Loss Of Innocence In To Kill A Mockingbird

In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, seeing things through others eyes is important in order to recognize the perseverance of the characters. Jem, the brave tween always willing to take a risk. Scout, a young tom boy full of curiosity, and Atticus, the father of Scout and Jem as well as a risk-taking lawyer. They work through the tough times. From the beginning, Jem and Scout are described as adventurous with the innocence of childhood. Jem soon faces the reality of growing up during the trial.
Jem and Scout constantly learn the day to day lessons in being children. Miss Caroline, Scouts teacher, wanted to pay for Walter Cunningham’s lunch because he didn't have money. Miss Caroline did not know the Cunninghams do not take anything they can't

There is a rabid dog loose in the neighborhood. Calpurnia calls the sheriff, Mr. Heck Tate and Atticus comes home during all the commotion. Mr. Tate asks Atticus to shoot the dog because Atticus was a better shooter. The dog was shot and Jem and Scout were shocked when they learned that Atticus was a great shooter: “In a fog, Jem and I watched our father take the gun and walk into the middle of the street. He walked away quickly, but I thought he looked like an underwater swimmer: time had slowed to a nauseating crawl” (97). Scout and Jem were very worried for their father, however if the sheriff gave Atticus the gun then he must have had confidence in Atticus. When the dog was shot down and everyone was relieved Jem and Scout were still in shock because they didn't know that their father used to and still shoots like that but doesn't hunt. The kids experience another situation where they must act like adults. Atticus is defending Tom Robinson, an African-American man who was convicted of raping and beating Mayella Ewell. Atticus then realizes key evidence in the case: “You’re left handed, Mr. Ewell,’ said Judge Taylor. Mr. Ewell turned angrily to the judge and said he didn't see what his being left handed had to do with it” (177). The children Scout, Jem, and Dill have to face the real world and the people in it when Tom Robinson is wrongfully convicted. Jem

After Tom Robinson is wrongfully conflicted and sent to jail. He decides to endanger his life although he life although he knew he would die. Atticus found a way to re-try his conviction, but it was too late: “Tom’s dead.’ Aunt Alexandra put her hands to her mouth. ‘ they shot him,’ said Atticus. ‘He was running. It was during their exercise period” (235). Sick of hearing about the trial and distraught about the outcome, Jem yells at Scout to never mention the trial again: “That's what I thought too,’ he said at last.” (227). The view of the world changed for Jem because not everyone was fair. Jem yelling at Scout suggests that he is stressed about the outcome because he “slammed his face into the pillow”. Jem tells Scout she needs to realize the world is not all fun and games. Atticus also need Cal to come with him to tell Mrs. Robinson which suggests he is very hurt by what happened to