In Sophomore English, we study the American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s a big part of our curriculum that year, as it is one of the books on the Required Reading list. The book also becomes the basis for our weekly essays, developing the themes of the book, like courage, learning to separate appearances and reality, and becoming a lady or gentleman. The protagonist of the book, Scout, must grow up and become a lady, as her brother is learning what it means to be a gentleman. They both come to realize it’s not about the clothes you wear or simply playing a role, but about deep values and proper behavior. All of the essays on this topic were excellent; I think the students caught a great deal of truth about the character of being a proper lady or gentlemen. Accordingly, I submit to you one of these essays, written by a young man attending right here at Cascades Baptist:
Jeromy I. Campbell
Mr. Barsuhn
English
5 May 2025
What It Means to be a Gentleman
“Being male is a matter of birth, being a man is a matter of age, but being a gentleman is a matter of choice.” (Vin Diesel). To become a gentleman is a matter of choice. Many men want to be gentlemen, but do not fully understand what it means to actually be gentlemen. Many aspects go into being a gentleman, but mainly, a gentleman is someone who wants to do right.
“Being a gentleman is a lifestyle. You must live it, not just simply act like one when needed.” (Anonymous). A major part of being a gentleman is to be your real self at all times. Many people put on a show in public view, instead of being themselves. These acts can come out for a variety of emotional reasons. Someone may want to be someone else since he does not already see the worth in himself. It is not easy, and there are times being true to yourself is not achieved, but a gentleman does his best to be true to himself and the people surrounding him.
“A gentleman will open doors, pull out chairs, and carry things. Not because she’s helpless or unable, but because he wants to show her that she is valuable and worthy of respect.” (Anonymous). When most people think of what qualities a gentleman expresses, the idea of a man who is exceptionally chivalrous comes to mind, a man who cares deeply for his lady. A gentleman not only deeply cares for his lady, but he would do anything to put a smile on her face, and make her feel important. To a gentleman, his lady is the most important thing in his life.
“Thoughtfulness for others, generosity, modesty, and self-respect are the qualities which make a real gentleman.” (Thomas Henry Huxley). A key part of being a gentleman would have to be the way a man treats others. Gentlemen put others ahead of themselves, treat others with respect, and care for all. While it is common culture to build ourselves up, gentlemen build others up. The kindness they show teaches others to do the same. The influential compassion gentlemen share is a major part of being a gentleman.
“A gentleman is someone who does not what he wants to do, but what he should do.” (Hanuki Munahami). Temptations are something everyone has to face throughout life. Temptations can seem sweet, but actually they keep us from reaching the goals and heights we are meant to reach. A gentleman is not perfect, but he strives to do what is right and what is best. He prioritizes his time to make the most of it, to the best of his ability avoiding all temptations that arise to ruin his schedule.
Everyone is faced with choices in life, and the choice of being a gentleman is just one of those choices. Many parts make up a gentleman. A gentleman is simply someone who wants to live his life in a way that is right. He strives to achieve his best, and live life as it should be lived.
Written By: Tim Barsuh and Jeromy Campbell
