To kill a Mockingbird. Themes (ignorance)

Essay by bannanaberrieJunior High, 8th grade April 2004

download word file, 3 pages 5.0

TKAM \

The dictionary defines ignorance as the lack of education or knowledge. Throughout TKAM Harper Lee writes about ignorance and it's affects on society. We learn about the sweet childish ignorance of Scout and Jem compared to the mean coldness of Mr.Ewell. Ignorance shows itself in many different ways such as racism, sexism, and class- ism.

Jem and Scout are sheltered from the world and all it's evilness. Their ignorance is used as a shield to protect them from knowing the terrible realities of Maycomb. Although Scout and Jem aren't as ignorant as many of the more educated adults are, there ignorance stands out as different because theirs doesn't make them racist or sexist. When they lose their innocence they are losing their shield of ignorance. Their ignorance comes and goes throughout the book until the very end, "After that, it didn't matter weather they went or not.

Jem said he would take me. Thus began our longest journey together" (p. 254). I think this is about their Journey into adult hood. When they are attacked by Mr. Ewell (the most racist man in town), it is like racism came crashing down on them when he attacked them. they lose their ignorance on that long journey away from their childhood.

Scout and Jem's Naiveté is much different then the ignorance of the town. Their Naivety is stopping them from becoming one of the cruel townspeople. It's interesting because the children's ignorance is there to shield them from the ignorance of the Maycomb people. After Scout loses her ignorance she gains empathy for many people. It is shown with Boo Radley, when she walks him to his house. When she was younger she was terrified of him, she wouldn't even go near his house without running. But she puts...