Character Analysis Of Jem In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, portrays Jem as the son of Atticus and brother to Scout. Jem is childish in the begginning of the book but in the end, Jem becomes mature and respectful. His changes are easily shown throughout the novel in his actions. Jem turns from a childish boy to a young gentlemen by the end of the book. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee portrays Jem as determined and childish. One part in the book, Scout is describing Jem and she says, “Jem’s head at times was transparent: he had thought that up to make me understand he wasn’t afraid of Radleys in any shape or form, to contrast his own fearless heroism with my cowardice”-(Lee 43). Jem is determined to let them know that he is not afraid. He knows that he

At a part in the book, Jem wants to show Scout his chest hair and arm hair, “Show you something if you won’t tell anybody.” He unbuttoned his shirt, grinning shyly-(Lee 257). Jem shows that he is maturing by showing that he has chest and arm hair. He also tells Scout that he is going to go out for the football team. Jem also shows that he is afraid when him some kids are worried that behind the Radley door lies the beastly, dangerous Boo Radley, “Jem fears that if he disturbs Boo Radley he will surely die, which is the reason he runs past his house every day”-(Lee 16). Jem is afraid that if he opens the door and messes with Boo Radley then he is going to kill him. So he doesn’t want to bother him so he won’t get killed. These characteristics describe Jem because he is scared of Boo Radley and he wants to show Scout that he is growing up. In conclusion, Jem can be described as mature, respectful, and determined, yet at times, he also acts childish and afraid. In the novel, Lee portrays Jem to have many characteristics. I believe this is to show that Jem is growing up and changing to become more like his father. Jem acts brotherly towards Scout, mature towards Atticus, and respectful towards