Examples Of Coming Of Age In To Kill A Mockingbird

What is coming of age? Coming of age is a process in which an individual goes through a certain event and gains new insights that allow them to mature. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, they are many events where coming of age is revealed in the main characters. The coming of age is revealed through the author’s choice of various literary elements. One place where coming of age is shown is when Atticus tells Calpurnia, Miss Maudie, Aunt Alexandra and Scout that Tom Robinson had died, while Aunt Alexandra was having her missionary society’s meeting. The women are shaken by the news, but cannot show their sorrow as the guest would become curious, eventually Miss Maudie tells Aunt Alexandra that they need to go back to cater to

The coming of age for Scout is developed in this scene by the literary elements of character and plot.

First Scout’s coming of age is developed by the element of plot, which is the death of Tom. For example, if Aunt Alexandra hadn’t known what became of Tom, she would have no reason to be sad. The author writes, “What’s the matter?’...’Tom’s dead.’” Aunt Alexandra put her hands to her mouth…’Didn’t they give him any warning?’ Aunt Alexandra’s voice shook… She sat so still; she was so quiet I wondered if she would faint”(269). This is right after Calpurnia leaves with Atticus to inform Tom’s wife of the tragic news. Aunt Alexandra was truly disturbed by the news. If this had never happened, the whole recovery process would’ve not needed to take place and Scout wouldn’t have seen her aunt be a woman at such times. Another example, is when they finally go back out to join the rest of the ladies, after recovering from the news. The book says,”’ Do I show it?’ ’Not a sign,’ said Miss Maudie…’Then let’s join the ladies,’ she said grimly...Aunt Alexandra

Although this quote doesn’t directly show coming of age, it still shows Scout’s opinion towards these standard and how they made her feel. This is important since during the scene when they return to their company, Scout decides that she can also act ladylike in times like this. Her coming of age is shown through this comparison since it shows that Scout has changed from rejecting her aunt’s commands to respecting them. Another example, is how easily Scout is influenced by others. Earlier in the book, when Jem and Dill are going to the Radley place, Scout is scared and doesn’t want to go but, when Jem tells her that she is acting more like a girl she suddenly changes her mind. The book