To Kill A Mockingbird covers about three years of life in Maycomb County, a span long enough for a child’s worldview to be completely twisted, and twisted it was. Scout, Jem, and Dill initially believe that people are inherently good, and will stand for what is right and just. They eventually learn that this is not true, and that many citizens in Maycomb are not truly “good” because their ability to be fair and honest is hindered by prejudice and hate, which is proven in Tom Robinson’s trial. Out of the three, Jem is the most confident that the trial is going to be a fair one, but is met with a cold reality when the jury reaches a verdict. “‘Guilty… guilty… guilty… guilty’ I peeked at Jem: his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each ‘guilty’ was a separate stab between them.” Jem’s faith in the honesty and fairness of people is consequently weakened, unlike Scout, who is still to able to somewhat preserve her faith in human nature. …show more content…
Atticus defines courage as “...when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” He demonstrates courage by defending Tom Robinson, knowing that he cannot win, and that his family will be looked down upon by their community. Atticus proves he is courageous by doing what he knows is right, despite the consequences. Jem’s idea of courage develops along with his maturity. At the beginning of the novel, his most courageous act is touching the side of the Radley house. However, much later he exhibits courage by refusing to obey his father by staying at his side when the mob comes to the jail for Tom Robinson. Jem’s courage changes alongside his adjusting understanding of the world around