Thursday, October 11, 2012

Chapter 22 & 23- Explain Jem's Discussion of "background" and different kinds of folks. How does that help you understand Jem's feelings expressed at the end of the chapter 23 (302). Why does Harper Lee put this here?

When Jem discusses background in chapter 23, he is starting to get a grasp of the ugly truth that is called earth. When Jem and Scout are upstairs in Jem's bedroom the two kids talk about different kinds of "folks" and where they place in society. In Jem's world there are four different kinds of people, "there's the ordinary kind like us and the neighbors..." (Lee 302). This conversation was triggered because of the recent disappointment in the results of the trial. Jem was certain that Atticus was going to win the case but it wasn't likely due to the fact that the jury simply could not let a black man walk. For all of Jem's life he was accustom to a simple world, but now that he is older his view on the world will change. And Jem's discussion with Scout is the beggining of Jem's change in thoughts about the world that he lives in. The main reason that Harper Lee put this discussion in the book was to inform the reader that the Finch children, especially Jem, aren't who they used to be in the beggining of the book. Within recent chapters Scout has started to notice that Jem is changing and that he growing up. This means that Jem will start to get an understanding of the world which is another milestone in Jem's process of becoming a man.  But Jem isn't the only one who has changed during the book. Scout has started to show more indepdence because of experiences such as observing Atticus' case. Harper Lee also put this in the book to tell the reader that now that the kids are starting to mature more, the book is going to be taking its final turn towards the finish line. With the last chapters within sight, Harper Lee is trying to tell you that the ending will be an intriguing one. 

 Is there any other meanings behind Harper Lee putting this discussion in the book?
Do you think Scout will experience the same feelings that Jem has?
How long will it take Scout to realize that the world is not all perfect?
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 11, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    Jem is starting to mature as we get deeper in the book. He starts talking to Atticus about more grown up talk, for example the case. The same night that the case ended Jem asks Atticus, “How could they do it, how could they?” (Lee 285) He is asking Atticus how could the jury find Tom Robinson guilty only because he was black. Atticus doesn’t understand it also and tells him that people will be continue be racist. Jem’s body is starting to grow as well as his thought. He is with Scout and he asks her if she can see the hair on his chest. Scout responds saying, “Where?” (Lee 302) Scout then tells him that it looks nice, but she only tells him that because he had comforted her. As the book goes on we will notice Jem growing up more, both physically and mentally.

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  2. AnonymousOctober 11, 2012 at 7:04 PM

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  3. AnonymousOctober 11, 2012 at 7:09 PM

    I believe Jem's view on life has been majorly impacted due to the outcome of Tom Robinson's trial as Charlie stated. Jem was sure that Atticus was victorious on page 238, "he was pounding on the balcony rail softly, we've got him."(Lee 238) The first evidence of Jem's change into becoming a man and gaining perspective was the beginning of chapter 12. Jem has just been stopped in his tracks to becoming a man. His view on life was crushed after realizing the reality of the world they live in, the hard way. He is explaining the concept of back round to Scout, but before Jem explains anything to someone else, he needs to sort himself out. Jem's thoughts are changing and it will be interesting to see how this trial affects his views on life.

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