Life Lessons

For Jem and Scout, racism from there peers, neighbors, and friends are something that they have to learn to deal with. Like after Tom Robinson's trial when Atticus says to Jem, "I don't know but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it--it seems that only children weep. Goodnight." (Pg. 213) Jem is deeply troubled by the court ruling, he was so sure that they would aquitt him that he couldn't believe the sentencing. He simply doesn't understand why they would convict this man when he was so clearly innocent.

Another lesson Jem and Scout learn, or Atticus tries to teach them, is that they are from a higher class. That the Finches are among higher social standards. They are all well educated, you can recall far back in their family tree, and they don't have cross-breeding. "...son, you know you're a Finch don't you?" (Pg. 133) As Atticus says to Jem trying to tell him that the Finches are.. different then the regular people of Maycomb.