A theme I noticed in the first six chapters (which I predict to continue throughout the novel) was that of acceptance and understanding. Lee's way of analyzing this theme is demonstrated in many of Scout’s interactions, but is most directly addressed when Atticus tells Scout “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.” The rest of this section gives multiple opportunities for the events to be interpreted through the lens of this advice: the plight of the poor Cunninghams, the Ewell family’s decisions about schooling their kids, and even the strange “decision” of Boo Radley not to leave his house.
Duncan, do you think Scout has a more difficult time understanding certain situations than others? Do you think we as the reader would have a more difficult time being understanding of a person who was much older than Scout having difficulty accepting some of the situations?
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that Scout is young adds a quality to the narration that makes certain aspects of the acceptance theme more easily explored. She is mostly regurgitating what she's been told and a lot of her notions of who people are and some of her more intolerant reactions to situations are mostly just a product of her not understanding. I think as we keep reading it will be interesting to see some of the more bigoted adults in the town and to keep in mind that Scout (who's definitely not a bad person) has many of their same beliefs until Atticus teaches her something about understanding and empathy.
DeleteI couldn't help but see this theme too. The close-knit, southern community setting is perfect for this topic to be explored. Atticus seems to be the "good" model of how people should interact with others. I'm curious to see if/how the author incorporates a "bad" model.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good observation about the setting. In regards to the "bad" model, I'm struck by the way the children are most often the intolerant ones we've seen so far, while the older characters with much more life experience (Atticus, Calpurnia, and Miss Maudie) are very understanding. I think there's a message there about how experience relates to empathy.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Duncan. This was one of the largest themes in the book I noticed actually. I wondered, "what was the importance of bringing up this character's past? What was the importance of introducing a minor character and detailing their life to only have them leave a little bit later?" This theme may actually have an influence on Scout's persona, understanding certain people may behave strangely for certain reasons, and that is completely okay.
ReplyDelete