Examine the Themes of Innocence and Experience in To Kill...

Examine the Themes of Innocence and Experience in To Kill a Mockingbird Innocence is a time when a person has never done something; it is the first step of the journey from innocence to experience. The second step in this movement is experience and this is what is achieved after a person has done something they have never done before or learns something they have never known before. This theme of growth from innocence to experience occurs many times in To Kill a Mockingbird and is one of the central themes in the first part of the novel, because it shows how Jem and Scout change and mature over a small period of time. Jem, Scout and Dill find ways to use their boundaries, in conjunction with their imaginations to amuse†¦show more content†¦When Walter returns with the Finches for lunch, Scout comments on Walter’s table manners and I once again scolded but this time by Calpurnia. This is another example of innocence as Scout finds the way Walter eats unusual and was only curious. Prior to these events happening, Scout had never known that it was improper to make fun of or judge a guest of the house. In her innocence, she had never before realized this behavior was inappropriate. However, become experiences as Scout learns never to repeat these actions. In Chaper 5, Scout starts to feel excluded by Jem and Dill. This may be because she is younger or because she is female, but she substitutes their company with Miss Maudie’s. On one occasion, it seems she does not fully understand the implications of her conversations with Miss Maudie. She thinks that Miss Maudie has accused Atticus of drinking. Scout also misunderstands Miss Maudie’s conversation with Miss Stephanie. As well as showing Scout’s innocence, these two instances become opportunities for humour. Another example of innocence and experience in the novel is in chapter 6, on the last night of the summer holidays, the children approach the Radley house to look through the window, during one of their games. As Jem advances to the steps a shadow crosses him and the children run away. Jem catches his trousers on the fence andShow MoreRelatedHow Does Harper Lee Portray the Themes of Innocence, Maturity and Growing Up in to Kill a Mockingbird ?1053 Words   |  5 PagesIn ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ written by Harper Lee, the author has used numerous different methods to portray the themes of innocence, maturity and growing up. These themes were put in so that the audience could become more empathetic towards the characters, especially the protagonists. She depicts these themes through characters, events, using symbolism, imagery and contrast located throughout the book. 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