The Presence of Bildungsroman in To Kill a Mockingbird
To a child first entering adulthood, how they view the world is the most influential. However, it’s how they decide to apply these world views to themselves that becomes crucial in their growing development. In the novel written by Harper Lee titled To Kill a Mockingbird, it is a story that revolves around two children named Jem and Scout and their experiences in a prejudiced town as they grow up and mature into young adults. They learn lessons from the people in their lives regarding what the real world has to offer during a time of segregation. As they discover new ideas, they also manage to learn more about themselves. Lee utilizes imagery, direct characterization, and dialogue to…show more content… In the midst of the novel, Atticus proceeds to give Scout advice that she should consider as she grows older. According to the text, Atticus says, “As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it— whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash (Ch. 23, Pg. 295).” This use of dialogue helps the reader understand Bildungsroman, since it shows Atticus entrusting Scout with advice that she would understand only as she grows into adolescence. Atticus points out to Scout regarding how people shouldn’t discriminate against others as valuable advice. In another piece of dialogue, Atticus manages to advise Scout on a separate matter as well. The following states, “Scout,’ said Atticus, ‘when summer comes you’ll have to keep your head about far worse things… it’s not fair for you and Jem, I know that, but sometimes we have to make the best of things, and the way we conduct ourselves when the chips are down—well, all I can say is, when you and Jem are grown, maybe you’ll look back on this with some compassion and some feeling that I didn’t let you down (Ch. 11, Page 138-139).” Dialogue is utilized in this piece of text to represent the theme of coming-of-age, since it shows Atticus reassuring Scout about how she should consider matters and conduct…show more content… The textual excerpts that include imagery help represent this theme, since in both of those instances they describe how Scout and Jem have gained a new sense of maturity. Jem has learned about the importance of life, while Scout discovered a life lesson she could apply to herself. Their thoughts and actions are accurately discussed to express these ideas. The pieces of text that show direct characterization represent the theme, since Scout and Jem’s described characteristics reveal how they are quickly growing into adulthood. The evidence that represents dialogue shows the theme, due to the fact that Atticus in both instances tells a moral that Scout and Jem need to learn in order to properly live in the world. They are lessons that they should apply to themselves when they consider their surroundings and environment. Maturity is only possible when a person can understand and reflect on themselves. Only then can they take a step forward towards their