How Does Jem Mature In To Kill A Mockingbird

When growing up in today's world, people must face the many challenges of maturing. Whether it is physically, emotionally, or mentally, every person matures individually. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, the court trial of Tom Robinson matures three main characters in the book. They learn what growing up is all about. Jem, Scout, and Dill are the most affected by the trial and all matures throughout the book.

Jem specifically matures throughout the process of the Tom Robinson case and learns a positive lesson from the trial. After seeing the unfair way Tom Robinson was treated, Jem wants to protect and care for people no matter their age, skin color, reputation and personality. Jem also learns a few lessons from Atticus regarding the judgement of others. At the beginning of Chapter 25, His sister Scout is about to kill a roly-polly bug, Jem stops her and she asks why, Jem responds, "Because they don't bother you." (Lee 320) This quote relates to when Atticus teaches Scout and Jem about the importance lesson of
Scout is who she is because of the way Atticus raises her. Scout learns from Atticus through the Tom Robinson case what can happen when you lose hope and courage. During the second half of the novel, courage is portrayed by all blacks and Atticus as he fights for the case of Tom Robinson, but Tom Robinson has lost all hope. Scout is devastated by this but also learns bad things can happen when you lose hope and courage. Atticus is the first to teach Scout this important lesson, he says, "real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what", he continues by saying, "You rarely win, but sometimes you do". (149) Scout learns how courage is important through Atticus and Tom Robinson's case, and this is an important aspect of growing up and