Growing up is an inevitable process in life. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a story that takes place in Maycomb County, Alabama during the Great Depression and follows the journey of Scout Finch, a young girl who is coming of age in a world where racial prejudice and social inequality are prevalent. The book explores the theme of growing up and the development of understanding and awareness through the Finch children, Jem and Scout, who face many obstacles. The best events that display this are when Miss Maudie gives Jem a slice of cake after the trial, Scout walking Boo Radly home, and the Finch children taking care of Miss Dubose. After the trial, Miss Maudie bakes a cake and gives Jem a slice, conveying the message that she believes Jem has grown into a young man. Usually, Miss Maudie makes small cakes for all of the children, but this time around she gives Jem a piece of the big cake. Scout and Dill had wondered why there were only three cakes but “[they understand] when she [cuts] from the big cake and [gives] the slice to Jem” (Lee 245). Miss Maudie truly sees that Jem has become a new version of himself. …show more content…
Throughout the novel, the children have been fascinated and frightened by the mysterious figure of Boo, picturing him to be a monster. However, when Scout walks him home, she realizes that Boo is a thoughtful and observant person. She says, “We never put back into the tree what we took out” (Lee 320). This newfound awareness is a crucial part of Scout’s growing up process, as she begins to see others beyond their appearance, which helps her develop compassion towards