In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch relates the events leading up to the moment her brother, Jem, breaks his arm, events set in their hometown within the fictional county of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression. Scout, Jem and their summertime friend, Dill Harris, use their time together seeking out the mystery surrounding their allusive neighbor, Arthur “Boo” Radley. While their interest is consumed with discovering Boo, the children’s attention is soon directed toward Atticus Finch, Jem and Scout’s father. Atticus is a lawyer assigned to defend of Tom Robinson, an African American accused of raping a white woman. Despite facing difficulty, whether attributed to the trail or some other event, Atticus teaches value life lessons Jem and Scout.

Thesis Despite facing difficulty, whether attributed to the trail or some other event, Atticus teaches value life lessons Jem and Scout. Claims The appearance of the rabid dog, Tim Johnson, proves to be a moment where Atticus is able to teach Jim and Scout a valuable lesson. Jem’s rampage through Mrs. Dubuse camilla bushes is another instance where Atticus looks to impart wisdom to the children. Discussing the verdict of Tom’s trail becomes another point in the story where Atticus is able to relate knowledge to his children.

Thesis Though Arthur “Boo” Radley is essentially a non-existent presence throughout a majority of the novel, he is a dominate force greatly impacting the life’s of Jem and Scout Finch. Claims Jem and Scout’s early impressions of Boo are the product of rumors and imagination. Though the children never see Boo, he is able to make physical contact with the children periodically without the children’s knowledge. It is at the novel’s climax when Boo emerges to play his most significant role in the children’s lives.