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Loss Of Innocence In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Analyse how the writer develops an important idea for a particular purpose in a written text you have studied

In the novel ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, a range of language features are used by the author Harper Lee to develop the important idea of loss of innocence for the purpose of showing the change in the character of Jem Finch as he gains understanding and maturity. Through Jem, Harper Lee shows how the pure innocence of a child can be lost so instantly due to the attainment of insight into the truth of mankind.

Harper Lee develops the important idea of loss of innocence for the purpose of showing the change in the understanding of Jem as he grows older through the use of the symbol of the Radley House, which acts as a representation of …show more content…

She does this by comparing young Jem (aged 10) who moaned over Atticus not participating in a football match against other fathers-“He did not do the things our schoolmates' fathers did: he never went hunting…”, to the three years older Jem (aged 13) who refuses to leave the side of his father at the hands of the ill-intentioned Lynch Mob- “ ‘Go home, I said.’ Jem shook his head. As Atticus's fists went to his hips, so did Jem’s”. The reader sees how Jem has matured and grown to be gallant and extremely protective towards his father who he immensely admires. Therefore, when Jem senses that Atticus is in danger, he does what any daring and concerned young man would do, he boldly refuses the orders of Atticus in order to ensure his father’s safety. This is in vast comparison to the young Jem who was very mindful towards Atticus because he was afraid of disappointing him, but in this case, Jem’s impulse to defend Atticus was stronger than wanting his approval. Atticus has taught Jem from a young age to behave with honour, but not necessarily obedience, and here he puts honour first. This demonstrates how Jem is making a stand as a young man as opposed to a child through how he crosses the line with his father and declines to leave him. Jem’s loss of precious innocence was compensated by the broad understanding he later gains, allowing him to make reasonable decisions whilst being aware of the

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