To kill a Mockingbird Journal Six

Journal #6

Chapters 16 - 17

Option C

How do you think the story would have changed if Scout and Jem had a mother present in their lives? Would it change for the better or for the worse?

Scout and Jem have grown up without their mother for as long as they can remember. Many motherly figures have stepped in to the role, such as Calpurnia, who eventually took up the authoritative position of tyrannical mother. Eventually Aunt Alexandra also willingly and complacently moved in with Scout, Jem, and Atticus because she felt that the children needed a motherly portrayal. While all of these women have contributed to Jem and Scout's childhood, we never know if it would have been different with their real mother. There are so many factors that contribute to how this plot plays out that if Jem and Scout's mother was not dead, the entire story could be different.

Certainly if Scout and Jem had a mother around they would grow up differently. This could affect their personalities as well. Scout, who is extremely fearless and not at all soft-spoken, would have become perhaps more amiable and temperate. Jem who takes interest in football and is drifting away from Scout as he matures, probably would be more close to his family. Jem also begrudges others fathers because his own seemed incompetent, and when Atticus does show his ability to shoot Jem becomes loyal to him and wants to be just like him. If Scout's mother were around, Scout might feel the same way about her and want to grow up just like her.

If all this were true, Scout would probably not hang out with Jem as much because their different personalities and interests. So far in the book, a lot would be encumbered by this, starting with the very first time they met Dill, because Scout would not be around and Dill would not fall in love with her, therefore not finding as much of a reason to visit Maycomb. Dill also got them into many adventures, starting with Boo Radley. I doubt Scout or Jem would have found such interest in the Radley house as Dill did, or even muster up enough courage to do so. The Radleys would have faded into obliviousness in Scout and Jem's minds. Scout would also not have guilted the mob at the county jailhouse into dispersing because she would have probably been too frightened of the crowd among her father.

Also, Calpurnia would never have been hired and therefore Scout and Jem might not have known as much acceptance of the African Americans, unlike the other people of Maycomb. Aunt Alexandera would have never had to come to make Scout more proper because she already would have a mother to do that.

Overall, I believe that having a mother would indeed change the story very much, because while Atticus would still have the case for Tom Robinson, Scout and Jem and Dill would not be there to make it interesting. Boo Radley would also never be introduced and pondered upon. This all would make the story very dull, so I think that having a mother would change the story for the worse. The author always has a reason for what they write.