Harper Lee uses this quote throughout To Kill a Mockingbird to illustrate how Scout and Jem are forced to learn important life lessons when they reject societal views and advocate for equality. Scout and Jem become aware of moral courage and injustices in early 1930s’ society as they learn from Mrs Dubose. Scout and Jem learn more about the world as they mature.
Scout and Jem learn about moral courage from Mrs Dubose. Finch’s children fear Mrs Dubose at first because of the preconceived notion that her character is evil. Jem, Scout, and Atticus’s attitudes develop through the interaction they have with Mrs Dubose. Through this, Jem, Scout, and Atticus learn about her bravery in fighting her morphine addiction. Jem’s and Scout’s attitude towards courage changes after they see Mrs Dubose overcoming her morphine dependency.
Scout is also taught about prejudices that are not warranted by Boo. Boo is first portrayed by the author as a recluse. Others describe him as violent or as a malevolent ghost. Scout and Jem discover a compassionate and innocent “mockingbird” through his kindness, gifts and saving them. Scout realizes how important it is to destroy prejudice by stating that Atticus was correct. He once said that you can’t really understand a person until you walk in their shoes. This metaphorical statement of examining another belief captures Scouts’ empathy for Boo Radley. A good individual who is weakened due to prejudice. Character of Scouts grows as they learn the importance of rejecting prejudice.
Jem also explores the difficult lesson of injustice and justice by observing the court trial. Jem was naive and had great hopes for his community to achieve equality. Jem realises injustice when the jury convicts Tom Robinson in spite of his innocence. Scout tells him, “I peered at Jem. I saw his hands white from gripping a balcony rail. His shoulders jerked so much as if a stab was being made between them. Jem didn’t know that there was a darker side to humanity. The trial scene teaches him the importance of justice.
Scout and Jem are taught important life lessons by learning about moral courage, prejudice and justice in society. The Finch children learn important lessons from Mrs Dubose, Boo Radley and the trial scene. By learning these valuable lessons, children can challenge the society and gain a deeper understanding of life.
