Theme Of Coming Of Age In To Kill A Mockingbird

Have you ever despised someone when you were younger but as you grew older, you learned to appreciate them? In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Scout initially views Boo Radley as a mysterious and strange person, but later views him as a compassionate and understanding figure. Throughout the novel, the central theme of coming of age is apparent in Scout as her persona develops throughout the story and she comes to recognize Boo Radley’s empathy. A prime example of this is when Radley says goodnight to Jem, and then Scout walks him home and later understands how it feels to be in his shoes. Through Harper Lee’s powerful use of literary devices such as indirect characterization, flashbacks, and symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird, she explores

Also, many would even avoid his house: “A Negro would not pass the Radley Place at night, he would cut across to the sidewalk opposite and whistle as he walked” (Lee 5). Although later in the novel, Scout understands that Radley is not who he really is, she says, “Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough” (Lee 48). This quotation demonstrates indirect characterization since the reader can imply that Boo Radley is a different man than what rumors say about him in Maycomb, which Scout later learns. Lee uses indirect characterization to show how Scout learns to empathize others and gain perspective on other people’s

In the novel, the front porch of the Radley house demonstrates and serves as a symbol of division between the Finch and the Radley’s. In the beginning of the novel, Scout is too frightened to even go near the Radley house. Scout states, “I ran by the Radley Place as fast as I could, not stopping until I reached the safety of our front porch” (Lee 18). This shows how terrified Scout is of Boo, as many view his house with fear and mystery. Then, later in the novel, Scout walks Boo home and even goes to his porch. Scout states, “We came to the street light on the corner, and… I entered the Radley front gate for the second time in my life. Boo and I walked up the steps to the porch.” In this prime quote, the porch is a symbol of emotional and physical distance between the families, demonstrating Scout’s coming of age as she learns that Boo Radley isn’t who the people of Maycomb think he