essay question: what idea does the author develop regarding an individuals maturation through the influences around them?

First you need to pick an individual. Then follow the changes in that person from the beginning of the novel to the end. I would use Scout or Jem. Being children, they have a sharper learning curve. Scout discovers that childhood ends, her brother grows up and people can let their hatred and ignorance prevail over common sense. Certainly Jem is learning what it takes to become a young man. Much of what both kids learn comes directly from Atticus. They learn not to judge others without walking a mile in their shoes and they experience this lesson first hand (Boo Radley, Mrs. Dubose). Their maturation involves the price of losing their innocence. Atticus tries to guide them through this as best he can.