Question

What are the similarities and differences between Scout and Atticus from the story "To Kill a Mocking Bird"?

Answer 1

Scout is the daughter of Atticus. They both show that they don’t judge people, as shown when Atticus accepts the trial of a man that was wrongly accused.

Scout has a basic faith in the goodness of people in her community. As the novel progresses, this faith is tested by the hatred and prejudice that emerge during the trial. She eventually develops a more grown-up perspective that enables her to appreciate human goodness without ignoring human evil.

Atticus instilled this strong sense of morality and justice into his children. He is one of the few residents in his community to support racial equality. When he accepts the trial to defend Tom Robinson, he exposes himself and his family to the anger of the white community. With his strongly held convictions, wisdom, and empathy, Atticus functions as the novel’s moral backbone.

In other words, both Atticus and Scout have a strong sense of morality. Atticus is wiser than Scout is, and has a deeper understanding of morality than Scout does. Throughout the novel, Scout grows and learns a better concept of morality and a better concept of people.