In this essay I will be exploring the relationship between Jem and Scout in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Throughout the prose we, as readers see Jem and Scout mature and grow. They live in the Southern American town of Maycomb “ladies bathed before noon, after their three o’clock naps, and by nightfall they were like soft teacakes with frostings of sweat and sweet talcum”. This quotation portrays Maycomb as luxurious but also boring especially for the two main protagonists Scout and her brother Jem. Lee lived in Alabama as a child in a town called Monroeville, her father was also a lawyer with this in mind I helps the reader to view the novel as realistic.

Throughout the prose Lee presents that Jem’s moods and emotions change and fluctuate “Jem stayed moody and silent for a week.. So I left Jem alone and tried not to bother him.” This quotation presents Jem as temperamental. In addition Lee highlights Scout as mature and polite as she respects Jem’s privacy and sees it right to leave him as it will cause them to argue. Lee uses this lexis so Scout and the reader can reflect on how bored Scout was and how much she needs Jem in her daily life. The context of the quotation presents Scout as being older than her years as many ten year olds would annoy their brothers to spite him. Whereas she does not showing that she has an abundance of respect and love for her older brother.

Lee presents the relationship between Jem and Scout in many different ways including characterisation. In the first section of the novel, we see Jem and Scout grow closer as they perform and recite plays alongside their newly found companion, Dill. Lee includes this to show that unlike many modern sibling pairs, the two protagonists get on and enjoy time with each other “ the summer passed…running through our list of dramas.” Over the course of the novels summer months Lee presents Jem and Scouts relationship as closer and that with the help of a new friend their relationship has blossomed into one of mutual compassion and respect.

Jem and scouts relationship is displayed through the theme familyJem and Scout see their best friend Dill runaway from his parents as they “wen’t paying attention” to him. This makes the children realise how privileged they are to have each other to fall back and depend on. In addition this enlightens the reader, as we also review the children's relationship and how fortunate they are,not to only have a father like Atticus but that they have each other. This again highlights the close relationship the children share as Lee compares it to a bad relationship.

Scout looks up to Jem and thinks very highly of him-“ Jem was a born hero” Lee’s lexical choice here influences the reader to make inferences upon the children's profound, simple relationship by using a simple and short sentence. The lexis also conveys how young and how innocent Scout is as she cannot see the bad in her brother,The theme of innocence is significant in the presentation of scout and how that effects jem’s relationship.

Jem, being the older sibling, feels a responsibility to watch over and care for Scout. This theme of responsibility is seen throughout the prose for example when Miss Maudie’s house is on fire Atticus tells Jem “not to let Scout out of his sight.” He took her outside the Radley place and comforted her by saying “aint no time to worry yet.” This lexical choice conveys Jem as mature and caring. He adapts well to situations, when Atticus ask’s him to do a serious task he immediately becomes more mature. In addition, Lees use of lexis conveys that because Atticus is at work most of the time he feels he needs to step in and take a fatherly role as it is best for Scouts well-being as their close relationship dictates that he should care for her.This Conveys another angle of the children's close relationship as one of fatherly love and affection.

When Jem and Scout start school together Lee presents the sibling relationship as typical because Jem is embarrassed by his sister “Jem was careful to explain that during school hours I was not to bother him.” This quote emphasizes Jem’s embarrassment with Scout but also portrays the theme of hierarchy within the novel. In addition Jem disappoints Scout with this remark as the reader remembers Scouts excitement to enroll in school. The lexis additionally shows Scout as upset and scared that the school may affect her and Jem’s relationship.

The children have to grow up very quickly as they exploited by Maycomb’s racist community. “We laughed”haints hot steam “ This quotations shows that what they were frightened by a year ago now makes them laugh. Lee is presenting how much the children have matured and grown up together throughout the prose by using structure; she writes the prose in two parts. In the first they learn many important lessons that the then apply in the second.
In addition the quotation conveys this has caused them to take a mature on look of their relationship as they argue much else during the second section of the novel as they have matured and the siblings have a mutual respect for each other.

When Jem is reading to Mrs Dubose it is not mandatory for Scout to accompany him nevertheless she does.Through this Lee presents scout as maturing as she is taking a mature on look on the situation; stepping into Jem’s shoes. She realises that if she was in that predicament she would want someone to accompany her. Lee is displaying her as a very kind, thoughtful and innocent character. Conveying that she loves Jem and will risk Mrs Dubose’s profanities to make Jem happier.

When the children are attacked Jem nominates himself to be the father figure again, putting Scout’s safety before his own. “run Scout! Run! Run!” Lee uses this short syntax to portray the fear and emotion Jem is feeling for Scout because he wants to protect her. Lee uses short sentences to highlight the severity and scariness of the situation. This also displays to the reader how much Jem wants Scout to be safe, he sees her as the most vulnerable therefore her wants her to protect her, like any older brother would.

Lee presents the relationship between Jem and Scout through the theme of the mockingbird, as Jem protect’s Scout and in turn gets hurt. This portrays his as a mockingbird. He was only protecting his sister or “singing his heart out” when his arm was viciously broken my Bob Ewell showing That he has “shot” the metaphorical mockingbird. He saves Scout because he loves her, not for any recognition he cares not for his safety but for his sisters. This again conveys that he is a great brother and Lee does everything in his power to cement the readers view on this.

In conclusion Lee presents the relationship between Jem and Scout as an unbelievably strong and a very unique and special one. They have endured many experiences that have changed their lives path and their on look on life. There is no doubt that they are incredibly close. Nevertheless this isn’t surprising as there are no other children in maycomb for them to play or converse with. Therefore, I can infer from this that jem and scout have a typical love-hate relationship and Harper Lee conveys this very well.