How Does Jem Mature

A final aspect in which Jem matures and changes is in his views on racism. At the beginning of the novel, Jem never realizes the issue of the black and white that is prevalent in the south during the time in which the novel is taking place. After all, Calpurnia, a black lady for whom he shows respect the same as he does to white ladies, is raising him and Scout. One of the first instances in which Jem comes face-to-face with racism is when Calpurnia takes him and Scout to the black church with her. One of Calpurnia’s friends, Lula, tells Calpurnia, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillum here—they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” (Lee 100). Jem senses the tension and tells Calpurnia that they need to go.
Later in the novel, Jem’s own racism is shown in his explanation of “mixed” children to Scout when he says they are real sad. Scout asks why and Jem explains, “They don’t belong anywhere. Colored folks won’t have ‘em because they’re half white; white folks won’t have ‘em cause they’re colored, so they’re just in-betweens, don’t belong anywhere. But, Mr. Dolphus, now, they say he’s shipped two of his up north. They don’t mind ‘em up north (Lee 135). Jem is relating what he has heard from the townspeople and means nothing hurtful by his statement; he simply believes this is the way of life for “mixed” children. Towards the end of the novel, Jem deals with the subject of racism in regards to the trial of Tom Robinson. Jem firmly believes in Tom Robinson’s innocence, and as a result, he is devastated when Tom is found guilty. Later at home, Jem comes face-to-face with racism when Atticus tells