Harper Lee uses damsels in distress, a Gothic novel element, to explore diverse situations. At one point in time, the brave characters become the damsel in distress and need a "knight in shining armor" to save them. Even the most unlikely characters stumble into a distressing problem. All the other characters that help "rescue" a damsel often get themselves into a sticky situation. However, no matter the situation, all the damsels are saved.

The first mention of damsels in distress is in Chapter two. ""Did you forget your lunch this morning"" asked Miss Caroline. ... "Yeb'm," he finally mumbled..." (19). This showed that Walter had a problem: he had no lunch and was unable to borrow money to buy one. In this situation, Scout is the knight in shining armor, and Walter Cunningham is the damsel in distress. Later, Miss Caroline is the damsel in distress. ."..no need to fear...