This second section of “To Kill a Mockingbird” focuses
primarily on the change and growth of Scout and Jem as they mature and become
more attune to the goings on around them in Maycomb. The driving force in the
maturation of the children has been the behavior of Atticus, and how his
children, especially Jem, begin to mirror his views more and more. However, Jem
and Scout also appear to have mixed emotions about their father’s behavior and
how it is so much different from the behavior of their extended family and of
the other residents in Maycomb. Two examples of this would be the interaction
between Mrs. Dubose and the children, and the conflict between Scout and her
cousin Francis. It seems as though Atticus wishes to challenge his children,
and expose them to views which are opposite from their own in order for them to
grow and strengthen themselves.
I like your comment about the reason why Atticus tends to expose his children to realities and beliefs outside his own. I always find it interesting that when Jem has his run in with Mrs. Dubose, instead of doing what many parents would do in response to a situation like that (smooth it over, pay for the damage, apologize for their child), Atticus does the opposite - he sends his child into the lion's den. What do you think of what Atticus did here?
ReplyDeleteI am supportive of what Atticus did, as he pushed Jem to understand a new belief and that even though Mrs. Dubose's beliefs might come into conflict with Jem's, it didn't mean that Mrs. Dubose was a bad person and I feel it taught Jem to be more understanding of other views and beliefs.
DeleteRumi--
ReplyDeleteI agree that both Scout and Jem's perspectives are shaped by Atticus. Good analysis on how Atticus pushed the children to 'grow and strengthen themselves'; this may reflect Atticus' belief that dogmatic belief, from whatever source, is not empowering.
Rumi -
ReplyDeleteWhy do you suppose Jem appears to mature more than Scout? Is it just due to their difference in age, or is Scout somewhat unwilling to become an adult like Jem, who seems almost eager to?