Miss Maudie has an especially strong impact on Scout's life, teaching her the ways of the world from the point of view of a woman not as deeply entrenched in traditional southern notions of womanhood as other women, such as Scout's aunt. Also, Maudie has known Atticus for a long time, and therefore can explain certain things about him (such as his ability to shoot) that no one else would. Maudie is outspoken, has values similar to those of Atticus, and can bake fine cakes to boot, all three attributes comprising a type of nourishment that the children need. Here's an example: Not long after the trial, Scout is participating in a missionary ladies' party that her aunt gives, and Miss Maudie is there. Scout is called upon to act "like a lady" in ways she abhors, and even worse, tease her about goiong to court and sitting with Negroes during the trial. She wants to lash out, but then Maudie reaches over and quietly holds her hand, consoling her and silently advising her to say nothing. "Miss Maudie's hand closed tightly on mine, and I said nothing," Scout reveals. She is one more example of womanhood which contributes to several other (her aunt, her teacher, Cal, Miss Stephanie, etc) against which she defines herself as she grows up. More than the other female characters, Maudie fills in the vacuum of "mother" in Scout's life.
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