Examples Of Maturation In To Kill A Mockingbird

Growth and Maturation in To Kill A Mockingbird

The Pulitzer award-winning, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee's bestseller demonstrates growth and maturation during a time where racism was practised. Maycomb County, the setting of the novel, takes place in a sleepy district in southern Alabama. The novel is narrated through the perspective of Scout and Jem Finch as they are growing up in Maycomb County. These two characters learn very important life lessons that aid them along with their gradual maturation. Consequently, Harper Lee includes the theme of growth and maturation into the novel through the development of Jem and Scout.

Throughout the novel, Scout learns important life lessons that help her grow and become more mature. An essential

Moreover, she tries to talk to Mr. Cunningham about something that is significant to him when a group of people tries to attack her father. She tried to see the world from other people's eyes and understand their side of the story as it leads to better relationships with people. Moreover, her innocent, affable and positive attitude contributes to the reason why the mob decides to leave Atticus alone. Scout also shows maturity when she sympathizes with Mayella Ewell during Tom Robinson's trial. Eventhough, Mayella Ewell has caused not only her but also her family and Tom Robinson a lot of agony, Scout still was able to walk in Mayella’s shoes when she hears about Mayella’s life. When Scout says “as Tom Robinson gave his testimony, it came to me that Mayella Ewell must have been the loneliest person in the world. She was even lonelier than Boo Radley, who had not been out of the house in twenty-five years.” (256), she demonstrates understanding about the circumstances and the hardships confirms that she is maturing. She is able to acknowledge another person’s situation which proves that she is beginning to learn empathy. Furthermore, by explaining that “Atticus was right . …..you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around them.” (374), Scout confirms that she has

Moreover, Scout explains that Jem has “never declined a dare” (16). Ironically, stupidity and immaturity is demonstrated through the ‘brave’ acts of Jem as he does not consider his safety or the effects or impacts that the dare may result it. But after his brief encounter with Ms.Henry Dubose, he learned the real meaning of courage. His father, Atticus, wanted Jem “to see what real courage is , instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand . It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin , but you begin anyways and see it through no matter what.”(149). Jem demonstrates bravery when he tries to protect his sister from the unknown attacker [Bob Ewell]. Even though Bob was older,larger and stronger, Jem tries his best to protect his sister and during the fight Jem gets his arm broken. Another situation where Jem shows courage and maturity is when Dill shows up under Scout’s bed in a time where he is not allowed to leave his house. Although, Jem is Dill’s friend, he believes that he should “let your mother know where you are.”(187). He demonstrates maturity and courage as he was able to evaluate the situation and do what an adult would have done, even when he knows that he has put his friendship with Dill as risk. As a result of what was happening around him, Jem begins to realize the inequality of Maycomb. As Atticus says: