“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is a seminal novel that takes place in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. It is a profound exploration of human morality, social justice, and the loss of innocence. The narrative revolves around the Finch family—Atticus, a lawyer, and his children, Jem and Scout. Throughout the story, Scout and Jem mature significantly, developing their own voices and perspectives. As they grow, they start to see people in their community differently, particularly figures like the Cunninghams, Mrs. Dubose, and Boo Radley. This evolution of perception is central to the novel’s exploration of empathy and understanding.
The Cunninghams: A Case of Misunderstood Dignity
Initially, the Cunninghams are perceived as poor and helpless by the Maycomb community, including Scout and Jem. This perception is a product of the town’s deeply ingrained social hierarchies. The Cunningham family, despite their financial struggles, maintain a sense of pride and integrity. This becomes evident during an early incident when Scout refers to Walter Cunningham Jr. dismissively as “just a Cunningham.” This lack of respect is highlighted in Scout’s confusion over Walter’s dining habits, “He would probably have poured it into his milk glass had I not asked what the sam hill he was doing” (Lee, 26). At this point, Scout has not yet developed the empathy to see beyond the Cunninghams’ poverty.
In contrast, Atticus Finch sees the Cunninghams differently. He respects their hard work and integrity, stating, “Mr. Cunningham could get a WPA job, but his land would go to ruin if he left it, and he was willing to go hungry to keep his land and vote as he pleased.” Atticus’s respect for Mr. Cunningham’s choices teaches Scout and Jem to look beyond surface appearances. This lesson is a pivotal moment in the novel, illustrating how deeply ingrained prejudices can be dismantled through understanding and empathy. Scout and Jem learn to see the Cunninghams as hardworking individuals who value their independence and dignity, despite their economic hardships.
Boo Radley: From Myth to Reality
Boo Radley is another character whose true nature is revealed gradually to Scout and Jem. At the beginning of the novel, Boo is a mysterious figure shrouded in rumors and fear. The children, influenced by the town’s myths, imagine Boo as a monstrous figure who emerges at night to commit unspeakable acts. This perception is a result of Maycomb’s tendency to ostracize and fear the unknown.
However, as the story progresses, Scout and Jem’s interactions with Boo challenge these preconceived notions. Boo’s true character is revealed during the climactic scene where he saves Scout and Jem from an attack by Bob Ewell. Scout’s realization of Boo’s benevolent nature is poignant: “Summer, and he watched his children’s heart break. Autumn again, and Boo’s children needed him.” This realization is transformative for Scout and Jem. They come to see Boo as a protective and caring neighbor, someone who has silently watched over them with great kindness. This shift from fear to understanding underscores one of the novel’s central themes: the importance of seeing people for who they truly are, rather than through the lens of prejudice and fear.
Mrs. Dubose: A Study in Courage
Perhaps the most significant transformation in Scout and Jem’s understanding is their perception of Mrs. Dubose. Initially, Mrs. Dubose is seen as a cantankerous, mean-spirited old woman who frequently hurls insults at the Finch children. This negative perception culminates in a moment of anger when Jem destroys her camellia bushes. However, Atticus’s reaction to this incident provides a turning point in their understanding of Mrs. Dubose.
Atticus explains to Jem and Scout that Mrs. Dubose was battling a morphine addiction, a struggle she undertook to die free from any dependencies. Atticus reveals, “You rarely win, but sometimes you do. Mrs. Dubose won, all ninety-eight pounds of her. According to her views, she died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew.” This revelation forces Scout and Jem to reassess their initial judgment of Mrs. Dubose. Her courage and determination in fighting her addiction transform her in their eyes from a mere antagonist to a figure of immense bravery. This lesson teaches them about the complex nature of human beings and the importance of understanding the struggles that others might be facing.
Theoretical Perspectives on Moral Development
The evolution of Scout and Jem’s perceptions can be analyzed through various academic theories on moral development. Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral development provide a useful framework for understanding this transformation. According to Kohlberg, moral development progresses through a series of stages, from obedience and punishment orientation to principled conscience.
At the beginning of the novel, Scout and Jem’s understanding of morality is largely based on the external rules and norms of their community (what Kohlberg would describe as the conventional stage). They accept the community’s views on the Cunninghams, Boo Radley, and Mrs. Dubose without question. However, as they grow and learn from Atticus’s example, they begin to move towards a more principled understanding of morality (the post-conventional stage). They start to form their own judgments based on empathy and a deeper understanding of individual circumstances.
Additionally, Carol Gilligan’s theory of moral development, which emphasizes the role of empathy and relationships, is also relevant. Gilligan argues that moral development is not just about justice and rules, but also about care and responsibility in relationships. Scout and Jem’s growing empathy and their ability to see the humanity in people like the Cunninghams, Boo Radley, and Mrs. Dubose reflect this relational aspect of moral development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a powerful exploration of how children’s perceptions of morality and justice evolve as they mature. Through their interactions with various characters in Maycomb, Scout and Jem learn valuable lessons about empathy, courage, and the complexity of human nature. The transformations in their views of the Cunninghams, Boo Radley, and Mrs. Dubose illustrate the novel’s central themes of understanding and compassion. By following Atticus’s example, they learn to look beyond surface appearances and appreciate the intrinsic worth of every individual. This journey from innocence to understanding is what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” a timeless and profound narrative on the human condition.