The novel To Kill a Mockingbird shows the life of Jem Finch, and since it was set during the Great Depression, there were many struggles and misunderstandings that Jem and his sister (Jean Louise Finch “Scout”) had to live by. The Great Depression that occurred during the 1920s and 30s was a time of difficulty that made many people hopeless; despite its negative impact, the Great Depression also taught people how to put more thought into their actions and think of the consequences before doing them, which is a sign of maturity. Having these shown explains that when a child walks into adulthood or a higher stage of maturity, there are a few things shown such as changing features or things done differently. Harper Lee illustrates the
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For example, “ Jem kicked off his shoes and swung his feet to the bed. He propped himself against the pillow and switched on the reading light” (pg. 302). In this quote, Jem has been easy on himself and is acting as if he has grown into an adult. Jem propping himself against a pillow and switching on the reading light shows that he starting to lay back and relax. However, another child would usually be out and playing with other children during this period of time. This also explains how “ Atticus his father” is a role model for him because Jem is following the steps of his father. Jem is getting comfortable with himself and his responsibilities as he is starting to get used to his stage into adulthood. The quote, “Jem turned around and punched his pillow. When he settled back his face was cloudy. He was going into one of his declines, and I grew wary. His brows came together; his mouth became a thin line. He was silent for a while” also illustrates imagery. Jem shows that he is starting to become unsure and frustrated with himself by “punching the pillow” (pg. 304). His silence also shows that he does not know what to say and is taking his time to explain more to Scout. Since Jem has been so confident with what he was informing Scout with he sounds as if he lost some of his confidence and actually had to think more
For example, “ Jem kicked off his shoes and swung his feet to the bed. He propped himself against the pillow and switched on the reading light” (pg. 302). In this quote, Jem has been easy on himself and is acting as if he has grown into an adult. Jem propping himself against a pillow and switching on the reading light shows that he starting to lay back and relax. However, another child would usually be out and playing with other children during this period of time. This also explains how “ Atticus his father” is a role model for him because Jem is following the steps of his father. Jem is getting comfortable with himself and his responsibilities as he is starting to get used to his stage into adulthood. The quote, “Jem turned around and punched his pillow. When he settled back his face was cloudy. He was going into one of his declines, and I grew wary. His brows came together; his mouth became a thin line. He was silent for a while” also illustrates imagery. Jem shows that he is starting to become unsure and frustrated with himself by “punching the pillow” (pg. 304). His silence also shows that he does not know what to say and is taking his time to explain more to Scout. Since Jem has been so confident with what he was informing Scout with he sounds as if he lost some of his confidence and actually had to think more