Loss Of Innocence In To Kill A Mockingbird

654 Words3 Pages
Nowadays most kids never question their morals or society at a young age, but for Jem and Scout growing up in the early 1900’s, it can’t be avoided. Their home county, Maycomb, is filled with bad and undermining morals such as racism and stereotyping; this is seen through through the eyes of Jem and Scout as they experience it all firsthand as they grow up in this society. As events like the trial unfold in front of Jem and Scout, they begin to realize that the world isn’t as perfect and happy as they always expected. Prejudice contributes into a loss of innocence to them as racism and stereotypes are expressed. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, author Harper lee illustrates the idea that prejudice and growing up go hand in hand in developing a reality for Jem and Scout; this becomes clear to readers when events such as the trial and Boo Radley saving the kids unfold.…show more content…
At the start of the book on page 77, Scout notices that “Miss Caroline’s progress next door could be estimated by the frequency of laughter.” This gives Scout the realization of how their education is considered a joke. At school, Scout is criticized for her prior knowledge, and the teachers are hypocritical and inexperienced. This illustrates how unimportant their education really is in Maycomb, and how the town is more focused on their bad morals. Later on in the book, on page 284, Jem says: “‘It ain’t right, Atticus.’” Atticus clearly wins the trial, but because of racism, Tom Robinson is declared guilty by everyone in the jury. This proves as a loss of innocence for the kids as they begin to understand how unfair and discriminating the residents of Maycomb are. All in all, growing up is a never-ending presence for the kids throughout the story that helps to shape their what seems to be “new
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