To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a “coming of age” novel. Throughout the novel, various themes become apparent. The importance of manners, overcoming various types of prejudice, and the necessity of developing empathy all emerge as important ideas for Jem and Scout to wrangle with as they grow into young adults.
As Jem and Scout grow, they realize the importance of good manners. Scout understands manners are important, but she does not realize she needs to use them. After Jem invited Walter Cunningham over for lunch, Scout became very judgmental of the way Walter was eating his food. Calpurnia requested Scout to come into the kitchen. “…but you ain’t called on to contradict ‘em at the table when they don’t eat like us. That boy’s yo comp’ny and if he wants to eat up the table cloth you let him, you hear,” (32). Calpurnia shows Scout that she needs to be …show more content…
Even if he does not have manners or does not know how to use them. Scout learns from this, that she has to be kind and use her manners even when other people do not. One night Scout uses some profound language and Uncle Jack finds himself startled that she would use such strong words at her age. He tells Scout he does not want to hear something like that again. Scout does not understand, that saying those kinds of words is not using good manners. She does not think she is offending anyone, and she thinks it is perfectly fine, when it actually is not. Scout learns that manners are not only the way she acts, but it is also how those actions impact others. Another incident when Scout realizes manners are important is when Scout has her first encounter with Miss Caroline, her teacher, and Walter Cunningham. Scout politely tells Miss Caroline, Walter cannot accept the money because he cannot pay it back. Scout does a good job of being polite and understanding for Miss Caroline who does not
As Jem and Scout grow, they realize the importance of good manners. Scout understands manners are important, but she does not realize she needs to use them. After Jem invited Walter Cunningham over for lunch, Scout became very judgmental of the way Walter was eating his food. Calpurnia requested Scout to come into the kitchen. “…but you ain’t called on to contradict ‘em at the table when they don’t eat like us. That boy’s yo comp’ny and if he wants to eat up the table cloth you let him, you hear,” (32). Calpurnia shows Scout that she needs to be …show more content…
Even if he does not have manners or does not know how to use them. Scout learns from this, that she has to be kind and use her manners even when other people do not. One night Scout uses some profound language and Uncle Jack finds himself startled that she would use such strong words at her age. He tells Scout he does not want to hear something like that again. Scout does not understand, that saying those kinds of words is not using good manners. She does not think she is offending anyone, and she thinks it is perfectly fine, when it actually is not. Scout learns that manners are not only the way she acts, but it is also how those actions impact others. Another incident when Scout realizes manners are important is when Scout has her first encounter with Miss Caroline, her teacher, and Walter Cunningham. Scout politely tells Miss Caroline, Walter cannot accept the money because he cannot pay it back. Scout does a good job of being polite and understanding for Miss Caroline who does not