To Kill a Mockingbird Statements and Themes Harper Lee makes some direct statements about the public's thoughts during the mid-1930s. The easiest way to make a statement in the novel is through Scout's thoughts. Scout shapes her character by following her father's advice. One of the main values ​​that Scout gets from Atticus appears at the end of the novel when she states, "Atticus was right. He once said that you never really know a man until you walk in his shoes and walk in them" (279). Lee demonstrates the difference between an adult's understanding of the world around him and a child's understanding of his environment by creating the character Dolphus Raymond. Dolphus states, "'Secretly, Miss Finch, I'm not much of a drinker, but you see they [the adults] could never, ever understand that I live the way I do because that's the way I want to live'" (201). Scout does not understand why Dolphus tells two children his secret rather than an adult and replies, "'Because you are children and you can understand it'" (201). Dolphus teaches that it is only when one loses one's innocence that one looks at things with prejudice. Stating the facts comes in handy when trying to make a point; however, the best way to learn is through experience. Atticus earns the respect of his children and is able to teach them good values ​​because he allows them to experience a bit of life firsthand. For example, both Jem and Scout can walk around town alone, play in the yard alone, and run around the neighborhood with Dill during the summer. Atticus grants this freedom, and in turn, Jem and Scout gain a sense of independence and responsibility. Atticus's encouragement of Jem's visits to Mrs. Dubose, which proves to be an excellent learning environment for Jem. He not only learns to behave like a gentleman, but he learns a courage that exists without physical violence. Atticus also allows the children to watch the trial of Tom Robinson. Bob Ewell's testimony shows poor language and a low value system. His ways are contrary to those of Tom Robinson, who presents himself as a helpful and respectful man. The Tom Robinson trial turns out to be the most beneficial experience children can have. Not only do they see their father in a different context, but they are able to define what constitutes a decent human being and what amounts to human garbage..