Jem changes in the course of the novel. How does Harper Lee show this? Write about; what he is like at the start and at the end of the novel, events that have an effect on him, people who have an effect on him, how the write uses particular moments to show change. Jem Finch from Harper Lee's famous novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is very important because throughout the novel he experiences a great development course. As Jem matures mentally he is able to see the horrible in society and understand the social and emotional issues an adult would. This helps him to come to comprehend all the events that are happening around him.
At the beginning of the story the author illustrates examples of Jem's irresponsibility. Jem's age, which has been narrated by Scout "When I was almost six and Jem was almost ten" (p.6) helps to show the readers he is still a child. The definition of bravery changes as he grows up; he gains an insight and is able to experience the world. As the story continues, Jem learns about courage from a few events. Atticus, Jem's father decides to defend Tom Robinson who is an African American person being prosecuted. Atticus believed it was the right thing to do. "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win" (p. 76) Atticus said to Jem when Scout asked. Jem also learnt another kind of courage after hearing about Mrs Dubose's morphine addiction. Atticus made Jem read to her and explained, "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 anyway" (p. 112). This is similar to when Atticus defended Mr Robinson. These events changed Jem's courage.
Throughout the book, Jem also is taught about the nature of people and evil. Jem and Scout find gifts in the peephole of a tree, they decided to write a note and left it in the tree.
