An essay on the development of Jem and Scout through the novel "To Kill A Mockingbird", and their influences.

Essay by geoffersonHigh School, 10th gradeA+, February 2004

download word file, 3 pages 3.7

To Kill A Mockingbird

In To Kill a Mockingbird, a tremendous amount of developement occurs as both Jem and Scout mature from a somewhat childish innocence into respected members of the community. The children's perceptions of Calpurnia, Mrs. Dubose, and Boo Radley are a direct affiliation to how the two Finch children view Maycomb and the prejudice behavior which it posses. Being children, Scout and Jem have the simple duties of a minor, which is to have fun and to stay out of trouble. But along the way, they also learn many important things. Although the majority of their hometown is prejudiced, Scout and Jem's innocent minds remain non prejudice and caring of others. To them, all is equal, so therefore, all should be treated equal.

Calpurnia is the first individual in the novel to introduce a sense of racial bias to that of Jem and Scout. Calpurnia had always been viewed as a mother-figure and nothing more.

However, as the summer developes without the presence of Dill or Atticus, Scout often finds herself in the kitchen with Calpurnia. The two develope such a great bond that Calpurnia feels obligated to take both Jem and Scout to see that of her own church. Both children were welcomed with a respectful display by the members of First Purchase. However, the children couldn't help but notice the the lack of materials within the church's walls. "There was no sign of piano, organ, hymnbooks, church programs- the familiar ecclesiastical impedimenta we saw every Sunday." (Lee pg. 120) Scout and Jem had witnessed the unfair accommodations bestowed upon that of the black people of Maycomb. This would be a give a large contribution to both children's perspectives toward Maycomb's judicial system. Until that moment, both children were unaware of the conditions such...