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?

Chapter 6 & 7: What does Scout mean by “It was then that Jem and I first began to part company?” (Charlie Ablon)

   When Scout says that she and Jem are "parting company" Harper Lee is attempting to break the relationship between the Finch siblings.  "It was then that Jem and I first began to part company." (Lee 75). In this quote, the author was trying to show the differences between the two kids. Ever since the beginning of the Summer Jem has alligned with Dill against Scout. This caused Scout to feel ignored and excluded by her peers and as a result, she started to befriend the neighbor Ms. Maudie. The primary reason that Dill and Jem excluded Scout was because of their different opinions about Boo Radley. Scout didn't want to play the Radley game because she was afraid of the Radley family and of the punishment she would recieve from Atticus should he find out about the game. On the other hand, Jem wanted to expore the mystery of the Radley history. This caused Scout to bother Jem about playing the Radley game, "My nagging got the better of Jem eventually, as I knew it would, and to my relief we slowed down the game for a while" (Lee 55).  After constantly fighting whether Scout is going to further explore the Radley house, it started to get on Jem's nerves. "I declare to the Lord your gettin' more like a girl every day!"(Lee 69). The differences between genders also plays a big role in the parting of the Finch kids. With Scout maturing, she will change her opinions and thoughts to be increaslingly similar to those of a girl. When Scout was younger she had more of a boy's personalitity due to the fact that she spent so much time being around Jem. Now that Scout is more independent, the two siblings will begin to "part company".


     Will Atticus notice the changes of Scout and Jem's relationship and try to intervene? How will Jem respond to Scout's girlish behavior? Will Jem continue to explore the Radley house without Dill and Scout? How does Scout and Jem's "parting company" affect how Scout will behave in school with her peers?