Maturation In To Kill A Mockingbird

Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem and Scout share diverse interactions with the other people in Maycomb, that indicate children's evolving maturation. Harper Lee incorporates dialogue throughout the novel that shows the global issues of the 1930s. In the novel, Jem and Scout struggle to understand the social norms of the black population within the community. Beginning in innocence, the two mature through events in their life that build an understanding in a time full of prejudice and racial discrimination. Throughout numerous occasions, the kids are faced with the adversity of discrimination and resentment. As Jem and Scout confront a new circumstance, believing that they are unwanted in a black church, they are welcomed into a perspective of life they have never seen

They show the importance of varying perspectives. To start the scene, Jem, Scout, and Calpurnia take a walk to Calpurnia’s church one Sunday, and as Scout arrives, she describes the church as smelling like “Hearts of Love hairdressing mingled with asafoetida, snuff, Hoyt’s Cologne, Brown’s Mule, peppermint, and lilac talcum” (135). The imagery of the church provides Scout with the idea that the characters around her have a well-kept appearance. “When they saw Jem and me [Scout] with Calpurnia, the men stepped back and took off their hats; the women crossed their arms at their waists, weekday gestures of respectful attention” (135). As Jem, Scout, and Calpurnia walked into the church, the people around them stood in awe, surprised that two white children had entered their church. The children had never heard of doing such a thing, going to a black church, that is due to the lack of experience they have around other races. Growing up, the two had never even attended Calpurnia's home, a woman who nearly acted as their