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Atticus Changes In To Kill A Mockingbird

900 Words4 Pages

Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, by the age of eight, has been attacked by a man with the intent to kill, has witnessed death, and has been exposed to the horrid truth about her world. Scout’s experience of life changed as a result of two major problems that she experienced. The first of the major conflicts is between the lessons of Atticus - her father - and her own naivete and innocence as a child. This could be roughly summed up as ‘growing up’. Harper Lee, at the end of To Kill A Mockingbird had indeed depicted Jean Louise as a matured young lady that was at peace with her childish nature. Scout’s maturity was caused by the rivalry between Bob Ewell and Atticus Finch. Atticus, being a lawyer, defended Tom Robinson - a black man - from allegations …show more content…

Bob Ewell hates Atticus with the entirety of his heart. Bob Ewell, abiding by his oath, attacked Jem and Scout on their way home from a halloween party. Scout does not understand how Bob Ewell dies in all the confusion. Although, when discussing the event with Atticus, Heck Tate assumed that the attacking ended with Bob falling “his own knife. He killed himself” (366). Bob Ewell was drunk, and the attack took place in the dark; therefore, it was very likely that Bob tripped. Atticus, on the other hand believes that Jem killed Bob Ewell in self- defense. Mr. Tate stands firm by his word and claims that Jem didn’t kill anybody. Whether or not Jem killed Bob Ewell, the fact remains that Mr. Ewell is dead. Due to this mortality, the conflict between Atticus and Bob is rendered inconsequential considering one party no longer is a consequential factor.
In the case that Harper Lee’s purpose was to tell a story about Jean Louise Finch’s progression of maturity, then the conclusion of To Kill A Mockingbird is a fitting ending that completes Harper Lee’s goal. Scout’s increase of maturity was caused by two major events that she experienced in her life. Scout’s immaturity often demands an action that Atticus’s ingrained teachings disagree with. The disagreement ends with the revelation of Boo Radley, a life-changing event. Scout matures as she sees her neighborhood from Arthur’s perspective.

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