How Does Jem Lose His Innocence In To Kill A Mockingbird

While serenely reading a book, the sweet voice of a songbird travels through the window. The sound may have come from the beak of a mockingbird. This petite gray bird is completely harmless. Their sole purpose is to provide music for us to enjoy. This is why Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, the protagonist in To Kill a Mockingbird, is always told that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (119). Many characters lose their innocence just as a mockingbird would when it is shot. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee compares Jeremy “Jem” Finch, Boo Radley, and Tom Robinson to wounded mockingbirds. Harper Lee wounds and kills many mockingbirds in To Kill a Mockingbird including Jem Finch. Jem is only thirteen years old. He is still innocent with many years ahead of him. During his thirteenth year his father, Atticus Finch, takes a court case involving an innocent man of color. The case quickly gains popularity

Although readers learn little about Boo, it is inferred that he regains innocence after being isolated for so many years. As he watches Jem and Scout from inside his house, he grows to like and care for them. He shows many signs of compassion, such as leaving gifts in a tree for the kids. He expects nothing in return just as a mockingbird would not expect any praise after singing a sweet song. As mentioned earlier, Boo saved Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell. Scout talks about this event as the biggest gift they ever received from Boo. She says, “Boo was our neighbor. He gave us…our lives” (373). Through some series of events, Bob Ewell ends up dead, with a knife stuck in his torso. It is insinuated that Boo is responsible. Mr. Tate and Atticus realize how wrong it would be to expose Boo to the harsh microscope that is Maycomb County. “Well it’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?” Scout asks (370). They fabricate a story of Bob Ewell falling on his knife in order to protect