As a coming-of-age novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird” tells the story of two children, Jem and Scout, and their maturation from children into adults in mid 19th century Alabama. Divided into two parts, representing childhood and adulthood respectively, “To Kill a Mockingbird” explores many aspects of human nature. The novel, told from the perspective of a mature Scout, allows the reader to gain a much more intimate view into daily life and society at the time, as well as the personal struggles of the characters within it. Through the use of various literary devices, author Harper Lee explores the loss of innocence and reactions to evil during the transition into adulthood.
Harper Lee describes the innocence and creativity of childhood through …show more content…
Dubose, and becoming conscious of prejudice through the Tom Robinson case. With a very progressive father, who teaches them right from wrong and strongly believes in following what’s right, Atticus believes that “The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." This main principle is reinforced by the first of these two events- their encounter with Ms. Dubose- which teaches the children what true courage is: following what one believes is right despite any opposition. The children learn that courage is universal and present even among those with different beliefs. This lesson sets the stage for their further developments later on, when Jem and Scout interact with the children at school. With the novel set in 1930’s Alabama, this setting emphasizes the contrasting beliefs of a society who do not share the same beliefs that Jem and Scout were taught, and also forces them to make tough moral decisions. Faced with abuse after Atticus takes the case, the children are forced to choose between right, the principles taught by Atticus, or wrong, the blind prejudice of others. Both children, particularly Jem, choose to follow what’s right in the end, but also grow conscious of the evil and prejudice present in the
Harper Lee describes the innocence and creativity of childhood through …show more content…
Dubose, and becoming conscious of prejudice through the Tom Robinson case. With a very progressive father, who teaches them right from wrong and strongly believes in following what’s right, Atticus believes that “The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." This main principle is reinforced by the first of these two events- their encounter with Ms. Dubose- which teaches the children what true courage is: following what one believes is right despite any opposition. The children learn that courage is universal and present even among those with different beliefs. This lesson sets the stage for their further developments later on, when Jem and Scout interact with the children at school. With the novel set in 1930’s Alabama, this setting emphasizes the contrasting beliefs of a society who do not share the same beliefs that Jem and Scout were taught, and also forces them to make tough moral decisions. Faced with abuse after Atticus takes the case, the children are forced to choose between right, the principles taught by Atticus, or wrong, the blind prejudice of others. Both children, particularly Jem, choose to follow what’s right in the end, but also grow conscious of the evil and prejudice present in the