Miss Maudie is an important influence on the Finch children, especially Scout. She is a concerned neighbor who takes an active interest in the children’s activities and development. She also serves as a foil to Miss Stephanie: Maudie is a level-headed, tolerant person, whereas Stephanie tends to be excitable and racist. Maudie provides continuity in the novel, as she is part of the old Maycomb but looks ahead to a future with improved class and racial relations; in this regard, she stands for optimism. This quality is personally reflected after her house burns and she must press onward.
This character also serves the author’s purpose as a source of information. Because she is older and knows Maycomb society well—in part because she can maintain a confidence, so people tell her things—she can answer the children’s questions. She thus provides background on characters and historical information on the town to which Scout, as a child, would not otherwise have access. Maudie is particularly important in teaching Scout about the Radley family. Because Harper Lee takes the time to establish her as a credible person, using her both to provide the backstory and help the children is very effective.
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