To Kill A Mockingbird Biilungsroman Analysis

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
As Jem grows up, the stages of growing development are apparent. For instance, the text states, “Jem was twelve. He was difficult to live with, inconsistent, moody. His appetite was appalling, and he told me so many times to stop pestering him I consulted Atticus: ‘Reckon he’s got a tapeworm?’ Atticus said no, Jem was growing. I must be patient with him and disturb him as little as possible (Ch. 12, Pg. 153).” This use of direct characterization suggests the theme of Bildungsroman due to the fact that it blatantly states the characteristics of a growing minor. As Jem develops irregular moods and physical habits, Scout has yet to learn about the baggage that growing up comes with. This shows how much Jem’s mood and physical traits have changed in the story. Another example appears during a conversation between Atticus, their father, and their Uncle, Jack. In the text, Lee writes, “Bad language is a stage all children go through, and it dies with time when they learn they’re not attracting attention with it. Hotheadedness isn’t. Scout’s got to learn to keep her head and learn soon, with what’s in store for her these next few months. She’s coming along, though. Jem’s getting older and she follows his example a good bit now. All she needs is assistance sometimes (Ch. 9, Pg. 116).” This demonstrates the theme of coming-of-age through direct characterization, since it shows Atticus providing
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