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Examples Of Complexity In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Boocal Radpurnia: A Complexity Our world has many problems. Problems that can either be good or bad, and most of the time, easily fixed. However, there is one problem that will never be mended: the concept of misperception. This means that a person could act in a certain way, and that would be his/her permanent demeanor. Misperception is seen numerous times in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Two specific characters in the book, Boo Radley and Calpurnia, are somewhat perceived differently than they really are. This conveys the fact that people are rarely what they seem to be. Although Boo Radley appears to be savage and animalistic, in reality, he is kind and is constantly looking out for others. In the beginning of the story, Boo is …show more content…

After Walter Cunningham displays some questionable manners, Scout makes an obscene comment and Calpurnia pulls her into the kitchen. She yells, saying, “ ‘Hush your mouth! Don’t matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house yo' comp'ny, and don't you let me catch you remarkin' on their ways like you was so high and mighty! Yo' folks might be better'n the Cunninghams but it don't count for nothin' the way you're disgracin' 'em—if you can't act fit to eat at the table you can just set here and eat in the kitchen!’ ” (33). The motherly instincts of Calpurnia sink in as she scolds Scout for being rude. Just because she is a cook does not mean she always has to be nice. Despite Calpurnia’s plundering behavior, she can also be compassionate and caring to others, including the Finches. When Scout returns home from school, she is surprised to see Calpurnia waiting at the door. “ ‘I missed you today’, she said.” (38). Calpurnia is revealing that deep down she has a love for Scout and wants the best for her. It also shows that she isn’t just a cook, but a mother as well. To add, Calpurnia also conveys her affection for her “children” when she “bent down and kissed me. I ran along, wondering what had come over her.” (38). For Scout to see this behavior as unusual is a hint that Calpurnia has not shown her real feelings for a very long time. However, these real feelings are very good and Scout learns to appreciate Cal more than she used too. Even though Calpurnia can be seen as evil to Scout, she actually cares about her and just hides her feeling

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