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“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?” Jeremy Finch, one of the most important characters from To Kill a Mockingbird, had posed this question (Lee page 259). He says this because he is curious, that’s just how the author shaped him. Lee Harper, the author of the story, made him curious, protective, and moral. It is because of those three traits that I am most like Jeremy Finch. The first trait curiosity, is demonstrated by Jem (another name for Jeremy). One example of this is his everlasting wonder about Arthur “Boo” Radley. He is always looking for ways to communicate and catch a glimpse of Boo. Another example is from page …show more content…
52. Lee writes about how Jem and Dill (a supporting character) plan on putting a note on a fishing pole then sticking the note through a window. Although I may not put notes on fishing poles, I do do odd things to satisfy my curiosity. For instance, a few years ago I wondered if you could make a parachute out of bed sheets, so I climbed to the top of my playground set. From there I tied bed sheets around my waist and jumped off. Unfortunately my hypothesis was wrong and I have scars on my knees from the incident. Curiosity is just one of the traits that Jem and I have in common. Then next trait we have in common is is our need to protect our families.
Not too long ago, someone had some not so nice things to say about my sister, and in return I said some nasty things back. It is more offensive to me, like it is to Jem, when people say offensive things about my family, than if they would offend me directly. Another situation in the book is when Jem defends Scout in chapter 11. Mrs. Dubose calls Scout ugly; she says, “So you brought that dirty little sister of you, did you?” (Lee page 122). Jem comes to Scouts defense and says that Scout isn’t dirty and that he is not afraid of Mrs. Dubose. It may not seem like much, but to argue with adults during that time period was a big deal. As it has been discovered, we both take value in caring for our …show more content…
siblings. The third of many traits we share is strength in our moral values.
Although I may not always do the right thing, I still believe being good. That is also how Jem is. He doesn’t always do the right thing, like on page 118, Lee had written, “He did not begin to calm down until he had cut the tops off every camellia bush Mrs. Dubose owned, until the ground was littered with green buds and leaves.” In this scene, Jem had lost control and destroyed all of Mrs. Dubose’s flowers after she had said offending things about Atticus, Jem’s father. But, for all the bad that Jem does, he does twice as much good to make up for it. All throughout the trial, Jem upholds the belief that Tom is innocent and that Atticus is going to win the case. When Atticus loses, Jem is devastated and he is shown the harsh, racist side of their old town, Maycomb. This shows that he believes in what is right, even if it is not always the popular choice. I can relate to this because I am in situations where the right choice isn’t always the popular choice. For instance, in this generation, people are constantly be peer pressured into doing what is “popular” over what is right. For example, a few weeks ago, someone on my bus was smoking and was trying to get other people to smoke. A few days later he ended up in suspension. Therefore, even though smoking was the popular choice, it was the wrong one. Even though Jem and I both have our faults and act impulsively sometimes, we have strong moral values that we
plan to uphold. Overall, Jeremy has many character traits but the ones that relate to me most are the following. First, we are both curious, which Jem proved with his interest in Arthur Radley. I am curious which is proved by my “discoveries” and “adventures.” Second, we are both protective. Jem showed this when he stood up for Scout, and in my life, I stand up for my siblings. Lastly, we both have strong moral values, which Jem represents all throughout the trial of Tom Robinson. I show this by my need to do what is best. Thus, we both share curiocity, protectiveness, and moral values. All of which reiterates my point that, Jeremy Finch is the most similar character to me from to kill a mockingbird.
Atticus has countless positive and negative characteristics, but there are two that stand out the most. The first character trait is that he acts a lot older than his age. Jem said that Atticus loved playing keep away and that he was never too tired, but when Jem went to tackle him, Atticus blurred out, “‘I am too old for that, son’” (Lee 118). Jem had never gotten that reaction from Atticus before. Atticus had to wear glasses, because without them he would not be able to see black on white with his left eye. Jem and Scout never see Atticus doing anything, he does not hunt, he does not go on walk, or he does not even travel. The only thing Jem and Scout see Atticus do is sit in the living room and read. Atticus is always on good terms with
The novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is set in Alabama in the 1930s, and concerns itself primarily with the interrelated themes of prejudice and empathy. These themes are explored as the story follows Scout Finch as she learns lessons in empathy, ultimately rejecting prejudice. While all characters in Lee’s novel learn from their experiences, not all are able to grow in the same manner as Scout. The idea of a positive role model, typified by the character of Atticus Finch, and the ramifications of its absence, is a concept that Lee places much emphasis on. The isolated setting is also pivotal in the development of characters. Lee uses the contrast between characters that learn lessons in empathy and compassion, and characters that cling to the ideals of a small town, to explore factors that nurture or diminish prejudice.
Whether we read books, watch movies, or simply live life, we cannot ignore that writers, directors or people create pairs of characters that may have things in common and characteristics that show them as opposites. Sometimes, they may seem obvious but at other times, the individuals have to be analyzed and understood. They are placed in stories to show the good and the bad in the story. However, placing similar and somewhat opposite characters together is clearly portrayed in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. These characters go through some of the same situations but they can be distinguished differently by the way they choose to deal a situation. Sometimes, their intention may be alike however, in the end, their doing is what makes them two different people. This contrast is especially evident when comparing Walter Cunningham Sr. and Bob Ewell, Boo Radely and Nathan Radely, and, lastly, Miss. Maudie and Miss. Stephanie.
Doing the right thing is not always easy. In the classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the characters Atticus, Boo, and Jem are faced with many of life’s obstacles. Each character must dig deeply into themselves to truly discover the difference between right and wrong. It takes a great deal of courage to face your inner fears and make the right decision. Some of the character’s behavior is typical, while some is atypical.
Atticus is an incredible character in the book To Kill A Mockingbird. He displays three qualities that make him an incredible character. Atticus is determined. This is evident in the trial when he tries very hard to win for Tom Robinson and when he wants to take the case for an appeal. Atticus is also kind. We witness Atticus’ kindness in the way he acts and treats everyone in Maycomb. Atticus treats everyone with respect even if they don’t deserve it. Lastly, Atticus is patient. The author shows this through the way he treats Jem and Scout and everyone else in Maycomb. This essay will show that Atticus possesses the three qualities just mentioned. This essay will also show how the events and examples just mentioned show unique qualities.
Furthermore, in chapter eleven of To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem has to repent his wrongdoing by reading to Mrs. Dubose. Jem's moral obligation takes precedence over his failure, revealing that Jem is a strong character and allows himself to be punished. While being disciplined, he responds benevolently but with quite a bit of quiet resentment -- an idiosyncrasy that Jem carries wit...
Jem displays values like compassion and tolerance by believing that all men are created equal no matter which race, religion, or attitude they have. He shows this when he hears the verdict of Tom Robinson's trial. '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, all the way to the corner of the square where we found Atticus'; (212). This is the first time he realizes that there was injustice in the world. He slowly matures and begins to understand that there are such thing as prejudice and racism.
Growing up in Maycomb, Southern Alabama in the 1930s was not an easy thing. Amid a town of prejudice and racism, stood a lone house where equality and respect for all gleamed like a shining star amid an empty space. The house of Atticus Finch was that shining star. Jean Louise Finch, also known as “Scout”, is given the opportunity of being raised in this house by her father, Atticus. I stole this essay from the net. As she grows, Atticus passes down his values of equality and righteousness to Scout and her brother Jeremy Atticus Finch, also known as “Jem”. In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee, we see Scout learns many lessons about dealing with prejudice by observing the behavior of other characters in the story.
When you think of an older sibling, they tend to come across as bossy, mean, and overprotective, but they really have good intentions. Jem, a character in the story To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, is the brother of the main character Scout, and the son of Atticus Finch. Throughout the book, he plays a major role in the novel and is a very important aspect to the theme. Jem shows his imagination, bravery, and his love for his sister.
During our lives, we develop morals and values through life experiences. They can be influenced by our society and the people we surround ourselves with. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee demonstrates courage, social inequality and prejudice through the characters and events in the book. We experience life lessons through the protagonist Scout Finch as she develops her own values. This is displayed through a variety of life lessons and values throughout the novel.
The morals for Scout and Jem to live by come from their father, Atticus Finch. He has experienced evils in his life, like the death of his wife, but he never lost faith in the good of people. He taught Scout and Jem right from wrong when they were young, because their mother was no longer around to teach them. Atticus understands that people have good and bad inside of them, but he feels that the good side can always overcome the bad side. This is true when he backed Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping Mr. Ewell’s daughter. Even though no one else helped Atticus out, he never gave up on Tom Robinson no matter how hard things got.
The reader acknowledges Jem Finch as Scout’s older brother from the start of this novel. He is brave and strong. “When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem’s fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious about his injury.” The reader understands Jem to be the older and wiser one of the two siblings, but also understands Jem to be brave and not confused by life. The reader expects him to understand the ways of life. When the trial took place, Jem is awakened by the fact Tom Robinson was persecuted only because he was black. Jem does not understand this even though he thought he was old enough to understand. The reader starts to realize Jem does not have life figured out and he is still a kid. Jem shows his bravery throughout the book with Cecil, Burris Ewell, Bob Ewell and even Mrs. Dubose. Jem matures throughout the book as well. The reader notices this while he is comforting Scout and when he is comforting to ...
Many students believe that Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird displays social issues in early America. In this time standing against common customs was unacceptable, a violation of society. People believe that today courage has overcome adversity that was displayed in early America. Courage is the common subject of To Kill a Mockingbird, which allows Lee’s novel to defy the changing times of humanity. These morals are bound to the “impartiality” and “fairness” taught to people as children, but become unavoidably invisible though selfish actions. The characters in To Kill a Mockingbird express audacity along with resilience in the face of cowardice.
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.
Although Jem initially was very childish, the events of the story caused him to have a change of attitude as he matured; by the end of the novel, he is a much matured young adult. This development would not have been possible without Bob Ewell trying to attack Jem and Scout or the Tom Robinson court case. Because Jem learns this lesson, it is clear that Harper Lee intended for her audience to understand what real courage is all