Part 1 of To Kill a Mockingbird

                 I'm not much of a reader but a few chapters into To Kill A Mockingbird I was interested and hooked. During this time period a lady was supposed to act like a lady, always  perfect mannered and dressed. Scout (Jean Louise) seems like the complete opposite. Early on in part 1 you could tell she didn't like acting like a lady. Her older brother Jem and her seem very close and she participates in all of the boy activities. The only time she played with other girls in the neighborhood was when Jem was mad at her. Other than that she was always apart of Jem and Dills skits and adventures, mostly dealing with Boo. Also Scout never wore a dress and always overalls, like the boys. In my opinion, the reason she acts like a boy is because of the lack of a motherly or womanly influence on Scout. Her father has not taught her how to act like a woman and is ok with the way she acts. The only time he corrects her about not acting like a lady is when she begins to cuss. She used the words like hell and damn often, Atticus (her father) does not like this and tells her so. Scout uses her new skill on page 79 when she ways "pass the damn ham, please." Uncle Jack was shocked and had a talk with her that night after dinner. On Christmas, when the family meets up it's obvious that Aunt Alexandra and the Grandma did not approve of the ways Scout acted, not only blaming her but also Atticus. She once again displays her boyish behavior when she punches Francis in the face, although he deserved every bit of it.

                     The reason I focus some much on Scout's behavior is because that day in age disapproved of her kind but its those girls and women who helped make today as versatile as it is. Today women aren't forced to fit in a certain image, but back then it was looked down upon if they didn't. I respect and love Scout's character because of her strong personality and the fact that she doesn't care what people think of her and continues to be "Scout."

                Jem, Dill and Scout are all very interested in the Radley's, especially Boo Radley. While reading the book I'm equally interested in what goes on inside the house and Boo. The house seems very mysterious and scary. The part where Boo Radley puts a blanket around Scout's shoulder gave me the chills. I could only imagine how Scout felt. I'm assuming that Boo is going to be a very kind character later in the book, but we will see... I also like how Jem and Scout find random items inside the tree...I'm interested to see how that turns out.

             So far I'm enjoying this book and can't wait to read on.

Ellen Skay