Jem plays a crucial role in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. It’s true that he may look like any other boy in Maycomb with his brotherly qualities, but Jem is much more than this. Jem’s sister considers him a shining example. He recognizes Maycomb’s inhumane nature and, despite being looked down upon, he stands up for the right thing, despite his resentment. Jem is without a doubt a role model for tolerance who many people can learn from, even if Lee portrays him as an ordinary young boy.
Jem has been a leading figure in the story since the beginning. Jem has always been a loving and benevolent brother to Scout, and she is allowed to play around with him. Scout is awestruck by him. Jem is a good example. He helps Scout and Dill, who are on the other side of the street when they go to the Radley’s house. Jem held up the bottom cable and signaled Dill underneath it. I did the same thing, but held up Jem’s wire (Lee 70). Scout values Jem and their relationship. Scout wouldn’t have the courage or bravery she has today if Jem didn’t play a significant role in her life. Jem’s and Scout’s lives have been spent without a maternal figure for most of them. Calpurnia may be Scout’s mother but Jem remains one of Scout’s most important influences. Jem can be tougher and more intelligent than Scout but is still an excellent leader.
Jem is forced to make a difficult decision, but he comes out of it with a new understanding. In this case, Jem does not see the injustice in racism. However, he is aware that the town and people he had looked up too are also guilty. Jem is unable to make sense of his struggle. Atticus tells Jem justice is important, but nobody follows the rules. Jem was aware that Tom Robinson is innocent. However, when he realized that Tom would be going to prison merely because he was black, it made him angry. Jem has always trusted Maycomb’s community and the kind people who live there. But seeing someone wrongfully accused for something they didn’t do due to their race makes him uncomfortable and damages his trust in society. As an example, the reader will recognize Jem’s grief and pain when “guilty’ is transformed into “stabs” by changing the words.
Jem discovers, though, that even in the face of injustice, people are capable of good. Jem realizes that even though Tom was jailed for racism, people can still be good because Atticus is a good example. Jem listens to Atticus throughout the story and hopes to grow up with his values. Jem is afraid to disappoint Atticus, and he hopes that he can defend him throughout the story. Jem cuts off the flowers’ tops after Mrs. Dubose has insulted his father. Scout is confused. “I wondered in later years what possessed Jem to do this, and what had caused him to break free from the “You must be a gentleman” rule, as well as the new phase of self-consciousness he was entering. Jem was probably as tired of Atticus’s nagging as I was, so I just assumed he could keep his temper. He had a calm disposition and a long fuse. Scout is shocked and can only explain it by saying that her older brother became insane. Atticus has a significant influence on Jem and the fact that others have offended Jem’s father caused him to become angry.
Atticus instilled in Jem a sense of honor. Jem’s first thought was that he had defended his father. Jem’s delinquency may have caused him to be looked down on, but his other traits made him an excellent leader for both his peers and Scout. Jem instills the value of good deeds into Scout through his actions. His father’s values, like honor and justice are used to help make a positive difference in other people’s lives.
