To_Kill_a_Mockingbird

In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee the character Jem Finch shows that even children are affected and recognize the acts of racism but are still able to keep self-morals. Within the small Southern town of Maycomb Jem, a young boy battles against racism, justice, and bravery. Not until the end of the novel does he better understand his world and the racial prejudices set against everyone. Therefore becomes a closer to being a man. One incidence in this novel of which the young boy reacts to racism is when he comes in contact with Mrs. Dubose's white azaleas. The white flowers can be thought of as representing racism on behalf of the whites, because the colour of the azaleas. Jem attacks the flowers, signifying that he's in combat against racism. Mrs. Dubose being racist is a prime example of someone with a closed mind, of which Jem is set against. " Thought you could kill my Snow-on-the-mountains did you' Well Jessie says' the top's growing back out. Next time you'll know how to do it right won't you'" (Lee, 110) Although he did ruin her flowers. He was made to grow them back. This shows that racism can't be changed quickly. That it is infact much deeper rooted. Jem in this situation and before, was still naive. Whenever Scout questions Jem about racism, he become moody which is due to the fact that his young mind is still trying to sort the issue out. Later in this novel he becomes more aware of all the members of the society and how they act, and that their views are much different from his own. Justice by definition means judicial fairness. At this part in the novel, Atticus is defending Tom Robinson in his case. Fairness is not something Tom would receive. Jem is devastated upon realizing how truly unfair his community is, when he realizes justice does not always prevail, Jem begins to question humanity. " If there's just one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each other' If they're all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other' Scout, I'm beginning to understand something.I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house all this time... It's because he wants to stay inside." (Lee,227) Jem eventually establishes a better understanding for mankind. He does not however loose his self-morals. He remains true to the promise he made to his father. The commitment for justice to all people. Jem learns very powerful lessons from his father that summer, particularly on bravery and justice. After Atticus shoots the rabid dog, Jem learns that guns don't make a man brave but when "You know know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway, and you see it through no matter what."(Lee,112) Jem was sent to read to Mrs. Dubose after destroying her lovely plants. During this time he discovers true bravery. Mrs. Dubose is battling an addiction with morphine, which she had chose to quit for herself in order to be true to herself until death. So that she won't be addicted to anything for when she dies. She will be her own person, not strapped down by a addiction. Jem shows bravery early in the book when he doesn't leave Atticus's side at the jailhouse. In the end Jem understands the meaning of bravery. Are children able to cope with the darker secrets of humankind' Yes, many times, they are. In Jem's case he discovers the truth behind prejudice and racism the harsh but truth behind, " All men are created equally" and real bravery. All the while he never loses faith in his father and keeps his self-morals, he grows both mentally and physically throughout the novel. The experiences made Jem calmer and ready for the harsh realities of life.