lessons, which show a different, warmer side of him.

cc and intelligent individual. The second she gets to the school, she stands out, it is her first day of school and she already knows how to read and write, already making her knowledge superior to the other children. "I could not remember not being able to read hymns", this shows her background intelligence, she learned to read unconsciously, it is just something she did naturally. Her teacher at school is a foreigner that doesn't know how the town works, she doesn't understand the families that live there. When referencing to a Cunningham about lunch, Scout "rose graciously on Walter's behalf" to explain about his family history and to help Walter make the situation less awkward. It shows that whenever a person couldn't stand up for themselves, Scout would, which shows a mature, brave side of Scout. She will stand up to the teacher and state her opinion which is something not many students do. This shows her independent personality, separating her from other children.

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Further developing Scout's person, Harper Lee establishes her attitude by showing the way she deals with other children and adults. "Walter poured syrup on his vegetables and meat with a generous hand", Scout believed what Walter did was incorrect, but she doesn't know Walter was never taught manners. Walter had never had a real meal and the way he acted with the food was normal because he had never eaten food like that. Scout doesn't understand that because she has always had a plate on the table. This shows that she speaks up for what she believes, doesn't necessarily mean it is correct, but she is always well-meaning, in this occasion she was misguided. She didn't really understand why he acted that certain way, which confused her. Then when Calpurnia pulled her out to the kitchen and talked to her about the situation she still was confused. In fact, she was mad at Calpurnia for speaking so harshly to her, which shows her strong points of view and state of mind.

Atticus' role is clearly shown during Scout's first day of school. He is a role model to his daughter. He gives advice to her and teaches her to be a better person. "...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.", this clearly shows Atticus teaching Scout to be empathetic, which shows a different, softer side of Atticus. It shows that Atticus is very compassionate and tolerant when it comes to other people. He is a person that doesn't judge and accepts people the way they are. The housekeeper is a colored woman, at the time colored people were treated differently and Atticus gave Calpurnia a job. That is what he is trying to teach Scout, to be caring and to learn to tolerate. This new side of Atticus not only portrays him as a hard worker, but also as a caring, humble father.

Scout did not understand some of the events of the day and Atticus tried explaining and telling her how she could be better. Atticus is shown as a wise man who knows his town well. Scout's first day of school is an important event in the novel because it gives a broader understanding of Scout and other characters, specifically her father. Scout's intelligence and individuality are key to understanding Scout's way of being.

She is a clever girl, who stands up for what she believes, separating her from the rest of the children her age. Her encounters with other adults and children help establish her attitude. She needs to learn to be tolerant and empathetic, which is where Atticus intervenes. Atticus speaks with Scout and teaches her to be empathetic, tolerant, and compassionate. Harper Lee shows another side of Atticus, a softer side. His character is established as hardworking, caring, tolerant, and sensible towards others. The beginning chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird are essential in developing the attitudes and characters of the novel.

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