To Kill A Mockingbird Essay - Character Analysis of Jem Finch

German Finch. What can you say about him? Well, you can say that he is a pretty great character. In the next couple pages, I'll tell you just why this is. I'll also explain my views on this important literary figure. So sit back, relax, and get ready for the "A&E Biography" of German Finch (Well, not really A&E Biography, but good anyway).

German Finch, otherwise known as Jem, was a key figure in the book "To Kill A Mockingbird." This "co-star" of the book is in his teenage years and was mentioned in the first paragraph of the book. This type of literary action is usually used to signify a special role in the story. He was introduced as Scout Finch's brother who broke his arm at an early age in his life.

He is also introduced as liking sports at an earl age. This tells us that he is very outgoing. This is important because throughout the story Jem and Scout get into trouble involving being physically fit. For example, when German jumped the fence to get away from the brother of Boo Radley, it's a good thing he was physically fit otherwise he could have ripped a little more than just his pants.

ically fit, I think, made Scout want to look up to Jem even more. Seeing as Scout enjoys physical activities herself, having an older relative in her immediate family gives her more to do. In that way, the story involves the two children in their adventures, not just Scout.

Another big help to "The Jem Reformation" was the whole ordeal with Mrs. Dubose. There is no apparent mystery about Mrs. Dubose, but in some ways she is just as intimidating as Boo Radley ever was. The old lady sits on her front porch in her wheelchair and makes nasty remarks as the children pass by. One day, in addition to her usual insults, Mrs. Dubose taunts Jem and Scout for having a father who makes his living "lawing for niggers." Jem has been able to take worse than this from children his own age, but these words coming from an adult try his self-control beyond endurance. On his way back from downtown, Jem slashes the buds off all of Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes.

Jem, I think, is portrayed perfectly to be a brother to scout. He is almost too real for this book! If you look at it, Jem acts in ways and does things that most older brothers do to their smaller, weaker siblings; in this case a sister. Basically, he acts like he can do anything and act he wants to her. In some parts of the story, Jem is loving, kind, and gentle with the younger Scout. This is shown mostly in the beginning of "To Kill A Mockingbird." Take for example towards the time when Dill arrives. He's great before he arrives and even better when Dill just comes. Dill, Jem, and Scout form a strong bond. They start to do mischievous acts together. Here comes Jem's fall from grace.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Jem Scout, Boo Radley, German Finch, Jem Dill, Dill Scout, Kill Mockingbird, Jem Reformation, Tom Robinson, Scout Jem, Scout Finch's, boo radley, german finch, jem scout, jem reformation, kill mockingbird, physically fit, german finch say, finch say, a&e biography, mischievous acts, jem dill, beginning kill mockingbird, boo radley actually,
Approximate Word count = 1330
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)