Theme Of Jem Coming Of Age In To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird deals with the loathsome subject of racism in a southern town in the 1930’s. Told from a nine year old's innocent eye, Lee pinpoints the definition of racism. Lee takes readers on a riveting journey through mobs, trials, and death. The rare and unusual innocent eye this story is told from gives an unbiased and fresh view of racism. To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming of age story, as the narrator, Scout and brother Jem learn what the real definition of racism is. Jem Finch is possibly the pinnacle of all coming of age characters; he moves from a state of child-like innocence, to almost adult-like maturity after dealing first hand with racism in his hometown. For example, after the Tom Robinson trial, Jem comes to realize the hate and prejudice that surrounds him on a daily basis. Throughout the trial, Jem was making comments such as “we’re gonna win, Scout,” and “I don't see how we can’t”
Readers watch as Scout struggles with understanding the Trial, and how a man who is clearly innocent, is convicted as guilty due to his skin color. Scout doesn't know how to deal with all of her emotions, so she resorts to acting like everyone else. At the end of the trial, Dill is feeling sick about the court process, and Scout attempts to comfort him. Readers watch Scout beginning to evolve and understand how the world works. While comforting Dill, she comes to the conclusion that Tom is “just a Negro” and there is nothing that can be done anymore (Lee 266). This shows a level of maturity because it is the truth, and she recognizes that there is nothing more to be done; even though it is not morally right. As life goes on after the trail, Scout has time to piece together her thoughts. She begins to realize how not only the court system works, but how life works. She understands that at that time, it is inevitable and