How Does Jem Mature In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Jem Finch, a vital character in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, gets exposed to racism, social injustice, and prejudice at a very young age. From naive and innocent, to mature and wise, he begins a journey of transformation, and a growth in maturity that reflects on the common man in Maycomb, Alabama. Harper Lee uses Jem’s evolution as a character, and his gaining maturity in To Kill A Mockingbird to serve as a reflection of the impact social issues have on the common man. Towards the beginning of the novel, Lee illustrates Jem to be naive, childlike, and brave. Jem’s unawareness of his surroundings is akin to Maycomb’s common man as they both cannot understand the ongoing injustices in their society; “a caterpillar in a cocoon, that’s what it is,” he said. Like somethin’ asleep wrapped up in a warm place. I always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, at least that’s what they seemed like”. (288) As Jem witnesses social issues in his society first hand, the innocence in him takes a toll. It begins a journey of exploration and deepening understanding in the community for both Jem, and the common man. Jem’s naiveness is clearly …show more content…

His exposure to the trial of Tom Robinson, and witnessing the prejudice and the imperfect justice system acted upon him, act as a stepping stone for himself and Maycomb, resulting in a desire for a more inclusive and equal society. Through Jem’s evolving perspective, Harper Lee highlights how social issues can impact the common man, and how they can change a person's understanding of their community, and ignite a desire for change; “Atticus said that Jem was trying hard to forget something, but what he was really doing was storing it away for a while, until enough time passed. Then he would be able to think about it and sort things out. When he was able to think about it, Jem would be himself again.”

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