How Does Jem Change In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Different race relations and social classes greatly influence one's understanding and perception of people and events, leading to changes in one’s life and other people’s perception of that character. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee presents three characters that change because of outside race relations. One of the characters named Jem, changes over 3 years. In the beginning, Jem thinks everyone is equal, a world without racism. During this time, he tortures Arthur (Boo) Radley, not knowing this until later. Three years later, Jem is 13, and is more aware of racism and prejudice. Jem changes his understanding of racism because of multiple cases of how others treat many with prejudice. For example, after Robinson’s trial, Jem…show more content…
This is shown in the quote, “Jem was suddenly furious. He leaped off the bed, grabbed me by the collar and shook me. I never wanta hear about that courthouse again, ever, ever, you hear me?”(247). "Courthouse" reminded him of the trial, where he learned about racism and prejudice. Overall, Jem becomes a different person after a few unfortunate events presenting racism. Jem presents a perfect example because he changes due to different race relations and how people react to this, ultimately changing him to be aware of racism and prejudice. To readers, one will perceive these characters and events differently in the face of the main characters, which one of them is Jem. Through Jem, one can perceive many other characters as people who will do anything to harm blacks, or whoever they want to be racist towards. One might also perceive events such as the mob,
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