* Innocence: The medal represents Jem's youthful enthusiasm and naive belief in the world's fairness. He is driven by the desire to win, a desire that reflects the simple, straightforward worldview of childhood.
* Ambition: The medal symbolizes Jem's drive to excel and achieve his goals. He practices diligently and is visibly proud of his accomplishment. This ambition is also a sign of his potential and future promise.
* Fragility of childhood: The medal's significance diminishes as Jem grows older and becomes aware of the harsh realities of the world. The innocence and ambition represented by the medal are gradually replaced by a deeper understanding of prejudice and injustice. The medal serves as a reminder of the innocence he once held, now lost in the face of a cruel and complex world.
It's important to note that the medal is not explicitly mentioned as having a specific symbolism in the novel. However, its significance is revealed through its context and how it relates to Jem's character development. The medal represents the loss of innocence and the harsh awakening Jem experiences as he matures.
Ultimately, the spelling bee medal in To Kill a Mockingbird serves as a powerful symbol of the transition from childhood to adulthood, highlighting the loss of innocence and the complexities of the world that children must eventually face.