In Harper Les's novel To Kill a Mockingbird Miss Maudie Atkinson is not only a neighbor and friend to the Finch's but also a respectful, passionate, and upright member of Maycomb. Miss Maudie upholds a strong moral code and shares Atticus's passion for justice. As part of her morals she is both respectful of others and passionate about life. .
Unlike the other women in town Miss Maudie minds her own business and behaves with integrity. When Stephanie Crawford says, "She woke up in the middle of the night and found [Boo] looking in the window at her" (Lee 45). Miss Maudie defends Boo with a witty remark, "What did you do Stephanie, move over in the bed and make room for him" (45). This reveals her respectfulness by her unwillingness to tolerate the injustice of Miss Stephanie's words. Miss Maudie shows respect for Boo and has privacy again when Scout inquires about the rumors concerning him. Her sensible answer to Scout is "Arthur Radley just stays in the house, that's all Wouldn't you stay in the house if you didn't want to come out"(44)? Miss Maudie's gives respect to the children as well and they in return respect her. Scout herself says "I had considerable faith in Miss Maudie. She had never told on us. Had never played cat-and-mouse with us. She was not at all interested in out private lives" (44-45).
Miss Maudie continuously exemplifies strong moral character. One instance is during a missionary circle meeting. One of the ladies comments on how much she dislikes a "sulky darky," and says that when her black female servant complains about.
something, she reminds her that Jesus never complained. Another lady says that no amount of education will ever make "Christians" out of black people, and says that "There's no lady safe in her bed these nights"(232). Miss Maudie tersely shows her differing opinion on this topic with a comment to Mrs. Merriwether.
"Maudie I"m not sure what you mean", said Mrs.
