Jem Finch Character Analysis
In the literary classic To Kill a Mockingbird, moral development is very clearly seen in the character of Jem Finch. Over the course of the two-year narrative, his ideas of right and wrong change and grow drastically. He becomes unafraid of voicing his opinion and breaking social rules, exemplified through his bold opinions and hope regarding the Robinson case, as well as grows tremendously in his definition of bravery and how it should be expressed. As he matures, Jem Finch’s ideas about bravery and social rules grow and change as he encounters new experiences with the residents of Maycomb, experiences that shape his morality into that of a young adult.
During the Tom Robinson trial, Jem shows tremendous understanding morality in his willingness …show more content…
to admit his views on the situation. Doing so meant defying the social rules of the time and subjecting himself to the ridicule that came with siding against the popular opinion. The story’s subplot, the Radley conflict, illustrates the growth it took to bring Jem to this moral standpoint. At the beginning of the novel, Jem frequently mentions the rumors regarding the Radley place and its inhabitants, believing them though there is little evidence to support the claims. Even though Jem daringly ventured past the fence, he still holds the same beliefs as the other schoolchildren; the Radleys and their home are dangerous and should be feared. This thinking clearly demonstrates Jem’s adherence to social rules during his younger years. As he grows older, his thinking adapts and he develops the adult maturity that comes with experience. During the trial, Jem bravely vocalizes his hopes for the outcome of the trial, very well knowing the hate his father faced for sharing those same views. When the trial ends with a disappointing verdict, Jem’s anger with the citizens of Maycomb shows no bounds. “I always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, least that’s what they seemed like,” Jem recalls shortly after the trial (Lee 216). The fact that Jem is willing to confess that what he has understood since birth is wrong shows immense moral growth. Not only is he willing to have an opinion that defies the status quo, he is also willing to see that the Maycomb residents are wrong in their views. Standing up for himself in a time of such hatred took morality beyond Jem’s age. This in contrast with his earlier belief of unproven rumors shows that over the course of the novel Jem Finch’s morals grew extensively; though his thoughts may not have been well liked at the time, there is no doubt that Jem’s growth shows exemplary morality far ahead of his time.
In addition to his openness about his ideas, Jem also changes regarding his definition of bravery and what constitutes courage.
Initially, he sees courage purely as being daring and taking risks, as shown in the fact that, “In all his life, Jem had never turned down a dare” (Lee ##). While Jem doesn’t necessarily stop thinking of this as courageous as he grows, he does realize that it is not the only way to express bravery. For example, Atticus shooting the mad dog had a major effect on Jem, especially at his young, impressionable age of ten. For the weeks following, Jem saw Atticus in a completely different light; instead of being just their father, he became the deadest shot in Maycomb county. Atticus was Jem’s personal epitome of bravery simply for holding a gun and facing the mad dog. This new encounter expanded upon his previous ideas and helped him to grow in his morality. Another clear example where Jem underwent moral growth in regards to courage is his experience with Mrs. Dubose. Though his visits felt torturous at the time, it is undeniable that Jem took away valuable moral lessons. When explaining to the children why he made them read to Mrs. Dubose, Atticus says, “I wanted you to see what real courage is… it's when you know you're licked before you begin anyway but you see it through no matter what” (Lee 149). Throughout the remainder of the novel, Jem is seen applying this concept to every obstacle he encounters. When he and Scout are attacked by r. Ewell, Jem does not think twice about putting his life on the line for his sister.Though he ends up badly hurt, Jem shows no regret after the incident. The fact that Jem was willing to potentially risk his life exemplifies his growth as a character. Even though Jem doesn’t abandon his earlier beliefs about courage, the addition of this final belief is what gives him the morality of a young adult. To summarize, Jem’s ideas about bravery do not change; instead, they build on top of one another to form
Jem’s strong moral foundation. Jem believes that while holding a gun might not be wrong in terms of bravery, neither is having the courage to stand up to your assailants. His experiences with the other residents of Maycomb demonstrate to him that there is no set definition of bravery. Rather, it is an idea that can be expressed in a variety of ways.
To conclude, Jem Finch shows tremendous change and maturation throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird regarding his views on bravery grow and his ideas about defying social rules. Through the influence of many individuals and events in his life, Jem develops his own set of morals and applies them to his actions on a daily basis. He becomes unafraid of the social consequences that come with voicing an opinion that disagrees with society's as well as deepening his moral understanding of bravery. His mental and emotional strength are fortified and he gradually becomes more level headed and expands upon the moral foundation laid by figures in his life. Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird remains a powerful and insightful narrative that provides a unique perspective of both the compassionate and ugly sides of humanity. Though the plot took place eighty years ago, there is not one irrelevant aspect today. It is truly a timeless classic.
During the Tom Robinson trial, Jem shows tremendous understanding morality in his willingness …show more content…
to admit his views on the situation. Doing so meant defying the social rules of the time and subjecting himself to the ridicule that came with siding against the popular opinion. The story’s subplot, the Radley conflict, illustrates the growth it took to bring Jem to this moral standpoint. At the beginning of the novel, Jem frequently mentions the rumors regarding the Radley place and its inhabitants, believing them though there is little evidence to support the claims. Even though Jem daringly ventured past the fence, he still holds the same beliefs as the other schoolchildren; the Radleys and their home are dangerous and should be feared. This thinking clearly demonstrates Jem’s adherence to social rules during his younger years. As he grows older, his thinking adapts and he develops the adult maturity that comes with experience. During the trial, Jem bravely vocalizes his hopes for the outcome of the trial, very well knowing the hate his father faced for sharing those same views. When the trial ends with a disappointing verdict, Jem’s anger with the citizens of Maycomb shows no bounds. “I always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, least that’s what they seemed like,” Jem recalls shortly after the trial (Lee 216). The fact that Jem is willing to confess that what he has understood since birth is wrong shows immense moral growth. Not only is he willing to have an opinion that defies the status quo, he is also willing to see that the Maycomb residents are wrong in their views. Standing up for himself in a time of such hatred took morality beyond Jem’s age. This in contrast with his earlier belief of unproven rumors shows that over the course of the novel Jem Finch’s morals grew extensively; though his thoughts may not have been well liked at the time, there is no doubt that Jem’s growth shows exemplary morality far ahead of his time.
In addition to his openness about his ideas, Jem also changes regarding his definition of bravery and what constitutes courage.
Initially, he sees courage purely as being daring and taking risks, as shown in the fact that, “In all his life, Jem had never turned down a dare” (Lee ##). While Jem doesn’t necessarily stop thinking of this as courageous as he grows, he does realize that it is not the only way to express bravery. For example, Atticus shooting the mad dog had a major effect on Jem, especially at his young, impressionable age of ten. For the weeks following, Jem saw Atticus in a completely different light; instead of being just their father, he became the deadest shot in Maycomb county. Atticus was Jem’s personal epitome of bravery simply for holding a gun and facing the mad dog. This new encounter expanded upon his previous ideas and helped him to grow in his morality. Another clear example where Jem underwent moral growth in regards to courage is his experience with Mrs. Dubose. Though his visits felt torturous at the time, it is undeniable that Jem took away valuable moral lessons. When explaining to the children why he made them read to Mrs. Dubose, Atticus says, “I wanted you to see what real courage is… it's when you know you're licked before you begin anyway but you see it through no matter what” (Lee 149). Throughout the remainder of the novel, Jem is seen applying this concept to every obstacle he encounters. When he and Scout are attacked by r. Ewell, Jem does not think twice about putting his life on the line for his sister.Though he ends up badly hurt, Jem shows no regret after the incident. The fact that Jem was willing to potentially risk his life exemplifies his growth as a character. Even though Jem doesn’t abandon his earlier beliefs about courage, the addition of this final belief is what gives him the morality of a young adult. To summarize, Jem’s ideas about bravery do not change; instead, they build on top of one another to form
Jem’s strong moral foundation. Jem believes that while holding a gun might not be wrong in terms of bravery, neither is having the courage to stand up to your assailants. His experiences with the other residents of Maycomb demonstrate to him that there is no set definition of bravery. Rather, it is an idea that can be expressed in a variety of ways.
To conclude, Jem Finch shows tremendous change and maturation throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird regarding his views on bravery grow and his ideas about defying social rules. Through the influence of many individuals and events in his life, Jem develops his own set of morals and applies them to his actions on a daily basis. He becomes unafraid of the social consequences that come with voicing an opinion that disagrees with society's as well as deepening his moral understanding of bravery. His mental and emotional strength are fortified and he gradually becomes more level headed and expands upon the moral foundation laid by figures in his life. Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird remains a powerful and insightful narrative that provides a unique perspective of both the compassionate and ugly sides of humanity. Though the plot took place eighty years ago, there is not one irrelevant aspect today. It is truly a timeless classic.