In Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout tells Atticus that she does not want to go to school anymore because she is frustrated and disappointed with her teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher. Scout feels that Miss Caroline does not understand her or the way she learns, and she finds the classroom environment stifling and uninteresting.
One incident in particular that contributes to Scout's reluctance to go back to school is when Miss Caroline reprimands Scout for already knowing how to read. Scout, who has learned to read by reading with her father since a young age, is proud of her reading ability but is scolded for her advanced knowledge, which creates a sense of embarrassment and confusion for her.
Furthermore, Scout's experiences in school differ greatly from her experiences at home. At home, she is encouraged to think critically, question societal norms, and navigate complex social issues alongside her father Atticus and older brother Jem. However, at school, Scout feels that she is expected to conform to a rigid and conventional educational system that does not align with her learning style or the values instilled in her by Atticus.
As a result, Scout expresses her desire to not go to school anymore to Atticus because she feels unsatisfied and unstimulated by the education system she is exposed to.
Why does Scout tell Atticus that she does not want to go to school anymore?
1 answer