Characterization

No one can deny that everyone changed a little throughout this story. But to me one character that grew the most was Jem Finch. At the beginning he was a kid with an imagination, loved playing and creating games with his sister and didn't think about consequences before his actions. But soon he starts to mature and grow into a teenager. He became more self conscious about who he hung out with, he starts to be more protective about Scout and lastly he starts to understand the world more. You can tell that Jem has started to mature when he learns his lesson about Mrs.Dubose."I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyways and you see it through no matter what."(p.112)After that point Jem is turning into a young man, even Calpurnia knows Scout didn't really know what was happening when Jem started being more moody, and difficult. But she did know to stay away from him. After Mrs. Dubose died I think that was when the real breaking point for Jem that is when he learns his biggest lesson throughout this book and where he starts his journey to adulthood. Through the book Jem hadn't appreciated his sister and acts like any sibling does and says he is going to ignore her during school. But soon he finds that Scout needs a role model in her life besides Atticus, so Jem steps in. "Someone had filled our knot-hole with cement "don't cry, now, Scout....don't cry now, don't worry" he muttered at me all the way to school."(p.62)This is where I think he shows compassion towards Scout and that their relationship can grow and they can be friends even if they are family. After that I feel that Jem takes the responsibility to keep track of Scout, especially when Atticus is busy with the trial. Another example is when he takes responsibility to get Scout home for dinner during the trail. Jem takes her hand and walks her home all by himself. Scout looks up to her brother and that was proved when Mr. Ewell attacked Jem and Scout. She had faith that Jem would save her because of all of the other times he did. Jem not only learns about himself and grows but he learns about the world too. "When Lula came up the pathway toward us Calpurinia said, " stop right there." Lula stopped, but she said, " you ain't got no business bringin' white chillun here- they got their church, we got our'n. It is our church, ain't it, Miss Cal? Cal said," It's the same God ain't it!" Jem said, " let's go home, Cal, they don't want us here-." When that happened that's where I think he gains an understanding of the black communinty. Jem and Scout both learned just how hard it is to be African American, most can't read or have an education at all. Also they see that Calpurnia uses different tones and words with her folks. Jem wasn't the only one who learns lessons and grows but I feel that he grows the most throughout everyone. Many people teach Jem lessons and give him advice about growing up, about the world and about himself.