What theme would Scout portray in To Kill a Mockingbird?

There are several themes that the character of Scout portrays throughout To Kill a Mockingbird. One of the predominant themes of the novel deals with the importance of developing morals and ethics in children.Atticus teaches Scout many important lessons, such as how to view situations from other people's perspective, the importance of self-control, and how to treat people with respect regardless of race. Scout follows in her father's footsteps and matures into a...

There are several themes that the character of Scout portrays throughout To Kill a Mockingbird. One of the predominant themes of the novel deals with the importance of developing morals and ethics in children. Atticus teaches Scout many important lessons, such as how to view situations from other people's perspective, the importance of self-control, and how to treat people with respect regardless of race. Scout follows in her father's footsteps and matures into a morally upright, conscious individual.

Another theme throughout the novel deals with femininity and gender roles. Scout is a tomboy who would rather play with Jem and Dill then with dolls. She is viewed with contempt by Mrs. Dubose and her Aunt Alexandra because she chooses to wear overalls and play rough. Her Aunt Alexandra is the quintessential Southern Bell, and she is continually chastising Scout for her tomboy personality. When Scout is invited to Alexandra's missionary circle, she experiences the nuances of Southern womanhood and becomes interested in the "world of women." Although Scout does not change her ways, she understands that she will soon make the transition to becoming a woman.

Another significant theme throughout the novel is the loss of childhood innocence or naïveté. At the beginning of the novel, Scout fears her neighbor Boo Radley and even refers to him as the "malevolent phantom." By the end of the novel, she understands that Boo is simply a shy, misunderstood individual. Scout also witnesses injustice and the prevalent prejudice throughout her community during the Tom Robinson trial. Scout and Jem both learn that adults are capable of evil after witnessing Tom's wrongful conviction. Unlike her brother, Scout remains unjaded and still believes that people are predominately good