How Does Jem Mature In To Kill A Mockingbird

Throughout the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, many characters change their views of life. Undergoing obstacles changed the lives and perspectives of the characters in the novel. As times change in a person’s life so do their perspective of life. Jem, Scout, and Dill have various adventures that mature them, and allow them to understand how the world works in the mind of an adult. The children’s mind slowly transforms from understanding situations like an adult to having the mind of an adult. In effect, Jem begins to mature by going off on his own and preferring to be alone. “Jem was growing. I must be patient with him and disturb him as little as possible,” scout narrated (153). Scout was beginning to realize how Jem was starting to advance at a faster pace. Scout saw his advances when she recognized him being more detached from her. Jem was now becoming a teenager and was more likely to be moody and irate. “In addition to Jem’s newly developed characteristics he had a maddening air of wisdom,” Scout narrated (155). Jem is beginning to demonstrate to the people around him that he is understanding his environment. The Maycomb air is now becoming
easier for Jem to breathe and interpret. Jem’s family is seeing Jem the man he is becoming and going to be. In addition, Dill begins to realize how the world is not always justifiable.
“Well, Dill, after all he’s just a negro,” said Scout. “I don’t care one speck. It ain’t right, somehow it ain’t right to do ‘em that was,” replied Dill (266). Scout and Dill were conversing over Tom Robinson’s cross – examination in court. Dill believes that it is not fair to think of someone being lesser than someone else because of their skin tone. Mr. Raymond starts to point out that Dill cried, offended Dill states, “Cry about the hell white people give colored folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people too” (269). Dill is amazed of the cruelty of human beings. He understands how the world is biased and nothing can be done to halt the immorality. Dill is now aware of the simplicity and bestial behavior of a judgmental
world. Also, Scout has various encounters that raise her to her maturity. Her encounters include, Jem’s maturity, Atticus’s respectfulness contrary to the disrespects he receives, and comprehends the nature of Boo Radley. Jem shouted to Scout, “It’s time you started bein’ a girl and acting right!” Startled, Scout narrated, “I burst into tears and fled to Calpurnia” (153). Scout had first hand experienced Jem growing up. She did not want to believe that the boy who yelled at her was her brother getting older. “I do my best to lover everybody … I’m hard to put, sometimes – baby, it’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name” (144). Atticus is forced to explain this to Scout because Mrs. Dubose has disrespected him. Scout is simply shocked on how Atticus can still have respect for Mrs. Dubose, Even though she has betrayed is respect. However, Atticus believes that everyone deserves an equal respect, no matter the situation. Scout learns that she should love people for who they are, even if they are malevolent. “Mr. Tate was right,” Scout proclaimed. “What do you mean?” Atticus asked. “Well it’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?” Scout rhetorically asked (370). Scout now appreciates Boo’s well being. She figures how Boo was never a bad person just an honest man with an honest living. Her maturity level dramatically increases as she understands how people are different based on the judgments placed on them. In conclusion, Scout, Jem, and Dill learn and become who they are in the series of events they proceed through. Their lives change drastically, and the way they see themselves, the people around them, and where they live. They can now analyze and cope with events like a more experienced adult. When life begins to alter its path so do the people who are walking that path.