Jem and Scout's treatment of Walter

[MsElliott]

Contrast the difference in the way Jem and Scout treat Walter. What does this show about the difference between Jem and Scout at this point in the novel?

[georgiadp]

Jem sees Walter as a fellow friend and he treats him in a respectable way because he invites him back to their house. Whereas Scout doesn't treat him with respect and she tends to judge him (for example when he put mellasas on his food). They both show differences in maturity as Jem is older and more experienced so he may have more knowledge.

[nataliasimic]

Jem acted as a true gentleman and views walter as a friend and acts kindly towards him by asking him for dinner, although Scout is aggressive towards him and views him in a lower class to them and even makes him feel insecure when he pours syrup on his meal. This shows that Jem has a better understanding of the Cunningham's situation than Scout does and knows how to properly treat a guest no matter what status they have.

[amysutherland]

Oct 16, 2015 1:12:07 GMT nataliasimic said:

Jem acted as a true gentleman and views walter as a friend and acts kindly towards him by asking him for dinner, although Scout is aggressive towards him and views him in a lower class to them and even makes him feel insecure when he pours syrup on his meal. This shows that Jem has a better understanding of the Cunningham's situation than Scout does and knows how to properly treat a guest no matter what status they have.

Scout also isn't used to the school setting, she is getting to know her society in a different way. Gem is already experienced at this. Scout has probably picked up her behaviours from people in Maycomb, but this isn't the way the Finch's live.

[tyllerfischer]

Oct 16, 2015 0:45:22 GMT georgiadp said:

Jem sees Walter as a fellow friend and he treats him in a respectable way because he invites him back to their house. Whereas Scout doesn't treat him with respect and she tends to judge him (for example when he put mellasas on his food). They both show differences in maturity as Jem is older and more experienced so he may have more knowledge.

As Scout is so young and quite ignorant, she doesn't yet understand that judging others by what she sees or hears isn't 100% accurate. Instead of hiding her judgement, she also voices it out loud not understanding that it may hurt Walter's feelings or make him feel uncomfortable. The fact that he is so poor, and therefore starving, means that if food is in front of him, whatever it may be, he will drown in it as he may not see it again for a while. Scout doesn't understand this as she hasn't been exposed to it and therefore finds it weird and foreign. Jem, however, is older and knows more about respect and not hurting others people's feelings.