Atticus, the world is about to end! Please do something!” Jean is unaware of racism, violence, and many other topics that apply to real life. Lee reveals through Scout’s character that a young child may not be aware of the violent incidents such as rape and murder because they are unaware of them. Many children don’t have a lot of knowledge about racism. This novel contains two examples.

Scout is affected firstly by the response of the town to Atticus’s defense of Tom Robinson. Scout’s own cousin indirectly gets involved as he refers to Atticus as a lover. Atticus is asked about racism by Jean. The conversation begins with “A n—-lover. I ain’t really sure what that word means, but it sounds like Francis. ….” There is another form of racism, which is more subtle, in the way some blacks looked at whites during those times. One member of the church said to Jem and Jean, “You don’t have any business bringing white chilluns into the black church …”.” (158). This quote has a negative connotation (“ain’t got no buisness, white chillun”) that shows how black people view caucasians. It is evident that Scout was ignorant about a topic so controversial. Scout is listening to a conversation when she overhears the man saying, “They could go out and rape all the country for ’em that run this county.” (136) Scout is not yet old enough to understand the definition of rape, so asks Atticus. He becomes more sober and says that rape is when a woman has carnal experience without her consent. Scout demonstrates again her innocence on violent topics like rape. Murder is most devastating to children. Scout is exposed to two different versions of the tragic subject. Tom Robinson’s horrifying murder was a perfect example. Atticus told them that Tom was dead. He was shot. They shot him. It was in the middle of their workout. He was said to have just charged in a raging rage …” (239)

Jem’s reaction to Tom’s passing was profound. He was at first shocked by the injustices of this world. Last but not least, the attempted murders of Jean & Jem are another example. Obviously, they’re very upset. Scout describes it quickly: “He slowly squeezed out my breath. I was unable to move. He was suddenly jerked forward …” (266) This event surprised Scout into thinking that Boo rescued them. A child’s limited experience can limit their knowledge.

Harper Lee uses great character development to transform Jean, the narrator, from a naive girl to a girl who understands discrimination, prejudice and race. Harper Lee develops Jean’s character from a naive and innocent girl to one who has a better understanding of discrimination. Readers can infer from Harper Lee’s novel that children are unable to understand violence because of their innocence. Readers are able to see how it took Tom’s case for Scout to realize just how vastly different the world was from her perception.

They should not be unaware of its existence. As an English reporter once said, only those who’ve lost their innocence and integrity know the true value.

elliotjones

Elliot Jones is a 29-year-old middle school teacher and blogger. He has been writing since he was a teenager, and his writings have been featured on various websites and in magazines. He enjoys writing about education, parenting, and lifestyle topics.