Chapters 14 & 15: What happens in this chapter that causes a fight between Jem and Scout? What does this reveal about their relationship? How is this furthered later in the chapter when Dill arrives? (Rhys Polcari)
Scout’s inability to adjust to Aunt Alexandra’s decisions for what is best for the family eventually creates a fight between Scout and Jem. After Aunt Alexandra hears about Atticus allowing them to go to church with Calpurnia, she questions Atticus’ parenting skills. Later on, Jem claims that Scout should “try not to antagonize Aunty” (Lee 156) because Atticus has “got a lot on his mind now, without us worrying him” (Lee 156). Jem feels that Scout should obey Aunt Alexandra’s requests to take pressure off of Atticus. Scout then takes Jem’s suggestion as offensive as she feel she shouldn’t have to change what she does on a regular basis because of Aunt Alexandra’s presence. Scout and Jem result in fighting. This reveals that as Jem is growing up, he becomes embarrassed of Scout based on the people around him. For example, when Jem is around his friends at school with Scout dressed dirtily, he is embarrassed. The same instance connects to Scouts' normal behavior with Aunt Alexandra. Jem’s maturity makes a great change in their relationship. Their relationship has further parted when Dill arrives as Jem branches off from the group, while Scout and Dill go play. Perhaps Jem no longer feels welcome in their childish games. Overall, Scout and Jem result in fighting because Scout refuses to change her natural self with the residence of Aunt Alexandra.
Jem and Scout had a fight towards the end of chapter 14 because Jem feels more mature now that he is almost a teenager and feels that he has more superiority over Scout. He is ashamed of her when he is with his friends and Scout is dressed dirtily, and he thinks that he also has the responsibility to shout at her when she has done something wrong. Although he is growing and maturing, such as being called "mister" or not wanting to associate with Scout because she is younger, Scout thinks that it is unfair that he gets this power over her.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Scout and Aunt Alexandra never got along to begin with, so it makes sense that she is not happy when she moves in. This just leads to her being unhappy and defying rules, which, in turn leads to fights. Scout is obviously upset, and she even tries to blame the fight on Jem; "Jem [started it]. He was tryin' to tell me what to do." This all leads me to believe that Aunt Alexandra was the main root of this fight even if it may not seem like it.
ReplyDeleteJem doesn't play with Dill and Scout anymore because he thinks it's too childish. he instead spends his days reading. This shows how he's starting to understand the world around him, unlike Scout. This is further manifested when Jem is concerned about Atticus. His concern shows how he is not oblivious to what is going on with Tom Robinson.
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