From reading the book, we’ve discovered more about Jem, and his everchanging personality as he turns into a man.
Slowly, he is realising how everyone else thinks, what they percieve and the horrors that are associated with it. Racism, prejudice and the feeling of superiority, more-so linked with the ‘upper class’ of Maycomb. Examples such as Scout asking for Walter Cunningham to stay with them, and aunt Alexandra explaining why he cant as ‘he is trash’, beneth the Finches and therefore cannot be connected with them.
Jem is also shown to be taking on much more responsibility, whilst learning what ties go with what suits, such as explaining to Scout what complicated words mean aswell as elaborating on events that occur in the book.
(–AFTER FEEDBACK–)
These all lead Jem to feel frustrated, angry and occasionally just upset. Usually he attempts to hide these, in order to set an example for his little sister. With these feelings also comes realisation, of why certain things are so in maycomb. Like Boo Radley staying indoors most of the time- Jem uncovers that his reasons are quite the opposite to everyone wishing he does so. It is infact, because he chooses to. He isnt a fan of the society that populate maycomb either, and chooses to outcast himself the best he can.
May 12, 2015 at 10:51 pm
Tom, you have provided several examples of how Jem is showing maturity.
Targets: I want you to think of how his realisation of society affects him? (Read through the text to show how he react- frustration/anger?)
2. Look again at his evaluation of why Boo Radley chooses to stay indoors. What is Jem beginning to see about society?