Miss Maudie Quotes In To Kill A Mockingbird

Miss Maudie Atkinson, the Finch's neighbor, disagreed with the common beliefs of the citizens of Maycomb. She quickly became angered when other citizens discussed their prejudiced beliefs. When other women were talking negatively about African Americans, "Two tight lines had appeared at the corners of [Miss Maudie's] mouth" (Lee 312). Mrs. Dubose, an elderly woman who lived down the street from the Finches, was addicted to morphine. According to the text, "'She took it as a pain-killer for years. The doctor put her on it. She'd have spent the rest of her life on it and died without so much agony, but she was too contrary'" (Lee 147). Mrs. Dubose wanted to die "beholden to nothing and nobody" (Lee 148). This means she wanted to break free of her addiction before she died. Instead of thinking of and treating African Americans as inferior, Mr. Raymond accepted them, causing him to be shunned by society. Even children had a disinclination towards him; their parents taught them that Dolphus's way of life was wrong. In the novel, Scout originally described him as "evil" (Lee 267). The text also states, "I didn't think Atticus would like it if we became friendly with Mr. Raymond, and I knew Aunt Alexandra wouldn't" (Lee 267). Miss Maudie solved her problem by speaking up. The text

He treats his children with respect, and explains to them what they do not understand. The text states, "I never went to school,' he said, 'but I have a feeling that if you tell Miss Caroline we read every night she'll get after me, and I wouldn't want her after me'" (Lee 42). The text later states, "Atticus said to Jem one day, 'I'd rather you go shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you'll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird'" (Lee 119). Atticus's constant guidance helps the children make the right choices throughout the