To Kill A Mockingbird Coming Of Age Quotes

Chae Yang

English 9,

Dr. Lennan

8 March 2023.

The Transition of Mentality and Maturity What defines coming of age? What does coming of age mean to you? “Climb into someone's skin and walk around in it," is a significant quote from Atticus Finch that helps Scout Finch mature as a person throughout the novel, “To Kill A Mocking Bird,” by Harper Lee. The protagonist, Scout Finch, is an intelligent girl who lives with her brother, Jem Finch, and father, Atticus Finch. The novel takes place in the town of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s. Based on many rumors and false perceptions of Arthur (Boo) Radley, Scout, Jem, along with their friend Dill is fascinated by the many secrets that lie in the Radley house. A major conflict in Maycomb is racism

In this passage, Scout and Jem learn a valuable lesson about sympathy. Scout, Jem, and Dill are caught sneaking into the Radley’s House by Nathan Radley. He shoots a bullet in the sky and causes a large ruckus in the neighborhood. While running away, Jem’s pants are caught onto the Radley’s fence. Scout comments, “Had Jem’s pants been safely on him, we would not have slept much anyway” (Lee 74). The symbolism of Jem’s pants represents Jem’s mindset and how his perception of Arthur Radley changes. After Jem retrieves his pants, folded and stitched up, Jem starts to sympathize with Arthur Radley and views him as a kindhearted man instead of a terrifying monster. Jem, who is frightened of getting caught by Atticus, tells Scout that he will retrieve his pants. Scout disapproves and says, “You’ll get your head shot off,” (75). The characterization of Scout reveals that she is very sympathetic and worried about Jem risking his life. This further heated the argument, leaving Jem feeling moody and silent. While trying to comfort her older brother, Scout is reminded of Atticus' advice, “As Atticus had once advised me to do, I tried to climb into Jem’s skin and walk around in it” (77). The characterization of Scout highlights her mentality maturing. At the beginning of the novel, Scout has a difficult time understanding others until Atticus gives her important advice about sympathy. Scout decides to leave Jem alone, leaving him space to

During their argument, Scout is reminded of what Miss Stephanie had said, “Mr. Nathan had the other barrel waiting for the next sound he heard,” (75). The gun symbolizes death. As Scout, Jem, and Dill hear the gunshots, they become frightened as they know that those gunshots could lead them to serious harm. This causes the children to reflect on their actions and regrets ever wanting to trespass on the Radleys’ property. We can see their maturity grow as they own up to their own mistakes. After almost getting caught and potentially in critical danger, Jem is regretful of his actions and says, “We shouldn’a done that tonight, Scout,” (75) The characterization of Jem helps to show remorse for his actions. As Jem plans to sneak into the Radley house, he can be seen as mischievous and troublesome. After the incident, he reflects on his actions and admits to his mistakes. Scout decides to help Jem by unlocking the door. As Jem heads down the stairs, Scout describes the movement of Jem, “Jem’s white shirt tail dipped and bobbed like a small ghost dancing away to escape the coming morning,” (76). The symbolism of the ghost represents fear and uneasiness Jem is experiencing. Jem is shaken up by his wrongdoings and acknowledges that what he did was wrong. Jem uses this experience as a lesson to not invade people's privacy. In addition, coming of age means admitting to mistakes and parting