Maturity In To Kill A Mockingbird

Maturity Being able to mature is actually a tough obstacle to overcome. Some can do it on their own, others need help and guidance. Scout is one of those kids who needs some guidance. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee sets up a novel as the narrator, Scout. Scout is an older woman, looking back on events from her childhood Maycomb, Alabama. To Kill A Mockingbird took place right after World War I and the start of World War II, with Hitler persecuting the Jews. Harper Lee teaches many lessons throughout her novel, even just for Scout. However, the biggest lesson is maturity taught for Scout. In the beginning of the novel, Scout starts out as a kid who does not listen or think about the consequences of her actions. However, with the help …show more content…
During the trial, Dill gets upset with how the prosecution attorney is acting towards Tom Robinson. Scout and Dill decide to leave and while they are outside they have a conversation with Mr. Dolphus Raymond. Mr. Dolphus Raymond is married to a black woman, has mixed children, and is said to drink a lot of whiskey out of a paper bag. However, they learn that he fakes being an alcoholic because it helps the rest of the town accept his lifestyle. He says, “Cry about the simple hell people give other people- without even thinking” (201). Scout was hesitant about interacting with Mr. Dolphus Raymond because she assumes he is like everyone makes him out to be. Although the child in her believes all lying is wrong, she is able to understand why Mr. Dolphus Raymond lies. After the trial, Aunt Alexandra hosts a luncheon for her missionary group. She tells Scout to dress up and help her host the event. During the gathering, Atticus comes home to deliver some awful news about Tom Robinson; he was shot seventeen times and is dead. Calpurnia leaves with Atticus, while the rest of the women stay there and have to keep going on like nothing happened. Scout then says, “If Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I” (237). Scout’s relationship with her aunt has always been rough. They have never agreed about how Scout should act and what she would wear. However, with everything going on, she is able to put aside her feelings and help her aunt during this hard time. Up until this point in the novel, Scout has always made her own assumptions about everything around her or listened to what others had to say before she experienced things on her own. But with everything going on, she is learning to overcome those assumptions, and see things in a whole new