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Who changed the most to kill a mockingbird
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To kill a mockingbird character analysis
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What are the key traits in a mature individual? In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Jem is the son of Atticus Finch and the older brother of Scout, living in a racially unjust town, Maycomb, which has been hit by the plague of the Great Depression. As Jem grows up, he is exposed and held witness to numerous events that helped mold him into a new person. Through his experience with Ms. Dubose, Tom Robinson’s trial, and his actions towards Scout after the Halloween pageant, Jem evolved from a playful and immature kid to a mature and courageous gentleman through the course of the book. Jem’s short experience with Ms. Dubose taught him the skill of solicitude. After being sent to apologize to Ms. Dubose for his destructive behavior, Jem grew quite attached to her through their daily reading sessions to help her …show more content…
extend her time of abstaining from morphine injections. After her passing he, “picked up the camellia, and when I went off to bed I saw him fingering the wide petals,” (Lee 149). The fact that Jem was toying with the camellia, a prized possession and symbol of Ms. Dubose, demonstrates how Jem learned solicitude, or concern for someone else. Furthermore, it is implied that Jem was thinking of Ms. Dubose during the time, which further showcases the beginning of his mental growth towards becoming more mellow. Altogether, Jem’s time spent with Ms. Dubose helped something click in Jem in order for him to start opening his eyes to the world and develop the skill of caring for others. A few months later, Jem witnessed Tom Robinson’s trial which opened Jem’s eyes to compassion, the concern or pity for the misfortune of others. When the final verdict was said to find Tom guilty, Jem’s reaction is described as, “It was Jem’s turn to cry. His face was streaked with angry tears as we made our way through the cheerful crowd. ‘It ain’t right,’ he muttered,” (Lee 284). Jem’s compassion shined through as he became aware of the injustice that occurred in the courtroom, despite the convincing argument Atticus delivered. He also demonstrated his empathy blossoming through considering he understood the misfortune that just rained upon Tom. Tom Robinson’s trial helped Jem further understand and see the hardships occurring in the world and become more compassionate. Finally, at the Halloween pageant, Jem exhibited an act of consideration towards Scout.
After Jem suggested a comforting idea that he and Scout could wait until everybody else left to spare her the act of enduring a wave of embarrassment, Scout said, “Jem was becoming almost as good as Atticus at making you feel right when things went wrong,” (Lee 347). Scout described her brother as helpful and considerate. He put Scout first and considered her feelings after the pageant to reach a logical conclusion of going home with Scout not fearing that someone would see her. That is a huge jump from his younger self when he used to tease Scout about being too much of a girl or excluding her, demonstrating an immense growth as grew to be understanding. Pursuing this further, Jem displayed a ginormous amount of courage when Bob Ewell charged at the two when he screamed, “‘Run, Scout! Run! Run!”’ (Lee 351). Jem was willing to let his little sister get to safety and away from the attacker, while he attempted to hold Bob off, resulting in a broken arm. Jem’s bravery and consideration really shined through that night, further establishing his progress towards
maturity. Ultimately, learning to be sympathetic, empathetic, and understanding through several events such as Ms. Dubose’s passing, the unfortunate trial, the act of consideration at the pageant, and his audacious actions to attempt and save his sister shaped Jem into a mature individual. He learned to think of others, understand the hardships others go through, and became more courageous and helpful. Once Jem was able to open his eyes to the flaws of his world, he developed key characteristics and progressed towards maturation through being caring and understanding. So what would happen if we all tried to open our own eyes to the blunders of our world like he did? Would we also develop some new important traits like Jem did?
“Maturity is the ability to think, speak and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations.” is a quote from Samuel Ullman. This describes the struggles that Jem went through by taking part in the community and trial and by also taking the risk of losing some of his friends and family in Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird. Through Jem’s interaction with the racism of Maycomb, he became aware of the things around him. We all learn that it takes a strong person to overcome the barriers of society.
Most would argue that Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird is an uplifting story about hope and youth. In reality, it is a sad story about two children, Jem and Scout, losing their innocence through treacherous life experience. To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming of age story about childhood in the deep south during the great depression. It speaks about the concepts of racism, innocence and justice as the protagonists, Scout and Jem, struggle with coming of age. The Finch children lose their innocence throughout the book in many ways, such as being involved with the trial, the lynch mob, and Bob Ewell's death. At it’s core, TKAM is a story about youth, and the loss thereof. When Scout and Jem are involved in the lynch mob, they lose their
When children grow up, they face difficult problems, and. they learn to cope and take responsibility. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a flashback about two kids that spans over a few years. Jem ages from ten to thirteen over the course of the novel, and undergoes much change, as his sister describes him. Over the years, he is exposed to issues adults face, and eventually shows an understanding of racism and innocence. As Jem grows up, his view on courage also changes. Jem follows his father's footsteps, and gets much of his knowledge from him.
Bob Ewell believes that Atticus is not a good man because he tries to stand up for Tom and the way he tries to get back at Atticus is by going after Jem and Scout on the way home from the pageant. “We were nearly to the road when I felt Jem’s hand leave me, felt him jerk backwards to the ground” (351). Jem and Scout were surprised by someone at a vulnerable time because it was dark and they were defenseless and taken by surprise.
When Atticus discovered what Jem had done, he was furious and punished him by making him go read to Mrs. Dubose everyday. He knew, though, in his heart that she had it coming. Atticus had told Scout that "when summer comes you'll have to keep your head about far worse things it's not fair for you and Jem, but
The characters in To Kill A Mockingbird change a lot throughout the book.Some changed for good and others for bad but in my opinion jem has changed the most. Jem has changed the most in this book because he becomes more mature and starts seeing boo radley for who he really is.
Jem sacrifices his ending childhood, childlike privileges and a close sibling relationship with his sister, Scout.
Jem Finch has come a long way since his humble beginnings as a naive ten year old child. He has come to understand the real meaning of courage, gone from playmate to protector for his sister and has grown enough to understand the workings of the real world, and see the negatives and positives of society. His maturity has been quick and the changes great, and over the years he has come to adhere, respect and carry out Atticus`s legacy and use his father`s ideals to shape his lifestyle. Due to the course of events, his adolescent changes and Atticus`s influence, Jem has matured from a reckless child into a young man capable of making his own decisions.
On several occasions, Scout gets into a fight with people who make unpleasant comments about her father. Atticus continuously tells her that this is wrong and that she needs to learn to control her anger, “You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change” (Lee 101). The day after this discussion with Atticus, Scout is approached by a fellow student who had previously made a mean comment about her father. “I drew a bead on him, remembered what Atticus had said, then dropped my fists and walked away...it was the first time I ever walked away from a fight” (Lee 102). Although she struggles at first, Scout develops a higher level of maturity which allows her to control her temper and simply defend her father with her words, without being rude. Jem is also faced with these type of situations and struggles with his anger, for instance when he attacks Mrs. Dubose’s flowers. Atticus goes to great lengths to teach his children that in life, they must learn to stay calm and be kind to everyone, despite how cruel those people may be. Scout and Jem face several situations in which their control is tested, which leads them to “come of age”
Scout realizes that not everybody is the same and is capable of recognizing that and was able to prove her strengths. The children realize what horrid things adults are capable of and put forth the effort to change that, because Atticus is a wise, good-hearted man who taught his children right. “ ‘Jem see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes for a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at the trial, if he had any to begin with.
Imagine just two young kids maturing within a matter of years. Imagine that same two kids, experiencing or understanding things that they aren’t meant to at a young age. Jem and Scout were just like that. They have experienced many things that they shouldn’t have at their age. Scout on the other hand, seems to be the one maturing the most. Throughout this whole essay, you will learn about Jem and Scout’s attributes, personality, and how alike or different they are from each other.
Jem recognizes a different perspective of bravery from Mrs. Dubose, a vile, elderly woman’s perspective. In chapter 11, Harper Lee uses literary elements such as character, conflict, and setting to establish Jem’s new outlook on life. The use of Jem’s character later leads him to recognize different points of view as he grows up. They saw Mrs. Dubose more as Tom Robinson’s case went into court.
...heme of maturation in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, is conveyed through the characters of Scout and Jem, in conjunction with the assistance of their virtuous father Atticus Finch. Early in the novel, Atticus ascertains himself as a major facilitator in the maturation process of Scout and Jem by incessantly providing mature solutions to his children’s predicaments. Moreover, Scout, a major benefactor of the Boo Radley incident and Atticus’ wisdom, has helped her develop into a very tolerant and mature individual. Undeniably, Jem’s remarkable development into a broadminded and compassionate character can be directly attributed to Atticus’ kindness and Jem’s exposure to the Tom Robinson trial. In synopsis, it is evident that the individuals and social circumstances that surround an individual play a major role in defining the type of individual one will become.
Scout and Jem are very close. They are very protective of each other and worry about each other often. When Jem, Scout , and Dill went to the Radley house at night Jem’s pants became stuck on the fence. Jem went to retrieve his pants and Scout wanted to come with to help and protect him, but Jem did not let her because he was protecting her making sure that she would not hurt herself. When Jem was gone Scout waiting for him to return because she was worried he would hurt himself. Another example is when Jem and Scout were attacked by Bob Ewell. Before they were attacked Jem thought he heard someone following them so Jem walked with his hand on Scout’s head worried about her and trying to protect her. When Mr. Ewell attacked them, they were trying to help each other and protect each other. After the attack while Jem was unconscious Scout was even more worried about Jem then she was before. Scout learns from Jem as well. An example is that Jem taught Scout and Dill the history of the Radleys and the superstitions that the town has of Boo Radley. The actions of Jem and Scout reveal the close relationship that they have with each
Jem Finch demonstrates growing maturity throughout the novel. After Tom Robinson’s trial, Scout reveals Jem’s feelings. “It was Jem’s turn to cry.” Scout uncovers, “His face was streaked with angry tears as we made our way through the cheerful crowd,” (TKAM 284). Jem understands the trial is not fair because of race. He is mature enough to realize this while Scout is not. Another example of Jem’s maturity is exemplified when he is fulfilling his obligation to read to Mrs. Dubose. Scout describes, “ ‘So you brought that dirty little sister of yours did you?’ was her greeting… ‘My sister ain’t dirty and I ain’t scared of you’, although I noticed his knees shaking,” (TKAM 141). Rather than Jem replying to Mrs. Dubose with an insult, he dismisses her comment. Furthermore, this showcases his patience and tolerance, which comes with maturity. Finally, Jem validates his maturity when the Finch children find Dill under Scout’s bed. “You oughta let your mother know where you are.” announced Jem, “You oughta let her know you are here…”(TKAM 187). At this point Jem knows the right way to handle this situation is to let an adult know where Dill is. Even though Scout believes she can keep him under her bed forever, Jem recognizes the reality. When Jem’s maturity is put to the test he demonstrates good judgment and decision-making.