To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee | Chapter 11 of To Kill A Mockingbird provides an insight into where Jem and Scout are in their development as young adults. Discuss.

Essay by smiddi10Junior High, 9th gradeA-, May 2004

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Chapter 11 of To Kill a Mocking Bird is one of the most interesting of the book. We learn a great deal about where Jem and Scout are in their development. We are also are formally introduced to Mrs Dubose, although several references have been made to her during the first ten chapters. A number of the themes in To Kill a Mocking Bird are highlighted in this chapter.

The main thing we draw from this chapter is that Jem and Scout have grown up a lot. Although they can't overcome their attitudes to anyone who says anything bad about their father, Atticus. This is shown when Jem destroys Mrs Dubose's prized camellias because she called Atticus a "nigger lover" and "the same as the trash he's defending". Despite Atticus' best efforts to get Jem and Scout to act like adults, they still show that they still have a bit of childishness in them.

But compared to the first chapter, Jem and Scout have noticeably grown up. From the very first paragraph of chapter 11, Harper Lee has signified change. It says that Scout is well "into the second grade and that tormenting Boo Radley had become passé". So immediately we know that at least two years have passed.

The way Atticus punishes Jem for destroying Mrs Dubose's garden is reflected in one of the main themes of the book. By making Jem go to Mrs Dubose's house every night for a month to read to her is teaching him tolerance to others. This is why Atticus is such a good father. Instead of preaching on and on, lecturing to his children about how to be a good person, he teaches his kids tolerance practically. The theme of tolerance, or intolerance, is one of, if not the biggest themes of...