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Kelly Keckler
Mr. Guy
English 1 CP
2/26/11
“Maturity begins when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern
for yourself” (John MacNaughton). Though she shows signs of immaturity throughout the
novel, Scout has matured as shown through her respect for others, changing her views towards
other people, and a higher understanding of life.
The first action of Scout’s maturity comes from her respect to her father. In chapter 3 of
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Scout and Atticus sit down at the table and talk to each
other for a while. “First of all, if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better
with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his
point of view”-
“Sir?”
“-until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 30). This quote exemplifies the
bond between Atticus and Scout and the respect they have for one another. Throughout the
novel, Scout learns more from her father than anyone else. Atticus teaches Scout important
aspects of life and the things she acquires from school. Scout listens to Atticus and deeply
values his advice. In chapter 7, Scout uses Atticus’ advice to resolve a conflict in her life. “As
Atticus once advised me to do, I tried to climb into Jem’s skin and walk around in it. If I had
gone alone to the Radley Place at two in the morning, my funeral would have been held the

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next afternoon. So I left Jem alone and tried not to bother him” (57). Scout has showed great
respect for both her father and brother, and demonstrates a high level of maturity for her age.
Scout has used advice once given to her, and used it in a real life situation. At such a young age,
scout has learned what it means to become mature and soon will grow into her maturity.