Growing up in a world of good vs. evil can be very challenging, yet it teaches one of the best lessons you’ll ever learn in life. Through To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, not only Scout, but her brother, Jem, and their neighbor, Dill, are exposed to the world of evil and loss of innocence during the Great Depression and time of racism, which made growing up even more difficult. The author uses racism and injustice to represent the evil, and portrays it through Bob and Mayella Ewell, Tom Robinson, and even “drunk Dolphus Raymond. Jem and “Boo” Radley signify the loss of innocence all human beings experience in life, and Scout is taught to be empathetic and compassionate through her father, Atticus Finch.
Loss of innocence and the fight between good and evil are major themes that came from Scout’s journey throughout the novel. Starting as just a little girl, she begins to be exposed to the evil of the world through interactions with others and exposure to the Tom Robinson trial. During this trial, Tom Robinson, a “negro”, is accused of raping Mayella Ewell. Even though there is hard evidence to prove his innocence, he is still found guilty. After his conviction, Tom Robinson is shot and killed. This is a perfect example of good destroyed by evil. Jem is also affected by this trial. At one point, everyone has hope in humanity. At the end of the case, Jem has high hopes, and really believes that there is no way Tom Robinson could be claimed guilty. When the verdict comes back just that, however, Jem took it personally. This hard hit to Jem shows the innocence he is beginning to lose as he hits puberty.
Jem, being the older brother, influenced Scout greatly, as well. His suspicion of Arthur “Boo” Radley is the main reason why him, Scout, and Dill spent their childhood revolved around the mystery of the Radley place. One night, Jem’s great suspicion even led to him to spy on the house. He ended up getting spooked, and in attempting to get away fast,...