Despite her fear, Scout displayed bravery as she attempted to explain to her teacher, Miss Caroline, why Walter Cunningham refused to accept lunch money. Additionally, Scout agreed to cooperate with Jem and Dill in leaving a note for Boo at the terrifying Raddled House. A defining moment of courageousness for Scout arose when she addressed a menacing mob of men at the jail, who were determined to harm Atticus and lynch Tom Robinson. Scout’s father served as a role model of bravery throughout the Tom Robinson case.
Scout and I both understand that true courage can be displayed when facing an inevitable loss but still persevering. Just like Scout, I encounter bravery every day as I confront the challenges of each day after the loss of a loved one. Whether it’s standing in front of an audience or meeting new people, I must conquer my fears and find inner strength. Reading, which Scout loves, is also a hobby of mine. Similar to Scout, I learned to read at a young age. I fondly recall flipping through the children’s books my mother provided for my sister and me. Additionally, I eagerly perused magazines, newspapers, and comic books. Even now, the daily comics in the newspaper remain my favorite passion. Scout treasures five items that hold significance in her childhood and reflect her personality: the tree house, her jeans, the Mobile Register, Boo Reader’s tree, and her Sunday dress. The tree house was a special place for Scout during lazy summer days, where she would play with her brother Gem and friend Dill, showcasing her active and outdoorsy nature.
During the school year in winter, Scout would often be in the tree house, using a two-powered telescope that Gem had given her to spy on the students in the schoolyard. The tree house symbolized Scout’s affection for the outdoors. Jeans were her usual choice of clothing, which held significant importance for her. Wearing jeans was like wearing a daily uniform for Scout, as they provided comfort and allowed her to engage in activities typically associated with boys. It was inappropriate for Scout to wear a dress, considering she frequently returned home from playtime covered in mud and dirt.
People often commented to Scout, especially Aunt Alexandria, who said she “could not possibly hope to be a lady” (Lee, 81) if she wore breeches. However, Scout firmly responded that she could not do anything in a dress (Lee, 81). Reading was one of Scout’s favorite pastimes. When her teacher insisted that she stop reading Tactics because he “taught her all wrong” (Lee, 29), it greatly upset her. This made her reluctant to return to school. Reading had always been a nightly ritual for Scout with her father. She would sit on Atticus’ lap and read the Mobile Register together.
Reading came so easily to her that she couldn’t recall how she initially acquired the skill. Scout was relieved when she and Tactics decided clandestinely to continue reading at home without informing the teacher. The Boo Raddled tree represented a significant symbol during Scout’s early childhood. It held a certain allure and enchantment for her. The tree was fascinating because it stood beside the Raddled house, where Boo Raddled, the neighbor who provoked fear in the children, resided. The tree mesmerized the children and particularly Scout.
She was the first person to discover chewing gum in the tree’s knothole and immediately started chewing it without hesitation. The tree remained fascinating to Scout and Gem as they consistently found unique items left inside the hole. Both Scout and Gem believed in a “finders keepers” policy and considered everything in the knothole to be their own. The special treasures found included soap carvings of a boy and girl that resembled Scout and Gem, two shiny marbles, Wriggler’s chewing gum, a ball of yarn, and a tarnished medal.
The pocket watch on a chain with an aluminum knife was the most valuable prize. It deeply saddened Gem and Scout when they discovered that Mr. Nathan Raddled had sealed the knothole in their beloved tree. This occurrence marked the end of the thrilling surprises they had been eagerly anticipating. The tree lost its allure for them. Scout’s Sunday dress represents her growth into adulthood as she develops into a young woman. By the end of the novel, she displays maturity by wearing a dress and assisting California at Aunt Alexandra’s gathering of the Missionary Circle for the local women.
Scout, dressed in a pink Sunday dress with a petticoat and shoes, was the center of attention as the ladies admired her outfit. Showing her lady-like behavior, Scout helped California carry the coffee pitcher and a heavy tray of Charlotte. True to herself, Scout surprised the ladies by revealing a pair of breeches under her dress, which amused them. Scout did not intend to be funny, but her actions revealed her natural inclination towards tomboyishness. Scout would have made a perfect friend for me in my neighborhood, as my friends and I spent our afternoons exploring the woods or playing games in the streets or backyard.
Scout and I would have had a wonderful time climbing trees and enjoying outdoor activities together. In the winter, we would have had a blast sledging down my hill and engaging in snowball fights. In school, Scout would have made an excellent study companion due to her intelligence and extensive knowledge. Additionally, we would have enjoyed exchanging our favorite books for summer reading. Like Scout, I also found joy in discovering hidden treasures in the woods that once belonged to others. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate dressing up for special events, just as Scout did during the Missionary Circle gathering.
The project captivated me with its ability to bring Scout’s character to life, evoking memories of a cherished childhood friend. Just as Scout treasured her younger days, so did I.
