In Harper Lee's To Kill a
Mockingbird, Miss Maudie becomes a closer friend to Scout when Dill and Jem
begin to spend more time together: time that does not include
her.
Scout describes that there is an agreement between
Miss Maudie and the kids. They can eat all the scuppernongs ("grapes") they want (as
long as they don't "jump on the arbor"), and they can have the run of her back yard.
Miss Maudie works "ferociously" in her garden all day in men's overalls—something Scout
can probably appreciate—though after dinner she is every bit the properly lady. Scout is
young enough to appreciate seeing Miss Maudie's bridgework (partial dentures), something
that firms up their "budding" friendship.
Miss Maudie is
also a great baker and makes wonderful cakes, which she shares with the three kids. Miss
Maudie knows some things about the Radleys, but I don't believe this is what draws
Scout. It may be that Miss Maudie is a mother-figure, and that she also treats Scout
with respect and appreciation, which Scout cannot depend on from her brother and
Dill.
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