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In what ways do Jem and Scout benefit from living in Maycomb?

Maycomb is a quiet Southern town where friendly neighbors live side by side, and interesting events take place. Scout and Jem are fortunate to live in a community where everyone knows each other and individuals are often magnanimous. Their neighbor, Miss Maudie, is a kind soul who supports Atticus and his children. Maudie lets the children play in her yard and takes time out of her day to speak with Scout. When Maudie's house catches on fire, all of the neighbors are quick to lend a helping hand. Scout and Jem get a rare opportunity to witness all of their neighbors working in unison to preserve Maudie's belongings. Also, Jem and Scout learn a lot from the interesting individuals that live in Maycomb. Mrs. Dubose teaches them about real courage; Dolphus Raymond teaches Scout about prejudice; Walter Cunningham teaches them about mob mentality; Boo Radley teaches Scout about innocence.


Scout and Jem are also free to wander and explore their community in relative safety. There are several times throughout the novel where Scout and Jem were in grave danger, but certain citizens protected them. In Chapter 15, Mr. Underwood watches from his window with a loaded shotgun as the Old Sarum bunch surrounds Atticus and his children. Also, when Scout and Jem are attacked by Bob Ewell, Boo Radley comes to their rescue. Despite the ugly prejudice that is prevalent throughout the county, Scout and Jem can rely on certain neighbors to support and protect them.


Maycomb is also the perfect environment for a man like Atticus to stand up for his beliefs. Jem and Scout are able to witness their father uphold his moral character by watching him defend Tom Robinson. Overall, they benefit from Maycomb's abundance of interesting citizens, relative safety, neighborly support, and opportunity to exercise moral behavior in the face of adversity.

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