In chapter 8 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee explores the theme of naïvety, among others. Throughout the chapter, Scout’s naïvety is expressed through her fear of snow, her repetition of words and phrases, and her general lack of understanding. ‘You mean the Morphodite?’ asks Scout, recycling the term she heard Miss Maudie use earlier in the chapter. Reusing a term which she is unaware of the meaning of, displays the naïvety of her character.

Moreover, the theme of resilience is also prominent in the chapter. Miss Maudie is already implementing plans to continue her life hours after the burning down of her home. As her house was engulfed by flames, several neighbours and townspeople aid Miss Maudie in saving her house, and the next afternoon she is gardening and planning on rewarding her helping friends, namely, Mr Avery. This says a lot about Miss Maudie’s character, especially her optimism and strength.