Corrupted Innocence in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

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A child’s journey to adulthood will corrupt their innocence. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the two main characters Jem and Scout are forced to grow up and face the realities of their world as their father prepared for one of the most controversial cases in his career. As the trial date gets closer and closer, Jem and Scout witnessed negative and positive things caused by the folks of Maycomb, they were not prepared for. Through all the commotion Jem and Scout learned the importance of benevolence and courage as it influenced their changing perspective on the world. The qualities Jem and Scout learn from benevolence and courage change how they see their world by showing them fairness, kindness and bravery. The first thing Jem and Scout learn from the qualities of benevolence and courage is fairness. Fairness changes how they see their world because they realize that life isn’t fair. In the novel Atticus shows benevolence when he goes to the jailhouse to protect Tom Robinson even though he wasn’t legally bound to. When Jem and Scout arrive at the jailhouse they come face to face with an lynch mob. There Jem and Scout are first exposed to the harsh realities of the treatment towards African Americans. However it wasn’t until the next morning when Scout understood “full meaning of last night’s events” (208). As the book progresses Atticus shows courage by trying to give Tom Robinson a fair trial in the middle of a racist community. However Atticus lost his case and Jem and Scout realize that their justice system isn’t fair. They realize that in the town of Maycomb justice is a privilege not a right. Jem states that “It’s like being’ a caterpillar in a cocoon... I always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks ... ... middle of paper ... ...ge teach Jem and Scout fairness, kindness and bravery and change how they see their world. Firstly, through the acts of benevolence and courage from Atticus, Jem and Scout learn fairness. Fairness changes how they see their world because they realize life isn’t fair. Secondly, through the acts benevolence and courage from Boo Radley, Jem and Scout learn kindness. Kindness changes how they see their world because they realize that rumors aren’t always true and they shouldn't judge something by it’s appearance. Lastly, the qualities of benevolence and courage show Jem and Scout bravery. Bravery changes how Jem and Scout see their world because they learn that real bravery isn’t a man with a gun but someone who fights for what’s right until the end, no matter if they win or not. As Jem and Scout get older they are forced to grow up and face the realities of the world.

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