Loss of Innocence
There comes a time when innocence is lost, when a child is exposed to the harsh realities of the world and it is no longer as perfect nor fair as she perceived it to be.
Jem, Scout, and Dill are exposed to the hatred engulfing Maycomb County
Scout
Facing the harsh realities of the world, Scout is exposed to Miss Caroline’s hatred and criticisms. Criticized for being educated and able to read, Scout realises there are different types of people with views different than others. Realising not everything comes by easy; Scout understands there are different types of families residing in Maycomb. She understands not every family has a happy ending. Most importantly, with the help of Atticus, she understands it is essential for her to hold her head high no matter the incident.
Exposed to foul language, Scout also understands living situations in other families are not necessarily like theirs. Scout has never heard foul language before, since according to the law, men are prohibited from cussing in front of a woman.
Tom Robinson’s case affects Scout in the way she catches “Maycomb’s usual disease” of racism and prejudicing against Blacks. Unlike Jem who felt “it ain’t right,” Scout didn’t feel remorse for Tom. Without shedding a tear, Scout watched Jem cry his heart out repeating the same line, “it ain’t right.”
Tom Robinsonl. Digital image. Carbolic Smoke Ball. Carbolic Tim, 21 Sept. 2010. Web. 12 Dec. 2014. <http://carbolicsmoke.com/2010/09/21/tom-robinsons-widow-sues-atticus
Atticus Finch And Tom Robinson. Digital image. Imgarcade. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2014. <http://imgarcade.com/1/atticus-finch-and-tom-robinson/>.
Jem
Believing in Atticus, Jem is sure they are going to win the case however not aware of Black People circumstances, he is fairly disappointed upon Tom’s imprisonment. Atticus however is aware he lost Tom Robinson’s case since in court it was a White man’s word against a Black man’s word. Of a young age, Jem has never been exposed to Maycomb society and the court’s prejudiced decisions. Jem was “sure” Atticus could win the case, especially with the solid proof they had.
Believing all folks in Maycomb County as the “best folks,” Jem is not aware of the ugliness prominent in Maycomb County. To him, all folks “seemed” like good folks. Lacking knowledge of Maycomb County, Jem also imitates the Radley’s along with Scout and Dill without stopping to think whether the rumours are true. Despite never seeing Boo Radley, Jem believes tales told by town gossipers such as Stephanie Crawford. Over the course of Tom Robinson’s case, Jem understands Boo is not as depicted in the rumours prominent throughout Maycomb County.
Jem Finch. Digital image. Tokillamockingbirdprojectpage /. Kristi Carpenter, 2009. Web. 13 Dec. 2014. <http://tokillamockingbirdprojectpage.pbworks.com/w/page/22329339/Atticus%20Finch's%20Facebook>.
Dill
Unable to tolerate Mr. Gilmer’s harsh accusations towards Tom Robinson, Dill cannot control himself therefore cries uncontrollably. Surprised and angry towards Maycomb society for their hatred towards innocent “Negroes,” Dill isn’t aware of the hatred prominent in Maycomb. Since he is of young age and has never been exposed to the harsh realities, he is not able to control his emotional state.