In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee explains how becoming more mature and knowledgeable results in a loss of innocence. The novel takes place in the 1930s in Maycomb, Alabama and details the childhood of two siblings, Scout and Jem Finch. The most prominent event in their childhood being when their father, Atticus Finch, defends a black man in court. Through this difficult experience, as well as others, Jem learns that he needs to protect his little sister from losing her hopeful mind, to see the more profound meaning in things, and that people are not just. In the beginning of the book, Jem is a carefree child who plays games, makes up stories, and teases his sister. Jem believes all of the rumors about Boo Radley, an urban legend,
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After Tom Robinson is pronounced guilty, Jem can not comprehend why the jury would sentence him when he is clearly innocent. Jem’s face “is streaked with angry tears” as they leave the courthouse and he keeps muttering “It ain’t right” over and over (284). Jem’s anger exhibits that he understands the intensity of this verdict. Later on when he, Scout, and Dill visit their neighbor, Mrs. Maudie, she gives him a slice of her big cake instead of giving him a mini cake like she usually does. This display shows that Mrs. Maudie can see that Jem is growing up especially because of the way he reacted toward the trial. After Jem’s initial anger wears off a couple day’s later, Atticus explains to him the reality of Maycomb. Atticus informs Jem that “people have a way of carrying their resentments to the jury box” and that “white men cheat black men every day” (295). Jem was naive to think that all people would be fair, but he is taught that people are not always virtuous and ethical. Children think that everyone is good and that the world is a trouble-free place, but when Jem learns about one of the atrocities of the world his innocence is broken, and he is no longer a happy-go-lucky
After Tom Robinson is pronounced guilty, Jem can not comprehend why the jury would sentence him when he is clearly innocent. Jem’s face “is streaked with angry tears” as they leave the courthouse and he keeps muttering “It ain’t right” over and over (284). Jem’s anger exhibits that he understands the intensity of this verdict. Later on when he, Scout, and Dill visit their neighbor, Mrs. Maudie, she gives him a slice of her big cake instead of giving him a mini cake like she usually does. This display shows that Mrs. Maudie can see that Jem is growing up especially because of the way he reacted toward the trial. After Jem’s initial anger wears off a couple day’s later, Atticus explains to him the reality of Maycomb. Atticus informs Jem that “people have a way of carrying their resentments to the jury box” and that “white men cheat black men every day” (295). Jem was naive to think that all people would be fair, but he is taught that people are not always virtuous and ethical. Children think that everyone is good and that the world is a trouble-free place, but when Jem learns about one of the atrocities of the world his innocence is broken, and he is no longer a happy-go-lucky