Lantis’s Reviews > To Kill a Mockingbird > Status Update

Jem has a whole new attitude. "'Why couldn't I mash him?' I asked. 'Because they don't bother you,' Jem answered in the darkness. He had turned out his reading light."(243)Scout was preparing to "mash" a rolypoly and Jem stopped her. He demonstrates a desire to protect anything that does no harm. He witnessed the innocent Tom Robinson suffer humiliation and death, and feels he needs to protect everything he can.

Scout, taught way beyond her age teaches uncle jack. "I know. Your daughter gave me my first lessons this afternoon. She said I didn't understand children much and told me why. She was quite right. Atticus, she told me how I should have treated her-oh dear, I'm so sorry I romped on her."(87)This shows how Atticus has brought scout up instilling wisdom and compassion beyond her years. She basically teaches uncle jack.

Jem and Scout have had a close playmate relationship. However as Jem grows older the difference between their ages show as he acts more superior to her. "That's because you can't hold something in your mind but a little while,' said Jem. It's different with grown folks, we-' His maddening superiority was unbearable these days..."(138) Scout understands that Jem feels superior towards her, and it's frustrating.

I am so perplexed and fascinated with the way Atticus handles the Tom Robinson case. He leads the witness to answer the answer he wants, and the way he treats them is so "heroic" in contrast to Mr. Gilmer who I feel is portrayed as the villain. The way he speaks and acts towards the witnesses. ""You felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for her?" (124) Mr. Gilmer seemed ready to rise to the ceiling." A prime example,