I am asking this question in response to the response to this question, which was more broadly asking about the significance of the names in To Kill A Mockingbird. However, it was closed as too broad. As I stated there I have not done a significant amount of research because I am not yet finished with the book. Is there significance behind the name "Scout" from To Kill A Mockingbird? If so, what is the significance of "Scout"?
1 Answer
Scout is her nickname, it is less symbolic than descriptive
First of all, I could not find any actual words from the author/book. There is no "official" word of why, so I sought out the definition of a scout.
According to a quick search for the google definition of "scout"
a soldier or other person sent out ahead of a main force so as to gather information about the enemy's position, strength, or movements.
I bolded the part about gathering information because that is what the book is about. It follows scout as she tries to learn about the world around her. My guess is that the curious nature of Scout inspired Harper Lee to give her that name.