How Does Jem Mature In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Jem- Throughout the story, Jem shows signs of growing maturity. In the previous chapters, he was a childish boy who liked adventures and sought to satisfy his curiosity about Boo Radley's reclusiveness. Jem’s childish side was presented when he and Scout built a snowman, sending a note to Boo Radley. It was only when Dill left, Jem began growing up. Dill was a symbol of childhood to the Finch’s family as he led them to childish plays in the summer. When he left, Jem began wanting to meet his father’s standards of growing up. A major scene that appeared to demonstrate Jem’s sense of responsibility was when he told on Dill to Atticus. After the siblings fought not to antagonize Aunt Alexandra, they found Dill hidden under Scout’s bed. Scout…show more content…
He is a very kind and understanding father, yet stern, treating his children with respect. He is also a man with strong beliefs that doesn’t waver around regardless of other people's’ opinion. For example, when Atticus had to defend a colored man named Tom Robinson. Even when others discourage him about defending the black man, he still did what was right so he could be able to teach his kids the correct way to live life. After the fellow white mens of Maycomb have left due to Jem, Scout, and Dill’s childish acts in defending Atticus, a small voice is heard to break the silence. The “soft husky voice” called softly asking Atticus if the other people have left. Atticus then sympathetically answers Tom, saying that the mob has left, get a good sleep, and , “they won’t bother you anymore.” (pg. 206). This part of the story describes Atticus’ desire to fight for justice, he risk his trust and relationship with the people in his town to simply defend his morals and beliefs. Atticus’ righteous personality also made him into an influential father. He might not adore his kids with tremendous affection, however, he provides his children with knowledge and simple affections like, reading every night, hair ruffles, and the way he speaks to them with love and respects in undesirable situations. Atticus Finch impacted his kids by shaping their values that will define them as an adult. Additionally, he teaches Scout and Jem how to respect…show more content…
On an unusual night Atticus decided to drive to the jail, leading the kids to follow as well. When they have arrived at the scene, they only see Atticus reading a book until the lynch mob’s car arrived. The lynch mob made a huge ruckus demanding Atticus to move away from the door. As the group of men began threatening Atticus, Scout runs in to protect her father. Atticus then forces Jem to take the kids, but Jem only “shook his head” (pg. 203). This scene in the story not only display the cruelty towards Atticus for defending Tom Robinson, but also displays Jem change from a boy to a man. Jem stayed by his father’s side because he wanted to protect Atticus from the lynch mob. This shows a new side to Jem as he matures up and defends his father side. The moment also reveals how understanding Jem is towards the situation with regard to the case. Additionally, this scene also potentially saves Atticus and Tom Robinson from the lynch mob due to the kids’ childish
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