Bildungsroman Analysis

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” This quote by E.E Cummings reflects the topic of growing up and finding your true self. Growing up isn’t easy and it’s different from everyone, so there has been many book written on this topic. In fact, there is a whole genre dedicated for the books that explore the world of growing up and it’s called ‘Bildungsroman”. Two bildungsroman novel which explore growing up are To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen. Though these two protagonists grew up in different times and places, some of the same forces molded them into who they would become. The two protagonist are both greatly influenced by their parents. Both Scout and Ruby are alike in that they

Scout and Jem is really close in age so Jem is just as much of a child as Scout is, but Jem does mature earlier than Scout. During the period of the Tom Robinson case Jem says that he’s beginning to understand why “Boo Radley [stays] shut up in his house all this time” he gets to the conclusion that Boo wants to stay away from all the racial and discrimination of the outside world. “it’s because he wants to stay inside”. (Lee 304) Scout learns many things from Jem as he matures at a faster pace; he pushes Scout into maturity “It’s about time you [start] bein’ a girl and acting right”. (Lee 153) Even though Jem says it harshly, to Scout it's a big shock and realization for her towards being mature because Jem never said that to her in the past and so Scout takes it seriously and is hurt by his words. Jem’s sense of justice for Tom Robinson also influences Scout sense of justice and Scout learns to emphasize Tom. From Jem’s actions Scout learns to mature and to believe in what is right. In Ruby’s case, Cora is much older and much more mature so she has always been relied on by Ruby ever since when they were kids. After Cora Graduated from highschool and went to college, Ruby lost all connections with her until her mom abandons her and she was sent to live with Cora and her

One of the biggest factors in Scout’s journey is understanding her neighbor Arthur Radley who is nicknamed Boo. Boo Radley has been perceived a monster that “dined on raw squirrels” and has “a long jagged scar” and “Yellow and rotten” teeth. (Lee 16) Throughout many parts of the story where Boo has hinted of wanting to become ‘friends’ with the children such as when he leaves gifts and candy under the tree and covers Scout with a blanket during the fire, Scout never understands Boo. Near the end of the novel when Boo saves Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell, and Scout walks him home she notices the world in another perspective, Boo’s perspective. Scout begins to think about the years that went by and the gifts that Boo had gave them and how they “had given him nothing and it made [Scout] sad”. (Lee 373) This is the highlight of Scout’s growth throughout the book because this quote shows that she matures and learns understands the importance of giving and receiving as well as the importance of understanding someone from their view of the world. Like Scout, with the help of Nate Cross, Ruby progresses along the road as well. Nate Cross is Ruby’s neighbor/boyfriend, when Ruby first transferred into Nate’s neighborhood, he helps her out by hiding the fact that Ruby was trying to escape the house. Nate becomes Ruby’s first