One example of Jem's innocence can be found in Chapter 7
following the sealing of the children's secret knothole. Jem naturally believed Nathan
Radley when he told Jem that he was cementing the tree because it was diseased. After
all, Boo's brother was an adult and should be trusted. However, Jem learned from Atticus
that the tree was perfectly healthy, and Jem soon realized that he had been lied to. Jem
saw that Nathan's true reason was simply to prevent Boo from making any further contact
with the children.
He stood there until nightfall, and I waited for
him. When we went in the house, I saw he had been crying; his face was dirty in the
right places, but I thought it odd that I had not heard him. (Scout, Chapter
7)
Another example can be
found when Jem discovers Atticus' marksmanship skills. Both children had come to the
conclusion that Atticus was "feeble" with no special skills. Jem's discovery that
"One-Shot" Finch was the best shot in the county opened his eyes to new possibilities of
his father's character.
"I reckon if he'd wanted us to know it, he'da
told us. If he was proud of it, he'da told us.
"Naw, Scout, it's something
you wouldn't understand..." (Jem, Chapter
10)
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