Jem Finch is an important character in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. He is the older brother of Scout, and together they share many experiences. Their primary interest at the beginning of the novel is their preoccupation with Boo Radley. As the novel goes on, their interests take a more serious turn as they become consumed with Tom Robinson's trial. Near the end of the novel, they survive a murder attempt by Bob...
Jem Finch is an important character in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. He is the older brother of Scout, and together they share many experiences. Their primary interest at the beginning of the novel is their preoccupation with Boo Radley. As the novel goes on, their interests take a more serious turn as they become consumed with Tom Robinson's trial. Near the end of the novel, they survive a murder attempt by Bob Ewell. Here are two quotes about Jem that reveal more about his character:
- Jem and Scout are motherless and are being raised by their father. Scout, the narrator, discusses the loss of their mother and the impact it has on Jem:
Jem was the product of their first year of marriage; four years later I was born, and two years later our mother died from a sudden heart attack. They said it ran in her family. I did not miss her, but I think Jem did. He remembered her clearly, and sometimes in the middle of a game he would sigh at length, then go off and play by himself behind the car-house. When he was like that, I knew better than to bother him (Chapter 1).
Jem feels the absence of his mother. He does not talk about it. Rather, he prefers to be alone and reflect on his memories of her.
- Like his father, Jem cares about justice. When Tom Robinson is found guilty, Jem is devastated. He knows in his heart that Tom is innocent, and he is devastated that an innocent man is being charged with a crime:
It was Jem's turn to cry. His face was streaked with angry tears as we made our way through the cheerful crowd. "It ain't right," he muttered, all the way to the corner of the square where we found Atticus waiting (Chapter 22).
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