To Kill A Mockingbird Growing Up Character Analysis

Growing up. This is an important part of life, but not a very fun one. Did you ever feel like the people who you grew up around influenced you? In Harper Lee 's To Kill a Mockingbird, we can infer that Jem and Scout feel this too as they grow up. In this coming of age novel there were three distinct moments where I saw Jem and Scout express empathy for someone else that molded and shaped their character. Jem and Scout have matured greatly throughout the novel and we see this when Jem understands Walter Cunningham 's position and experiences empathy for him while Scout resorts to fighting, when Uncle Jack recognizes Scouts wisdom and understands her point of view when she 's fighting with Francis, and also when Jem and Scout finally see past their differences and become friends with Mr. Arthur. These three significant “growing up” moments all involve Jem and Scout

Near the exposition of the book when everything is wrapping up and all of the loose ends are being tied, a very important thing happens. Jem and Scout learn to accept Mr. Radley. This shows the utmost maturity in Jem and Scout because Mr. Radley, “Boo” was a major part of their childhood. When Arthur Radley was at the Finch’s, Scout asked him “You like to say goodnight to Jem, wouldn 't you, Mr. Arthur?”(318) One sign of maturity is Scout calling the character previously known as Boo, Mr. Arthur Radley. This signifies she has not only done away with the childish names, but other childish aspects that she has carried with her. Even though Jem is unconscious we know he is accepting of Boo because of Mr. Radley’s actions. The act that sealed their newfound friendship was when “Mr. Arthur 's hand came down lightly on Jem 's hair.”(319) This brief physical touch was a small motion, but a great achievement. It was a symbol that the children were growing and maturing. Jem and Scout had