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How do Atticus, Calpurnia, and Jem help Scout mature?

Atticus helps in Scout's maturation in many ways, most importantly with his presence as a firm (but fair) disciplinarian who makes himself available to Scout so she may reason out the many questions and frustrations that occupy her young mind.


A prime example of Atticus' ability to help Scout mature is his advice early in the novel, couched in terms a child could understand, that "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view ....

Atticus helps in Scout's maturation in many ways, most importantly with his presence as a firm (but fair) disciplinarian who makes himself available to Scout so she may reason out the many questions and frustrations that occupy her young mind.


A prime example of Atticus' ability to help Scout mature is his advice early in the novel, couched in terms a child could understand, that "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." Scout goes on to apply this lesson to many of the people of Maycomb County, most notably Boo Radley, Tom Robinson, some of the area's eccentric ladies, and poor residents like the Cunninghams and the Ewells.


Though her older brother Jem grows impatient at times with Scout, he is often willing to tease out the mysteries of their young lives together and field her inevitable questions while serving as a fairly dependable protector during their escapades in and around Maycomb. This allows Scout the room to mature at a fairly leisurely pace. During the trial of Tom Robinson, Jem often serves as the interpreter of the action in the court for Scout, as they sit together in the balcony with Reverend Sykes and the other black citizens watching the trial.


Scout claims that Calpurnia doesn't care for her, since Calpurnia is often the first to criticize Scout's dress, speech, or actions. Jem and Scout invite Walter Cunningham home for supper (lunch) after it is revealed he has no lunch on the first day of school (and after Scout had attacked Walter for involving her in a controversy in the eyes of the children's teacher). Scout then humiliates Walter after he pours what Scout views to be an inordinate helping of syrup on his vittles; Calpurnia calls Scout into the kitchen and scolds her for treating her guest so rudely, helping Scout acquire an important lesson in manners.

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