h the progressive education of John Dewey. This is another occasion in the early part of the novel when Jem's explanations turn out to be amusingly inaccurate. Nevertheless, Jem gives his little sister the support when she needs it. In contrast, however, to Jem's older brother description, he tends to be a bit on the domineering side towards Scout. This shows throughout the novel as Jem continuously reprimands Scout and tells her what to do. For instance, when Scout finds the piece of gum in the Oak tree near the Radley place and eats it, Jem tells her, "Don't eat things you find, Scout"(33). Jem then demands she "spit it out right now!"(33). Another example of dominance is expressed when Atticus and Aunt Alexandra are arguing over Calpurnia. Jem tells Scout, "Try not to antagonize Aunty, hear?"(137). Scout responds with," Jee crawling hova, Jem! Who do you think you are?"(138). Jem demandingly replies, "Now I mean it, Scout, you antagonize Aunty and I'll – I'll spank you"(138). Understandably, Jem thinks he is only acting as an older brother and protector would towards his little sister. Conversely, this causes tension as well as complexity for Scout, who listens to her brother and reluctantly does as she is told, but despises him for his actions.
Another tension and complexity that arises between Scout and Jem is the difference in gender. In the beginning of the novel, Jem treats Scout as his equal and doesn't truly identify Scout as being a girl. However, there is, in the world that Jem and Scout inhabit
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