What happens in this chapter that causes a fight between Jem and Scout? What does this reveal about their relationship? How is this furthered later in the chapter when Dill arrives?
In the beginning of Chapter 14, Jem tells Scout to leave her Aunt and Atticus alone or he’ll spank her. Scout feels antagonized by Jem because she thinks he’s abusing the power he has recently acquired with age, and shouldn’t be able to tell her what to do. Scout feels that she and Jem are equal, but as Jem grows up he begins to feel more and more superior to Scout. Jem illustrates this superior mindset when he says, “Scout, try not to antagonize Aunty, you hear?” Scout then says: “You tryin’ to tell me what to do?” (Lee, 183), showing that she feels his equal. Scout has remained of the same mind throughout the book so far, however Jem has changed and grown through several stages. When Dill arrives he shows just how much he has changed by “rising and breaking the remaining code of our childhood.” He now feels responsible for Scout and Dill, and so he tells Atticus that Dill ran away, breaking Dill’s trust. Each day Jem becomes more like an adult and less like his old self and Scout has so far had trouble adapting to her brother’s new attitude.
How else has Jem changed? Has Scout changed? Has Dill changed? How will they have to change later in the book (because of trial, etc...)?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Jem feels superior to Scout. I also think that Jem feels that Scout is getting out of control, therefore he should also be able to punish her. On page 181, it says, " I didn't ask you!" (Lee 181). Scout screamed and yelled at Aunt Alexandra for sharing her opinion,so I think since Jem is getting older he feels that he needs to get a grip on his younger sister and stop letting her do what she wants, such as scream at adults. I also think that when Dill came he didn't just break Dill's trust by telling Atticus that he was here, I think he was trying to act like a responsible adult since he's the second man of the house. Why do you think that Jem feels that he has more authorities over Scout all of a sudden?
ReplyDeleteI also agree that Jem feel superior to Scout. I also think that since Jem is older and more mature he he think he has the right to control Scout. On page 184 Jem says to scout, " Now i mean it Scout, you antagonize Aunty and I'll-I'll spank you." This shows that Jem is trying to act more like Atticus towards Scout. He thinks that since he is the oldest son that he has the right to tell and warn Scout about doing things. Lastly on page 187 Jem says to Dill, "You oughta let your mother know where you are." (Lee 187) Here i think Jem is trying to act more responsible even towards Dill. If you were Scout and Dill what would you do about Jem's behavior?
ReplyDeleteI agree that Jem feels superior to Scout, but this does not mean he is superior to Scout. I also believe that Jem feels as if he is the second man of the house and feels it is his duty to control, or punish Scout. In chapter 14 after threatening to spank scout and getting in a scuffle Atticus tells Jem to leave the room. When Scout was shutting the door too their adjoining rooms Scout says "Good night" to Scout. This shows that Jem has matured enough that he will apologize to Scout even though his opinion is clearly that he is right. It also shows that Jem is mature enough to argue or quarrel with Scout because it is to childish, and when he does fight with Scout he is mature enough to apologize. Do you think Jem really is superior to Scout, or do you think that Jem Just feels as if he is?
ReplyDelete