Everyone goes through a period in their life where they are required to have responsibilities they are not prepared for. During To kill a mockingbird, Jem and Scout are beginning to see what the real world is like through their father’s eyes. The kids are starting to realize what they have to face when they reach the “outside world” such as segregation, racism, and differences. Atticus has to prepare them for what they have to face in the real world. Atticus has received a case to be a defense lawyer for a black man (Tom Robinson) accused of raping a young white woman (Mayella Ewell). 3 kids; Jem, Dill, and Scout all have a certain event that makes them develop into a young adult. Atticus must show them what it’s like to survive in the anti-good …show more content…
Yes, that may seem childish but in a way, that’s an indirect example of killing a mockingbird; the rolly-polly. Jem told Scout, “‘Don’t do that, Scout. Set him out on the back steps.’” Scout responded saying, “‘Jem, are you crazy?’” Jem stated, “‘I said set him out on the back steps’” (Page 319). You can clearly see in the cited quotes that Jem has matured by having Scout let the rolly-polly go. A kid would've said “Sure! Squish it!” which is unlike Jem; he was being a mature person. Jem realized that killing a poor innocent creature wasn’t going to do any …show more content…
Jem and Scout have been attacked by Bob Ewell and has caused Jem to break his arm. Atticus asked Scout, “‘Scout, Mr.Ewell fell on his own knife. Can you possibly understand?’” Scout responded, “‘Well, it’d be like sorta shooting a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?’” (Page 370). Jem was an example of a mockingbird, just minding their own business and not causing any harm. Another example of a mockingbird would be Tom Robinson. Tom was proven guilty but happened to be an innocent man. Since Scout has seen everything that’s going on, she finally understands what it’s like to live in a unfair