Coming Of Age Theme In To Kill A Mockingbird

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In the coming of age novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Harper Lee includes characters that rarely appear to develop a theme and influence the common characters actions and thoughts. “Boo” Arthur Radley is an example of how the author creates the theme. Harper Lee scarcely incorporates the character Boo Radley to develop the theme that both good and bad exist in society, by using negative diction, repetition of descriptions, and symbolization.
Lee combined other characters with negative diction toward Boo to emphasize the cruel parts of society. The author uses Jem to describe the rumors he has heard “his hands bloodstained, a jagged scar across his face” (Lee 14). this shows the little amount of interest characters have to get to know one another. Therefore showing the judge mental qualities they possess. However Jem eventually realizes that the ones around were telling him wrong, “ it's because he wants to stay inside” (Lee 259). The author allows Jem to compare rumors and facts after the trial, to conclude that he understands why Boo is Boo. It shows the shift from being on the bandwagon and hopping off the bandwagon. …show more content…

At the beginning of the novel Maycomb is described as a “tired, old town” but as Scout begins to witness reality she sees what the town really is, “I had never seen our neighborhood from this angle” (Lee 320). Harper Lee has Scout look at the town from Boo’s perspective. It displays society as something bad, just trying to be covered up with good. So when scout reiterates Atticus's story she is once again exposed to the reality. “Most people are, Scout, when you see them” (Lee 323). Lee uses this to explain that not everyone is bad, that they might only just be good, if you get to know them. However the society would not understand, because a vast majority does not view from different

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