To Kill A Mockingbird September Analysis

Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Peter Carstair’s motion picture “September” are two compelling works that explore the poignant theme of coming-of-age. While over thirty years separate the two pieces, both text capture the raw emotions and difficulties of innocent children growing into mature adults in an ever-changing society. These changes are portrayed in many different ways, but are most prominent through the racism in their surroundings, their loss of innocence, and the character’s deep personal development.

The theme of coming-of-age is expressed in many platforms in both “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “September” and one of the most prominent ways it does so, is directly through the main characters. Lee’s characters Scout

While, “To Kill a Mockingbird” duo Scout and Jem mature by witnessing another’s experience of racial injustice, the “September” pair Ed and Paddy mature through racial injustice by committing it to one another. In “To Kill a Mockingbird” Scout and Jem are both starry-eyed children when they explore the world together. They are still young and unaware of the underlying racism and prejudice in Maycomb against black people. This is indicated by *INSERT A QUOTE HERE*, but as the story progresses and Jem and Scout witness the extreme racism of Maycomb and change because of it. During the court case, Jem realizes that the reason behind Tom’s would always be considered guilty solely due to the racial prejudice again black people, regardless of whether Tom had committed the crime or not. ‘Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case.’ ________________________________________________________________________ September also encompasses the theme of racism from one character to another. In the beginning, Ed and Paddy many parts of their lives with one another, such as boxing and education, without being divided by anything. This is shown by how they are each other’s best friends and have a deep bond. However, as

Jem’s naivety is shown once again when he and Scout watch Tom Robinson’s court case. He whole-heartedly believes that the case is in Tom’s favour, “We’re gonna win, Scout. I don’t see how we can’t… Don’t see how any jury could convict on what we heard.” However, this innocence is shattered once the verdict is declared – Tom is guilty. In a single moment, Jem is forced to instantly mature to come to terms with this verdict. Jem leaves the courthouse in angry tears, saying that it just “ain’t right.” These tears highlights Jem coming to the realization that the real world isn’t always righteous and fair like he had always innocently assumed it would be. This coming of age is also exacerbated by Tom’s subsequent death, which makes Jem realize just how precious and fragile life is. Jem’s drastic change in perspective is later shown when Jem scolds Scout shortly before she is about to kill a doodlebug, demonstrating that Jem has grown up to hold a more mature mindset. On the other hand, September also depicts a tragic loss of innocence as a part of growing up. Initially, Paddy is obedient to Rick, Ed’s father. He is always looking for Rick’s approval before doing anything and innocently follow’s Rick’s every word. However, Paddy slowly realizes that his life compared to Ed was must less privileged. Ed is able to get an education and