Throughout the novel, the children experience significant events and relationships, allowing them to grow and mature. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee explores adult attitudes towards race and class in the Deep South in the thirties. The characters Gem, Scout, and Boo display notable growth. Gem develops a sense of fairness, forms friendships, and sees his father differently. Scout matures by obeying her father and changing her perspective on Boo. The childlike character Boo Raddled also grows through his friendship with Scout and Gem. The children in the novel are not limited to a specific age group but encompass individuals who possess childlike qualities.
As the novel progresses, Gem's character undergoes growth as a result of defining events and relationships he encounters.
Gem’s level of maturity is evident when he is with Scout and Dill, as it allows t
...he reader to witness his mature approach and deeper comprehension of situations, contrasting with Scout and Dill's innocent and childlike perspectives. Gem’s higher level of understanding and maturity is exemplified when he says, "Ana, Scout, it's something you wouldn't understand", in comparison to Scout.
During the presence of the lynch mob at Tom's Jail cell, Gem showcases bravery and personal growth. He defies Attic's orders to "go home" because he comprehends the serious danger his father faces. "Go home I said." Gem shook his head. As Attic's clenched his fists, so did Gem. This serves as a symbol of Gem's maturity through his understanding of the situation and awareness of the imminent danger.
The reader becomes aware of Gem's evident growth and maturity during the trial verdict. Gem's response displays morality and maturity. "Guilty...Guilty...Guilty...Guilty...
His shoulders jerked as if each "guilty" was a separate stab to them. This illustrates Gem's moral development and comprehension of right versus wrong. "His face was streaked with angry tears ... 'It ain't right, Attic's'."This reveals Gem's moral growth and understanding of the unfairness of the trial. Gem demonstrates growth by developing an understanding that Atticus is not as boring as he once thought. His original perception was that Atticus was boring and unable to do anything because he was "too old for that." However, as Gem grows and matures, his view of Atticus evolves into one of respect and admiration. He realizes that Atticus is a gentleman just like him, despite their age difference. Gem no longer cares about his father's age and acknowledges that even if Atticus couldn't do anything, it wouldn't matter to him. The progression of the novel highlights Gem's change, maturity, and growth through more developed outings and interactions with others. The events and friendships that Scout experiences throughout the novel contribute to her own growth and maturity. She displays growth by following Atticus' request not to fight with other children anymore. Scout declares that she wouldn't get into fights anymore because her daddy wouldn't allow it. She recognizes that she is too old and big for such childish behavior and understands the importance of self-restraint. Her development is evident in her shift in view and opinion of Boo Radley.In the beginning of the novel, Scout believed that Boo was a terrifying and evil creature based on rumors and stories she heard. One example of these misconceptions was when someone warned her, "Don't blame me when he gouges your
eyes out." Another rumor that influenced her negative view of Boo was the belief that touching the trees near his house would result in death. As Scout learned more about Boo and witnessed his true personality, she realized he wasn't a monster. This led to a special bond forming between them, and she treated him with respect and caution. Throughout the novel, Scout matures and grows as she disregards the stories and gossip about Boo to discover who he truly is. Despite not being considered a child, Boo's personality is seen as childlike in his behavior and how he communicates. Boo's growth is gradual as he slowly emerges from his isolation, protecting and forming connections with Scout and Jem. This growth is portrayed through Boo's increasing gestures, such as putting presents in the knot hole of the oak tree as his first attempt at communication.Boo desired connection with the outside world and demonstrated this in a childlike manner. His first act to showcase this was sewing up Gem's pants when they got caught on the fence. This action proved that he wasn't a monster and made Gem and Scout realize that he meant no harm. Boo's next gesture was covering Scout with a blanket when Miss Maudie's house was on fire. This further confirmed that Boo had no malicious intentions and genuinely cared for the children. But it was Boo's final act towards the Finch children that was the most noteworthy and heroic. He saved them from being killed by Bob Ewell, who was seeking revenge on Atticus. Boo faced his fears head-on while defending Gem and Scout. Although they were unaware at the time,
it was Boo who intervened and saved their lives by pulling Bob Ewell away from them. Through these experiences, Boo formed a special bond with the two children, for which they showed gratitude by saying, "He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good luck pennies, and our lives."
The growth of Boo's character in Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird is influenced by the allegations involving Scout and Gem. By observing their compliance with the small favors he does for them, Boo is encouraged to overcome his shyness and face his fears, ultimately resulting in his emergence from seclusion. The children and childlike characters in the story experience growth by taking small steps to form friendships, confront their fears, and develop their moral compass. For example, Gem's growth is evident in his evolving sense of fairness, morality, and his changing perception of others. Scout's growth can be seen in her decision to avoid fights because she recognizes their childish nature, as well as her newfound understanding of Boo Radley once she looks past the rumors. Boo Radley, a childlike character, also undergoes growth by increasing his communication with other characters and displaying courage when he saves Scout and Gem. Throughout the novel, Lee effectively portrays how different relationships and events contribute to the development of the characters.
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