Teachers and parents were the leading townsfolk that instructed the children (Lee, 1990). For example, the teachers worked hard to ensure that children lived an ignorance free life alongside enlightening them about them about some of the essentials of life. The fact that schools brought children from different social backgrounds together also compelled the teachers to educate the children about the significance of relating accordingly with people from various social backgrounds. Far from that, it also apparent in the novel that parents were pivotal in the provision of life instructions to their children. For example, Atticus who was the central figure of a single parent in the novel advises his children on how they are supposed to live and relate well with other people in the society. Despite being feeble and having a tough role of raising his kids single-handedly, he works hard to ensure that he leads by example (Lee, 1990).
Atticus uses his position as a parent to provide his children with the opportunity of learning more about life by giving them an overview of the significance of education even though he never went to school. He makes it clear they should be humble if they are to make it in life. Apparently, education is the best vessel that they can use to train them about the virtue of being humble. He also uses the same forum to teach his children about the goodness of life by making it apparent that tolerance is a vital component that they can use later in their lives to spearhead the sense of peaceful coexistence in the contemporary society. Apart from that, Atticus is also justified to train his children about life when he teaches Jem on how to be courageous in life alongside teaching Scout about the use of “N.S.” Far from that, Atticus also trained his children on how to live acceptable lives because he led by example (Lee, 1990). He treated all his children equally and nurtured them about the relevance of relating well with other people. He is affirmative to his kids that “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks” (Lee, 1990, P. 85). That means that having life skills was vital for Scout to deal with all sorts of individuals later on in the future.
Scout thinks the Boo Bradley is a man of fear (Lee, 1990). However, he changes his perception when Boo Bradley saves his life thereby viewing him as a friend. Likewise, Jem held negative perception about Boo Bradley but later on learned that he was a great person when he saves their lives. Apart from that, Scout is also demonstrated in the novel as an individual who lacks open mindedness. In fact, it is stated that he viewed things in black and white. However, he manages to change this perception when he learns how to tolerate the ideas of other people and getting to understand their point of views. It is also apparent in the novel that Scout has been attempting to solve problems by focusing on taking action; a step that lands him in troubles a couple of times. Happily, he manages to change that essence as we explore deep into the novel. Scout is also described as an individual who addresses challenges and concerns as separate entities not understanding that there are connections between the series of events (Lee, 1990).
Maycomb’s children were accorded a high degree of sensitivity when they were treated by the other members of the society. For example, Boo leaves some fruits for children on a tree to avoid frightening them away. Besides that, Boo also comes in handy and helps the children when their lives are in danger. In retrospect to that Atticus’ fear for the safety of his children and that of his neighbors compels him into shooting a rabid dog (Lee, 1990).
- Lee, Harper. “To kill a mockingbird.” Litigation (1990): 68-58.
