Jem
Extended Character Analysis
Scout’s older brother, Jeremy "Jem" Finch, is only nine years old when the novel opens. In temperament, he is more mature and thoughtful than his impulsive younger sister. Initially, Jem acts as both Scout’s playmate and mentor, often serving as a bridge between her and the adult world. As Jem is four years older than Scout, he has a more nuanced understanding of the prejudice and racism in Maycomb and, as a result, is more emotionally affected by it. Harper Lee uses Jem’s awakening to adulthood to mirror the townspeople's realization of their intolerance. As the novel progresses, Jem begins to retreat from the childish games that he and Scout used to enjoy, becoming moodier and more withdrawn. Despite this increasing worldliness, Jem’s pure admiration for Atticus and intense faith in justice leaves him unprepared for the outcome of Tom Robinson's trial, and he is utterly devastated by the jury's decision. Though Jem feels disillusioned with Maycomb in the aftermath of the trial, he still retains his inner goodness and bravely attempts to defend his little sister against Bob Ewell’s attack. By the end of the novel, Atticus is confident that Jem will eventually be able to move on from his disappointment in the trial and “be himself again.”
Quotes
- “You know something, Scout? I’ve got it all figured out, now. I’ve thought about it a lot lately and I’ve got it figured out. There’s four kinds of folks in the world. There’s the ordinary kind like us and the neighbors, there’s the kind like the Cunninghams out in the woods, the kind like the Ewells down at the dump, and the Negroes.”
- "It's like bein' a caterpillar in a cocoon, that's what it is. . . . Like somethin' asleep wrapped up in a warm place. I always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, least that's what they seemed like."
- "That's what I thought, too . . . when I was your age. If there's just one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each other? If they're all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other? Scout, I think I'm beginning to understand something. I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house all this time . . . it's because he wants to stay inside."
- "Atticus says you can choose your friends but you sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don't."
- "Jem wanted Dill to know once and for all that he wasn’t scared of anything: 'It’s just that I can’t think of a way to make him come out without him gettin’ us.' Besides, Jem had his little sister to think of. When he said that, I knew he was afraid."
Expert Q&A
Why does Jem say Boo Radley wants to stay inside after Tom Robinson's trial?
In chapter 23, Jem says Boo Radley stays inside to avoid the prejudice and hatred in Maycomb, which have been put on full display by the Tom Robinson trial.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, how does Jem's broken arm and the mockingbird symbol connect Boo's and Tom's stories?
Jem's broken arm and the mockingbird symbol link Boo Radley's and Tom Robinson's stories by highlighting their innocence and the unjust harm they face. Jem's injury, caused by Bob Ewell, parallels Tom's crippled arm, both victims of Ewell's malevolence. Boo, a "mockingbird," saves Jem and Scout from Ewell, just as Atticus defended Tom, another "mockingbird," against false charges.
Why do Jem and Scout disobey Atticus' order to stay away from the jail?
Jem and Scout disobey Atticus' order to stay away from the jail due to different motivations. Jem wants to protect his father, recognizing the danger of the mob, while Scout's innocence and naivety prevent her from understanding the situation's gravity. Their presence ultimately helps to diffuse the mob's aggression, and despite his initial upset, Atticus is grateful for their bravery.
What does Maudie's comparison of Jem to Jack reveal about Jem's thoughts on Boo and the tree items?
Maudie's comparison of Jem to Jack Finch highlights Jem's growing maturity and understanding of the world. While Jem initially entertains childish fantasies about Boo Radley, like suggesting Boo might be stuffed up a chimney, he also shows a protective instinct towards Boo and Scout. Jem, like Jack, uses humor and fantasy to shield others from harsh realities, indicating his emerging awareness that Boo's reclusiveness is a result of something more serious than local myths suggest.
Why did Jem rip his pants in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Jem rips his pants in Chapter 6 while trying to sneak onto the Radley property with Scout and Dill to catch a glimpse of Boo Radley. As they flee after being startled by a shadow and hearing gunshots, Jem's pants get caught in a barbed-wire fence, forcing him to leave them behind. When he later retrieves them, he finds them mended, suggesting Boo Radley's kindness and challenging preconceived notions about him.
Why does Jem ask Scout not to antagonize Aunt Alexandra in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Jem asks Scout not to antagonize Aunt Alexandra because he recognizes the immense pressure Atticus is under due to the upcoming trial of Tom Robinson. Jem understands that Atticus is deeply worried and doesn't want additional family conflicts to burden him further. Although Scout doesn't fully grasp the situation, Jem insists that keeping peace with Aunt Alexandra is crucial to avoid adding to Atticus's stress, even threatening to spank Scout if she disobeys.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, what event led to Jem's broken arm according to Jem and Scout?
According to Scout, Jem's broken arm resulted from Bob Ewell's revenge for Atticus defending Tom Robinson, leading to Ewell attacking Jem and Scout. Jem, however, believes it started when Dill suggested making Boo Radley come out. The differing perspectives highlight the broader chain of events, from the Ewells' actions to the children's interactions with Boo Radley.
How does Jem's forgetting compare to Miss Gates's in To Kill a Mockingbird? When can forgetting be dangerous?
Jem and Miss Gates's forgetting in To Kill a Mockingbird highlights different attitudes towards injustice. Jem, deeply affected by Tom Robinson's trial, tries to forget it because of his anger and frustration at the unfair verdict, revealing his internal struggle with injustice. In contrast, Miss Gates dismisses the trial's significance, reflecting societal indifference to racial issues. Forgetting can be dangerous when it leads to ignoring social injustices, perpetuating discrimination and preventing societal progress.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, does Jem's desire for respect impact the other characters?
Jem's desire for respect significantly impacts the characters around him. As he matures, he seeks respect from his father, Atticus, and his peers, including his sister, Scout. His actions, such as retrieving his pants from the Radley yard and reacting to insults against Atticus, demonstrate his need for respect and maturity. This desire also distances him from Scout, as he increasingly sees himself as more mature and deserving of adult-like respect.
Jem's Maturity in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem's maturity is evident as he navigates puberty and the complexities of adult issues, notably during the Tom Robinson trial. Initially moody and distancing himself from Scout, Jem begins to understand adult concerns and injustice, as seen in his empathy for Tom Robinson and his disillusionment with Maycomb's racism. He shows maturity by protecting Scout, understanding Boo Radley's kindness, and realizing the harsh realities of prejudice. These experiences mark his transition from childhood innocence to a more adult perspective.
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