Character Analysis of Jem Finch

Adventurous

Courageous

Character Analysis of Jem Finch

Symbol

Bio Poem

The camelia is a symbol of courage because it was given to Jem by Mrs. Dubose, who Atticus says “was the bravest person [he] ever knew” (Lee 149). When Bob Ewell attacked Jem and Scout he bravely protected her. When she fell and caused Jem to fall as well but “he was up like lighting and pulling [her] with him” (Lee 351). The camellias are stubborn and to get rid of, much like Jem’s spirit. Mrs. Dubose mentions that to get of the camellias, you have to “pull it up by the roots” (Lee 146). Jem exhibits great perseverance when he continues to defend Atticus even though almost everybody in the town is insulting him.

Jem

Adventurous, athletic, courageous, loyal

Brother of Scout

Lover of football, family, adventure

Who feels confused, disappointed, frustrated

Who needs the advice of Atticus, justice, hope

Who fears his loved ones getting hurt, disappointing Atticus, becoming racist

Who gives support, protection, friendship

Who would like to see Tom alive, Bob Ewell in jail, Boo Radley

Resident of Maycomb

Finch

Jeremy Finch

Connection

Color

Even though Scout is the main character and narrator, Jem is probably the character that grows the most in the novel. Scout is too young to understand many of the events that occur, but Jem is the perfect age to comprehend what is going on. He matures throughout the course of the novel. In the beginning, he is full of bravado and show. It is clear that what people think of him is important to him, as he succumbs to completing a dare because Scout and Dill tease him (Lee 17). As the novel progresses, we see he starts to care less of what people think of him and more of doing what is right. An example of this is when Dill runs away from home, it is Jem that notifies Atticus of this. Scout even says that in doing so, “he broke the remaining code of [their] childhood” (Lee 187-188). Even though Dill and Scout ignore him, Jem stands by his decision. Jem now sees things from a broader and more logical perspective than he did in the beginning.

Jem Finch is the brother of Scout Finch, the narrator. He was born and rased in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. He is protective of his sister and has a deep respect of his father.

The color green properly represents Jem Finch. Green symbolizes growth and throughout the novel, Jem grows as a person. He learns the true nature of the world, and although he is at first overwhelmed by its harshness, he learns to overcome it. In the beginning of the book, Jem can be regarded as inconsiderate at times, but he slowly becomes more compassionate. Scout says that he “was becoming almost as good as Atticus at making you feel right when things went wrong” (Lee 347), which is a huge step up from who he was in the beginning.

Literary Mandala

Light Side

Character Traits

• Dog: loyal
• Daisy: innocent and cheerful
• Red: active
• Amethyst: strength
• Spiral: growing, changing
• Nine: courage

Adventurous

Courageous

It is clear from the start that Jem has a thirst for adventure, whether it's trying to draw out the mysterious Boo Radley or learning how to shoot. He acts as the instigator of many of the summer escapades in the book. He is the one that thought to play the game “Boo Radley” so they could create new scenarios about their neighbor (Lee 51). He is always looking for something exciting to do, like playing football.

In the beginning of the novel, Jem runs to go touch the Radley house just because “in all his life Jem, had never declined a dare” (Lee 16). He wants to impress those around him with his bravery so he uses bravado to do so. Another example of his bravery is when Jem chose to stay at the jailhouse despite the danger it posed to protect Atticus. Even though Atticus tells him to go home, he refuses to, and Scout says about Atticus and Jem that “mutual defiance made them alike” (Lee 203). He is adamant that he will defend his loved ones no matter the cost.

Dark Side

• Wolf: prefers to be alone
• Wormwood: sadness, disappointment
• Blue: sadness
• Citrine: weakness
• Square: conformity
• One: ego