The central theme of "To Kill a Mockingbird," one of the most widely taught novels in high school English classes, is frequently misinterpreted by well-meaning teachers. Although the cause of racial justice deserves classroom attention, the central theme and the focus of the four significant parts of the novel--the opening words, the closing sentences, the ending of Part One, and the beginning of Part Two--is Jem's struggle for maturity. By relating the elements of the narration to Jem's growth, students can grasp the structure of the novel and the significance of the maturation theme. (JM)