Jem
Introduction
Rites of passage; painful process. Age 10-13 through the book
Childish views, fictionalises Boo and imperceptive of discrimination
Grows to learn compassion and feel strongly about prejudice and injustice
Begins to identify as an adult – teaches Scout how to behave. Learns courage, self-control and
respect
Chapter 1
Juvenile conception of bravery “In all his life, Jem had never declined a dare.” Mrs Dubose later
rectifies this
Childlike fantasies of Boo Radley “Jem gave a reasonable description… he dined on raw squirrels
and ate any cats he could catch”. He doesn’t understand the implications and possible damage of
his discriminative actions – lacks mature perceptiveness
Imaginative character - creates and feeds off a childish fear of spectres and ghosts before he learns
about the true horrors to come – the hatred people harbour, as seen in the trial
Values his pride and honour above the morality of what he is doing “I suppose he loved honour
more than his head” he wants to impress Dill and be superior, or an idol through his supposed
bravery
Chapter 10
Disappointment – Jem is almost ashamed of his father for being unable to participate “when jem
wanted to tackle him Atticus would say ‘I’m too old for that, son’”. When he compares him to his
peers’ fathers he doesn’t value him as much “he did not to the things our schoolmates’ fathers
did.”
Key message: “Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a
mockingbird.” It is wrong to harm something that it benevolent and innocent – Boo Radley and
Tom R. Jem understands that his father is choosing not to be violent, and wants to be like his father
in wielding power through his intelligence: “Atticus is a gentleman, just like me!”
Pride – Jem is proud when he discovers his father’s ability to shoot “with movements so swift they
seemed simultaneous” – shows his appreciation. He is in awe “Jem was paralysed”. He becomes
proud when he relates this to his father’s choice not to take advantage over other living things, as
long as they are not posing any harm.
Jem admires his father’s gentlemanly and moral ways “I wouldn’t care if he couldn’t do a blessed
thing”.
Chapter 11
Jem learns what true courage is; not beating an inferior opponent or facing Mrs Dubose’s insults,
but instead Mrs Dubose succeeding in dying free of her morphine addiction, despite the agony
endured. “She was a great lady” “I wanted you to see what real courage is… it’s when you know
you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” “She
was the bravest person I ever knew.”
Context – morphine was widely used as a medicinal drug at this point in time, and the largest group
of people affected were middle aged widows, like Mrs Dubose.
Lack of control – Jem completely loses his temper, furious “He simply went mad.” “He did not
begin to calm down until he had cut the tops off every camellia bush Mrs Dubose owned.” He
cannot bear an adult, who should be authorised to instruct him, insulting the father he admires so
much, hence his fury.
Jem has to learn that his father respects Mrs D because of her strength and determination, despite
her vehement words, which is why he is always polite. Jem thinks he is defending his father’s
honour, but learns that it is wrong to judge people on the façade they present, without witnessing
Introduction
Rites of passage; painful process. Age 10-13 through the book
Childish views, fictionalises Boo and imperceptive of discrimination
Grows to learn compassion and feel strongly about prejudice and injustice
Begins to identify as an adult – teaches Scout how to behave. Learns courage, self-control and
respect
Chapter 1
Juvenile conception of bravery “In all his life, Jem had never declined a dare.” Mrs Dubose later
rectifies this
Childlike fantasies of Boo Radley “Jem gave a reasonable description… he dined on raw squirrels
and ate any cats he could catch”. He doesn’t understand the implications and possible damage of
his discriminative actions – lacks mature perceptiveness
Imaginative character - creates and feeds off a childish fear of spectres and ghosts before he learns
about the true horrors to come – the hatred people harbour, as seen in the trial
Values his pride and honour above the morality of what he is doing “I suppose he loved honour
more than his head” he wants to impress Dill and be superior, or an idol through his supposed
bravery
Chapter 10
Disappointment – Jem is almost ashamed of his father for being unable to participate “when jem
wanted to tackle him Atticus would say ‘I’m too old for that, son’”. When he compares him to his
peers’ fathers he doesn’t value him as much “he did not to the things our schoolmates’ fathers
did.”
Key message: “Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a
mockingbird.” It is wrong to harm something that it benevolent and innocent – Boo Radley and
Tom R. Jem understands that his father is choosing not to be violent, and wants to be like his father
in wielding power through his intelligence: “Atticus is a gentleman, just like me!”
Pride – Jem is proud when he discovers his father’s ability to shoot “with movements so swift they
seemed simultaneous” – shows his appreciation. He is in awe “Jem was paralysed”. He becomes
proud when he relates this to his father’s choice not to take advantage over other living things, as
long as they are not posing any harm.
Jem admires his father’s gentlemanly and moral ways “I wouldn’t care if he couldn’t do a blessed
thing”.
Chapter 11
Jem learns what true courage is; not beating an inferior opponent or facing Mrs Dubose’s insults,
but instead Mrs Dubose succeeding in dying free of her morphine addiction, despite the agony
endured. “She was a great lady” “I wanted you to see what real courage is… it’s when you know
you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” “She
was the bravest person I ever knew.”
Context – morphine was widely used as a medicinal drug at this point in time, and the largest group
of people affected were middle aged widows, like Mrs Dubose.
Lack of control – Jem completely loses his temper, furious “He simply went mad.” “He did not
begin to calm down until he had cut the tops off every camellia bush Mrs Dubose owned.” He
cannot bear an adult, who should be authorised to instruct him, insulting the father he admires so
much, hence his fury.
Jem has to learn that his father respects Mrs D because of her strength and determination, despite
her vehement words, which is why he is always polite. Jem thinks he is defending his father’s
honour, but learns that it is wrong to judge people on the façade they present, without witnessing
