‘Justice always prevails’, is probably a statement many of us would like to believe. However, in a world and society where racism and all other types of discrimination exist, it is easy to become disillusioned with this belief. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem becomes disillusioned after witnessing Tom Robinson’s trial, learning the hard lesson that justice and goodness do not always win. Before Tom’s conviction, Jem’s hope in justice is highlighted when he tells Scout, “He’s just gone over the evidence… and we’re gonna win, Scout. I don’t see how we can’t” (Lee 270). He has full confidence that Atticus’s evidence and testimonies guarantee a win. As the trial progresses, he reaffirms his faith in humanity, in that the people of Maycomb will do what is right and not convict Tom unfairly. …show more content…
Jem, I ain’t ever seen any jury decide in favor a colored man over a white man...” (Lee 279) clearly indicating that Jem still has much to learn about the injustices that exist in society. Because of his confidence that Tom would not be convicted, it is the moment the jury draws out the results that affect Jem the most. “I peeked at Jem: his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each “guilty” was a separate stab between them” (Lee 282). This moment is symbolic of his innocence and faith in humanity’s goodness almost completely wiped as he hears the word “guilty.” Just as the mockingbird’s innocence is taken with a gunshot, Jem’s innocence is torn apart by this single word that throws him into a state of disillusionment. His disillusionment is emphasized when Scout talks to him about how people are all just people and should naturally get along with one another. To this, he says,"That's what I thought, too," he said at last, "when I was your age. If there's just one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each