Coming of age refers to the way the events of the novel affect the character and help her grow up. Scout grows up a lot over the course of the book. In the beginning, like other young children, she is very self-centered. She gets into arguments and fights constantly, and she is afraid of the neighborhood bogeyman Boo Radley. She comes to understand people better over the course of the book.
When Scout tells her teacher at school about the ways of Maycomb, she is surprised that her teacher is not more grateful. Instead, she gets into trouble for being annoying. Her teacher also tells her not to read anymore, because she should not know how to read yet. This really upsets Scout. She takes it personally. Atticus tells her that she needs to learn empathy.
“First of all,” he said, “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-”
“Sir?”
“-until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” (Ch. 3)
Atticus tries to explain the Ewells to Scout. Scout doesn’t want to go to school, and she thinks she should not have to since the Ewells only go once a year for one day. Atticus explains that the Ewells live like animals, and they do not value education.
Scout’s understanding of the trial is fairly comprehensive, but unsophisticated. She is able to follow the testimony and evaluate the evidence, but she does not pick up on many nuances. Still, we can see a real difference in Scout when, during the trial, she is able to put herself in Mayella’s place and understand what her life must be like.
As Tom Robinson gave his testimony, it came to me that Mayella Ewell must have been the loneliest person in the world. She was even lonelier than Boo Radley, who had not been out of the house in twenty-five years. (Ch. 19)
Scout’s comparison of Mayella to Boo Radley is relevant too. As she gets older and more mature, she is no longer afraid of him. She is also able to see things from his perspective. When Scout and Jem are attacked by Bob Ewell after the trial, Scout treats Boo with dignity and patience. She understands that he is sensitive and shy. Atticus asks her if she understands why they are not telling anyone that Boo Radley saved them.
“Scout,” he said, “Mr. Ewell fell on his knife. Can you possibly understand?”
… “Yes sir, I understand,” I reassured him. “Mr. Tate was right.”
Atticus disengaged himself and looked at me. “What do you mean?”
“Well, it’d be sort of like shootin‘ a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?” (Ch. 30)
Scout walks Boo Radley home, calling him “Mr. Arthur,” and looks out from his porch. She demonstrates that she understands that Boo is different, and pictures her childhood from his perspective hiding inside his house.
Summer, and he watched his children’s heart break. Autumn again, and Boo’s children needed him.
Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough. (Ch. 31)
This perspective allows the reader to see how much Scout has grown and matured. She has empathy for others, and she also knows how to treat people. She is polite and kind, and very grown-up.
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