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What quotes from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird show that Scout is a tomboy?

There are several scenes throughout the novel that depict Scout as a "tomboy." At the beginning of Chapter 3, Scout displays her tough, "tomboy" attitude by physically punishing Walter Cunningham for getting her into trouble earlier in the day. Scout says,



"Catching Walter Cunningham in the schoolyard gave me some pleasure, but when I was rubbing his nose in the dirt Jem came by and told me to stop" (Lee 16).



Scout's decision to beat up Walter Cunningham was certainly not "ladylike" and displayed her "tomboy" personality. 


In Chapter 4, Dill returns to Maycomb for the summer. Scout mentions that they were already bored the first day of summer and began to think of things to do. Scout says to Jem, "Let's roll in the tire" (Lee 24). After Scout gets the old car tire from under the house, she drags it to the front yard and says, "I'm first" (Lee 24). Scout's suggestion and enthusiasm to roll in the tire displays her "tomboy" personality.


In Chapter 9, Scout comments on her relationship with her Aunt Alexandra. Scout refuses to wear dresses and act like a proper female, which upsets Alexandra. Scout mentions,



"Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire. I could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches; when I said I could do nothing in a dress, she said I wasn't supposed to be doing things that required pants" (Lee 51).



Throughout the novel, Scout continues to act like a "tomboy" and wear overalls despite Alexandra's feelings.

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