Anytime the topic of maturity arises, it can surely apply to everyone involved. Harper Lee recognized this and emphasized the development of maturity and loss as a dominant theme in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. This them can be specifically seen through the main children in the book, Scout and Jem Finch. At the beginning of the novel, it becomes clear to the reader that Scout is not a mature girl. For example, she tends to use violence as a way of coping with the ridicule she endures because her father, who is a lawyer, is preparing to defend an African American. Another display of her immaturity occurs when she is talking to her friend Dill. She catches Dill in a lie about his father. He tries to defend himself and cover his tracks, but she sees right through it. She says, "You just keep on tellin' 'em son-" [47]. This proves that Scout was not mature enough to realize she was hurting Dill's feelings by pointing out that he couldn't remember his father. At this point, Scout is still young, and she has a lot more growing to do.
The second child who exhibits development in maturity is Jem, Scout's older brother. He first displays his immature side when he decides to venture back to the Radley gate in the middle of the night. This is where he lost his pants earlier trying to escape their yard, which he, Scout and Dill were trespassing in. This was a dangerous decision because Mr. Nathan was prepared to shoot the next thing that made a sound in his yard, whether it be a dog or even a person. However, Jem had lied to Atticus about how he lost his pants. If he did not retrieve them, his dad would know he was lying. Jem desperately wanted to keep his father's respect by proving his lie. He says, "Atticus ain't ever whipped meI wanta keep it that way." [56]. This showed Jem's immaturity because he was willing to lose his life in order to keep his father's respect, a very risky move.
