Throughout the book, To Kill the Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the development of a child’s maturity and perception of the world becomes a central topic. As Jem presents their journey of childhood through Scout’s perspective, the audience discovers a dark presence of injustice and racism within Maycomb county. While Jem lives in a county so full of hatred, he learns to develop a perception of the world that aids him throughout the growth out of their adolescence. Though it may benefit him throughout the process of maturity, his lack of innocence may isolate him from the acceptance of the true world. Naivety, a state in which one lacks experience or understanding. As the audience explores the world of Maycomb county with Jem, they are …show more content…
An old woman that blatantly shouted at others as they would pass by, expressing her prejudice opinion, especially towards Jem and Scout. As the two would pass by her house, she would express her feelings about their father, Atticus, defending an african-american. Jem at first, avoided contact with Mrs. Dubose, acting as a gentleman. Yet, as he passed her house once more, he grew angry. As perceived from Scout, Jem “cut the tops off every camellia bush Mrs. Dubose owned...” This demonstrates that Jem did not consider his father’s advice nor Mrs. Dubose’s feelings, but simply that vengeance was on his mind. This consequently led him to reading to her every night. Though this may seem quite innocent and a harmless repercussion, it truly helped Mrs. Dubose. She requested that Jem read to her each night so she would avoid relapsing. Mrs. Dubose was a morphine addict, with only very few months to live. She wanted to be clean before she died, leading her to dying as “free as the mountain air” and the “most courageous woman [Attius] has ever known” After she died, Atticus gave Jem a gift prepared by Mrs. Dubose, which contained a “white, waxy, perfect camellia”. This demonstrated that she has forgiven him for his actions, teaching Jem the power of forgiveness, courage, and empathy and how one demonstrates themselves on the outside, does not define who they are on the inside. Yet, Jem did not simply accept it for as it was, but drove him to a state of confusion