Learning from Experience: To Kill a Mockingbird

As C. S. Lewis said, "Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my god do you learn." From life until death, one goes through many experiences shaping his or her personality and ideals. Every decision made, and every adventure encountered ultimately sets a mold for the type of person one becomes. Scout and Jem spend almost every minute together, growing up in the same environment, and sharing events throughout the novel. They each observe the cruel racism of the South, experience the tolls of The Great Depression, and live life without a mother. The kids go through an almost identical life as they grow up in Maycomb; however, their views and opinions from the beginning to the end of the novel differ drastically.

At the commencement of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout and Jem have different beliefs on what is considered morally right. For example, Scout picks on Walter Cunningham after he ruins Scouts chance of a good first impression with Miss Caroline, but, clearly thinking these actions immoral, "Jem came by and told [Scout] to stop. 'You're bigger'n he is,' he said" (Lee 27). It is implied that Jem is in the right in this case, as later, Atticus expands on it, telling Scout to put herself in the place of others; however, before she was told this, Scout did not have the understanding of empathy. Jem and Scout had different understandings of this topic although being raised in the same environment and by the same people. On the other hand, one can argue that because Jem is older and knowing that he used to be a handful for Atticus, he had been taught this lesson before Scout. This would explain why he is ahead in his knowledge of empathy: he had this experience without Scout. Jem also disagrees with Scout when ...

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... age, so, even living in the same environment, Scout could not think of this herself. They may have grown up in the same environment, but Scout and Jem have parted ways drastically, philosophically speaking, on the subject of what is morally right.

Throughout the novel, the reader can see that, while they grew up together, Jem and Scout have developed completely different morals. Experiencing a handful of events, their values were shaped. It may take longer, but eventually Scout will come to understand the world as Jem does and, eventually, she will have the wisdom of Atticus. No one can agree on everything even when raised the same way; people just are not like that. However, this is not a bad thing at all. The world need its Scouts and Jems. Without them, how would it sparkle?

Works Cited

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. N.p.: Popular Library, 1960. Print