In
"" by ,certainly does not having something symbolize him in the manner that Lee
employs the mockingbird to symbolize Tom Robinson and . However, if the reader must assign a
symbol for him, perhaps a storm could represent Jem, whose mercurial nature clearly manifests
itself during his puberty.
Jem is much more emotionally responsive to
situations than . For instance, he is often exasperated with Scout and asks her in brotherly
fashion to stay away from him and not talk to him at school. Always eager to please his father,
he also wishes to defend him and overreacts when men come into the front yard one evening before
the trial. When the verdict for Tom Robinson is given, Jem is adversely affected, both
emotionally and rationally; he cannot understand how a guilty charge can be given. This
disillusionment brings dark clouds of melancholy upon him, and Jem is greatly disappointed in
people. Nevertheless, the clouds of disillusionment part and Jem becomes a wisened and more
mature young man.
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