How Are Life Lessons Learned In To Kill A Mockingbird

“‘Your father’s right, she said. Mockingbirds don’t do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”’ (Lee 119). This quote is one of the many life lessons Scout Finch learns growing up in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The book follows Scout’s childhood in the 1930’s in Alabama and along the way Scout, learns many life lessons. Although many educators would argue that the most important life lessons are learned within the walls of a schoolhouse, the children's experience in To Kill a Mockingbird exemplify just how many valuable lessons can be learned outside of the classroom.

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For instance, when Scout gets in a fight with the kids at her school, Atticus tells her that she shouldn't fight with her fists but with her head. Atticus teaches Scout that true courage is standing up for what's right, even if her friends or people she knows makes fun of her, it's her job to the right thing anyway. Next, Atticus is explaining to Scout and Jem that Mrs. Dubose is one of the bravest person he knew because she kept fighting even though she knew she wouldn't win. Atticus tells them;“‘It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do”’ (Lee 149). This quote teaches scout that the true meaning of courage is completing something even when though it might as well be over. Finally, Miss Maudie explains to Jem and Scout why Atticus never talked about shooting. She said it was because he realized that he shouldn’t shoot things unless he needs to. This lesson about courage shows that using a weapon doesn't show courage, the man using it does. As Scout grows, she learns the true meaning courage through her role models in To Kill a