Scout has several short-term goals that change throughout the novel. At the beginning of the novel, Scout begins her "campaign" to get out of going to school. Scout utterly hates the educational system and finds it exhaustively boring. She first appeals to logic, claiming that she shouldn't have to go to school since Burris Ewell doesn't have to. She then tries convincing Atticus that she learns vulgar words at school, and even feigns illness to stay at home. Despite her numerous attempts to not go to school, Scout is forced to attend, and she eventually ends her "campaign." Scout's other short-term goals that never come to fruition include, attempting to gain Dill's affection back, stopping Jem from playing "One Man's Family," and visiting Calpurnia's house.
Scout's long term goal is to meet and develop a friendship with the reclusive Boo Radley. At the beginning of the novel, Scout fears the "malevolent phantom," and tries her best to avoid coming into contact with him. As the novel progresses, Scout realizes that Boo Radley is not the evil, grotesque character that her brother described as a child. At the end of the novel, Scout cherishes sitting on the porch with Boo and walking him home. She finally understands that Boo is simply a shy individual and Scout is content with her one and only personal interaction.
Another long-term goal of Scout's is to enter comfortably into the world of "womanhood." Scout is at the critical age where she is beginning to develop and understands that she will eventually have to become a "lady." Despite knowing the inevitable, Scout presently feels more comfortable in her "father's world," and continues to maintain her "tomboy" persona throughout the novel.
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