In To Kill a Mockingbird, a tremendous amount of development occurs as both Gem and Scout mature from a somewhat childish Innocence Into respected members of the community. The children’s perceptions of California, Mrs… Dubos, and Boo Raddled are a direct affiliation to how the two Finch children view Macomb and the prejudice behavior which It posses. Being children, Scout and Gem have the simple duties of a minor, which Is to have fun and to stay out of trouble. But along the way, they also learn many Important things.
Although the majority of their hometown Is prejudiced, Scout and Gem’s innocent minds remain non prejudice and caring of others. To them, all is equal, so therefore, all should be treated equal. California is the first individual in the novel to introduce a sense of racial bias to that of Gem and Scout. California had always been viewed as a mother-figure and nothing more. However, as the summer developed without the presence of Dill or Tactics, Scout often finds herself in the kitchen with California.
The two developed such a great nod that California feels obligated to take both Gem and Scout to see that of her own church. Both children were welcomed with a respectful display by the members of First Purchase. However, the children couldn’t help but notice the the lack of materials within the church’s walls. “There was no sign of piano, organ, hymnbooks, church programs- the familiar ecclesiastical impedimenta we saw every Sunday. ” (Lee pig. 120) Scout and Gem had witnessed the unfair accommodations bestowed upon that of the black people of Macomb.
This would be a give a large nutrition to both children’s perspectives toward Macomb’s Judicial system. Until that moment, both children were unaware of the conditions such citizens as California and Tom Robinson endured. Through their everyday life, Scout and Gem are able to gain a sense of what It means to be courageous. In the beginning of the novel, both children face terrible encounters with their neighbor, Mrs… Dubos. Both could do nothing to please her. Regardless, Mrs… Dubos often shouted vicious comments and criticized the children as they passed.
Comments such as “don’t you say hey to me, you ugly girl! ” (Lee pig. 99) were more than a often occurrence. However, Mrs… Dubos hits a nerve In that of Gem when she proceeds to say, “your father’s no better than the naggers and trash he works for! ” (Lee pig. 102). As a result Gem cuts off the tops of her camellias In a rage. Tactics discovers Gem’s actions and orders him to apologize Immediately. Unfortunately, for Gem, his punishment Is to read to Mrs… Dubos for an hour each day for a month.
Left with no choice, Gem gathers up his courage and heads to her rooter’s side and makes the horrible trips with him. Shortly after the end of Gem’s punishment, the children find out that Mrs… Dubos had passed away from cancer. Tactics explains to the children that Mrs… Dubos acted in such a bitter manner because she was going through such pain, and not because of her intentions. As a result, Gem and Scout learn about death and they gain an understanding for the type of person Mrs… Dubos was and her views of life.
As the novel progresses, the children’s changing attitude towards Boo Raddled is an important development of Scout and Gem from innocence toward a grown-up moral value. In the beginning, Boo represents the unknown. The children wonder about Boo and his strange way of life, but really have no idea of who he is. At one point, the children trespass the Raddled property in hopes of finding some clues which will better explain Boob’s character. As the story progresses, Boo becomes more of a symbol of kindness and bravery than that of a freak, which he is thought to be.
He leaves treasures for the children in a knothole, and watches out for Gem and Scout whenever possible. In the end, Scout realizes that Boo is not a monster at all, but simply a person whom is misunderstood by the people of Macomb. “Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good luck pennies, and our lives. But neighbors give in return. We never put back into the tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing, and it made me sad. ” (Lee pig. 278) This is an appropriate illustration that Scout has developed into a sympathetic and understanding individual.
At the end of the story, both Gem and Scout have better perspectives on racism and human dignity. Through many of the characters, they learn about compassion, dealing with prejudice, and Judging others. Though racism is a controversial matter in their town, Gem and Scout manage to escape other peoples’ ideas and secure their own. There is no doubt both posses characteristics of an individual, someone whom will stick to their own perspective no matter how cruel and racist other people can be. In their adult world, Scout and Gem learn to treat all people fairly with dignity and respect.
