Loss Of Innocence In To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee, a skillful and well-known novelist in the 1960s, utilizes various life lessons in her writings. In her acclaimed novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the prominent theme revolves around the loss of innocence and the journey of maturation. Scout, the main character and narrator of the story, discovers how cruel and unfair the world can be as a young child. She develops an awareness of the social inequality in her community by witnessing Tom Robinson’s trial. Scout and Jem faces the bitter reality of racism through the living conditions in Maycomb, Alabama. Therefore, their rude awakening is influenced by the town's bigotry and prejudice, which exemplifies their knowledge and social pressure throughout the narrative. At the beginning of

Caroline when she innocently attempts to explain Walter Cunningham’s situation. During Scout’s first day of school, Miss Caroline offers to pay for Walter's lunch. Scout informs her about the Cunningham's poverty and says that Walter will not accept anything he cannot repay back. Scout perceives her actions as a mere attempt to enlighten Miss Caroline; however, she unconsciously judges Walter Cunningham based on Maycomb's social structure. This holds significance for Scout as it highlights her naive understanding and an exaggerated sense of children’s know it all attitude. Later, Miss Caroline lectures Scout that she is “shamin’ Walter” (28). In chapter 9, Scout has another confrontation in the schoolyard. Two of her classmates, Cecil and Francis, announce to everyone that Atticus is a N- lover, causing a fight to ensue. “I was far too old and too big for such childish things, and the sooner I learned to hold in, the better off everybody would be; I soon forgot” (99). Afterwards, she inquires about what a N-lover means to Atticus. He urges Scout to refrain from saying those words, yet she fails to grasp his reasoning. Subsequently, Atticus clarifies that he’s defending a black man named Tom Robinson. “Scout, you aren’t old enough to understand some things yet, but there has been some high talk around town to the effect that I shouldn’t do much about defending this man” (100). He knows it’s frowned upon to defend a black man in the South, especially in Maycomb, Alabama. Nevertheless, he stands firm in his commitment to righteousness and remains unburdened by racial prejudices. When Scout asks if he will win, Atticus responds “no.” This befuddles her, but he informs her that they are not fighting for the Yankees, they are fighting for their friends. The next day at the schoolyard, she refrains from battling Francis. For the first time, Scout walks away from a fight. This