To Kill a Mockingbird Group

Question:

kitty006
kitty006
Student
High School - 10th Grade

What evidence of Jem’s increasing maturity does Lee include in chapter 23 of "To Kill a Mockingbird"?

In chapter 23 Jem shows more signs of maturing. Give evidence from the chapter to prove this point.

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Posted by kitty006 on Tuesday November 11, 2008 at 5:06 PM and tagged with chapter 23, jem, to kill a mockingbird.

Answers:


  1. troutmiller Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    At the end of chapter 23, Jem escorts Scout to her room after Aunt Alexandra calls Walter and his family "trash." Jem tries to explain to her Maycomb's social ladder, and where the Cunninghams fall on it, as well as the Ewells.

    Jem also shows physical signs of maturity. He's beginning to grow chest hair, and he shows that to Scout. He also tells her how he's going to go out for the football team, too. These are signs of him becoming a "man."

    The final proof of his maturity is when he makes his point in the last lines of the chapter about Boo (Arthur) Radley. He knows how ugly the town/people can be about racism, and he suggests that that may be the reason why Boo chooses NOT to come out. Why be around such awful people if he doesn't have to? That is a big step for Jem. He is now thinking like an adult.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/mockingbird/

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    Posted by troutmiller on Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 5:28 PM