Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is seen through the eyes of Jean Louise (a.k.a. Scout), a young American girl. The story takes place in Maycomb County, Alabama, a small, old fashioned town in the 1930's. Scout is a very curious and intelligent young girl, yet her limited experience makes her rather naive to the ways of the world. She is easily influenced by those around her, especially her father, and her family's lack of a real motherly figure throughout her life has made a her a tomboy. The novel documents her growth over a three-year period and shows how her curious and observing manner helps her learn, progress and grow from an innocent young child into a more experienced and mature young lady.

One way that Scout's growth is shown in the novel, is through her understanding of people. In the beginning of the story...