To Kill A Mockingbird How Does Jem Change

Change in the characters of Jem and Scout is a critical part of the book because what they see as true changes helps them to see the world differently. Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ demonstrates why its important for Jem and Scout to change during the course of the novel: Jem and Scout were expected to work there way into man/womanhood, Jem notices that there are more dimensions to people and Scout understands the meaning of being a lady.
1. Scout and Jem are both entering their early teenager years and are expected to be more mature and work there way into man/womanhood. One piece of evidence that demonstrates Jem is maturing is shown on (Lee 227). ‘If there’s just one kind of folks, why can’t they get along with each other? If they’re

Aunt Alexandra came to visit for a few months, to teach Scout and show her what being a lady means and the importance. Scout however refuses to be a lady and change as a character, but as the novel progressed she learned the true meaning of being a lady and why its important. The first piece of evidence is shown on (Lee 237). ‘After all, if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I’ (Lee237). Both Scout and Aunt Alexandra hear the devastating news about Tom Robinsons death. The tragic news hurt both Scout and Aunt Alexandra in the heart because they knew he was innocent and didn’t deserve this. During this time, Aunt Alexandra had some friends over who came to talk and enjoy themselves. Even though, the news was hard to handle at a time like this, Scout and Aunt Alexandra walked back in the living room strong hearted and didn’t show any signs of emotion. The meaning of being a true lady at the time was to not show any feeling/emotions that would hint or reveal any family problems. At this point, Scout learned what Aunt Alexandra wanted her to become and what she tried to teach her. Scout understood that a true lady is caring and fair to all surroundings. The second piece of evidence is shown on (Lee 115-116) ‘She seemed glad to see me when I appeared in the kitchen, and by watching her I began to think there was some skill involved in being a girl’ (Lee 115-116). Scout understands that in being a young woman skill is involved such as being able to cook and

Jem matures during the book because he learns that people should get along because they’re alike. He understood the discrimination against Tom Robinson and other black people. But Jem still has lots to learn and a long way into complete manhood because he needs to be able to defend himself in situations like the one where Bob Ewells attacked him and Scout. He should be capable of doing it on his own and without the assistance of Boo Radely. Scout also matures in the book because she can defend her friend Walter and explains to Jem that everyone is born equally and no one is born knowing everything. Scout still should learn to hang around boys less frequently and do jobs that women are supposed to do. The second argument is that Jem learns there are more dimensions to people like Boo Radely. He always looked at Boo as a mysterious and frightening man, but as the book progressed he learned that Boo is friendly and a helpful person. Jem also matures much more during this course of the novel because he learned to think before he talked and out everything into perspective. The last argument is whether Scout is a true lady or not. She is because she learns not to