Loss of Innocence Theme Notes

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Loss of Innocence Theme The events Scout describes, are memorable for their impact that they leave on the reader. This also marks the end of her innocent childhood and the beginning of her growth towards adulthood. This change is even more marked for her older brother Jem, who is at her side throughout the novel and appears more profoundly affected by the events he witnesses, being older than Scout. Both Jem and Scout come to realise that life is not always fair, that good does not always come first over evil. As witnesses to the events surrounding Tom Robinson’s trial they see a breakdown of justice, with an innocent man condemned before he even enters the courtroom. In the beginning of the novel the children play childhood games, innocently unaware that the games they play are potentially hurtful to others. They act out stories about Boo Radley, oblivious to the fact he could be watching. They are fortunate that during this traumatic time they have the guiding wisdom of their father Atticus, who strives to make this loss of innocence as painless as possible. Boo Radley also faces a loss of innocence. He has become a recluse. In the confines of his house he is safe from the eyes and voices of the town. As he watches the world from behind his windows he witnesses Jem and Scout and feels a certain responsibility, caring for them by providing gifts and, when Scout is cold, warmth. Yet he is always able to do so without having to expose himself to the world. In the events of To Kill a Mockingbird the whole town of Maycomb loses any prior semblance of innocence. In the opening pages of the book Scout describes the town as “an old town” what is written in tradition and life seems predictable and unchanging. The town seems to be far from innocent, but rather a town of hatred and injustice. Amongst all this loss of innocence is the presence of those who stand up for right -

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