Living in Maycomb I: The Bold

Q: Who would you want to be friends with in the novel? Explain.

Of all the characters in the book, each with their varying personalities and idiosyncrasies, I feel that Miss Maudie stands out among all of them. She is a rather complex character, yet her bold personality makes her one of the most endearing figures in the novel.

Throughout the book, Miss Maudie has shown to be a very approachable lady, so much so that the children protagonists trust her to a great extent. Most of the time, she is shown to be very concerned about the children. Her concern can be seen in how she constantly baked an assortment desserts for them or the mere act of striking up friendly conversations. The extent of her concern is perhaps best highlighted by the fact that she effectively takes up the role of a maternal figure in the Scout's, Jem's and even Dill's lives. It is not easy to befriend someone if that person in particular is not approachable. Miss Maudie, however, is and I'm sure that if I were her acquaintance, she'd lend a listening ear to me.

Miss Maudie is also part of a particular minority in Maycomb. The minority of townspeople who are the more intelligent and much more tolerable bunch. The ones who don't submit to mob mentality, who don't let their judgment be clouded by unfair stereotypes. Miss Maudie is one of the few adults who is actually shown to be empathetic towards the blacks' situation. Contrast her treatment of Calpurnia towards the other ladies, or her attitude towards the Radleys --- that they should be left undisturbed. Miss Maudie, not unlike Atticus, has a strong moral compass. I, personally find that very respectable.

But most of all, I would like to befriend Miss Maudie because the prospect of standing on her porch with a good view at the neighbourhood and its residents going about their daily lives while conversing with her sounds like an attractive one to me. It can be seen that Miss Maudie spends a lot of her time observing people, through the comments that she makes about that. Comments which are usually very deep in meaning. I wouldn't mind being in Scout's position at various points of the story, where Miss Maudie shares with her some of her insights of Maycomb's inhabitants and human nature in general. I would truly appreciate an intellectual conversation with her.

Oh, and the fact that she has dry wit and a sharp tongue doesn't hurt either. Some of her comments ought to be amusing.