What is the role of education and learning in the growth and
development of Scout and Jem in To Kill a Mockingbird?
In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, education plays an important role in the
growth and development of Scout and Jem Finch. Throughout the novel, the
siblings are exposed to different forms of education, both formal and informal,
which shape their views of the world around them and help them understand
the society they live in.
Firstly, formal education is presented in the novel through the setting of the
school, where Scout and Jem attend classes. Here, they learn academic
subjects and socialize with their peers, and are also exposed to the prejudices
and inequalities present in their community. However, education is not limited
to the school setting, as the siblings also learn from their father, Atticus, who
teaches them moral and ethical values such as equality and justice.
Furthermore, informal education is also presented through the siblings'
experiences and interactions with the people in their community. They learn
about the realities of racism, poverty, and injustice through their encounters
with characters such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, and through their
observations of how their father defends Tom in court.
Overall, education plays a crucial role in the growth and development of Scout
and Jem, as it enables them to understand the world around them and form
their own moral and ethical values. By the end of the novel, the siblings
demonstrate a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards those who
are marginalized, which illustrates the power of education to shape one's
perspective on society.
References:
Lee, H. (1960). To Kill a Mockingbird. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co.