With the casting of Katniss Everdeen finally done, my mind naturally drifts to other great female heroines. The literary canon is filled with them, from Anne Shirley to Elizabeth Bennett and Jo March to Jayne Eyre. And then there’s the littlest one of all, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. The tomboy in overalls, with her scraped knees and mussed hair. The 6-year-old “To Kill a Mockingbird” narrator is a lot of things – courageous, feisty, loyal. She is also filled with curiosity and compassion, two of the best traits a human being can have. And of course intelligent, which is never a bad quality. But without compassion, it can be a cruel gift. Through Scout’s eyes, we find our own compassion. We’re there, standing on the porch, walking in Boo’s shoes. Before the Civil Rights Act, before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, before laws hit the books against discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation and you name it, Scout knew there was just one kind of folks. Folks. Sometimes, we need reminding that to be a girl in this world is quite a thing. Sometimes, the littlest show us the most. Happy weekend, all.
Friday, March 18, 2011
My Weekend Crush
With the casting of Katniss Everdeen finally done, my mind naturally drifts to other great female heroines. The literary canon is filled with them, from Anne Shirley to Elizabeth Bennett and Jo March to Jayne Eyre. And then there’s the littlest one of all, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. The tomboy in overalls, with her scraped knees and mussed hair. The 6-year-old “To Kill a Mockingbird” narrator is a lot of things – courageous, feisty, loyal. She is also filled with curiosity and compassion, two of the best traits a human being can have. And of course intelligent, which is never a bad quality. But without compassion, it can be a cruel gift. Through Scout’s eyes, we find our own compassion. We’re there, standing on the porch, walking in Boo’s shoes. Before the Civil Rights Act, before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, before laws hit the books against discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation and you name it, Scout knew there was just one kind of folks. Folks. Sometimes, we need reminding that to be a girl in this world is quite a thing. Sometimes, the littlest show us the most. Happy weekend, all.
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9 comments:
Confession: I had no idea who Katniss Everdeen was, until I read her name several lines above. I wiki'ed her.
I now have weekend plans that include reading "The Hunger Games", watching "To Kill A Mockingbird" and "Anne of Green Gables" (parts 1 & 2, not that odd Kevin Sullivan 3rd one. Although, I love me some Megan Follows), and a nice bottle of wine. Whether these plans make me a sad-looking individual or awesome, I do not know, but I'll be happy.
Best. Weekend. Crush. Ever.
My favorite character from my favorite book!
I adore Scout. Always have.
One of the best books ever written as well as a fantastic movies. I first read "To Kill A MockingBird" in the 70's and it is still rated as my favorite. Scout is every girl with compassion and spirit.
curiosity and compassion...may we nurture that in ourselves and in others - thank you Harper for a beautiful story
by far my fave post ever!
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