Please provide evidence that shows how Jem seems to be more mature and wiser than Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Jem is four years older than Scout, and he catches on to things more quickly and comprehends more than she does. Whenever something intense happens, he usually has his wits about him and can think through the situation before reacting. In fact, Jem shows his maturity and wisdom on Scout's first day of school when she's beating up poor little Walter Cunningham for something that happened during class. Jem walks in as Scout is "rubbing his nose in the dirt." He says, "You're bigger'n he is" (22). Then he stops her and invites Walter over to have lunch with them. This is very kind of Jem and shows that he has more mature social skills than Scout does.

Another good skill that Jem has developed is to look to his father for advice and an example of how to behave. For example, during Miss Maudie's house fire, the children witness some intense events, such as Mr. Avery getting stuck in a window for a minute. Scout is scared, but Jem shows his maturity in the following way:

"'Don't worry, Scout, it ain't time to worry yet,' said Jem. He pointed. 'Looka yonder.'

"In a group of neighbors, Atticus was standing with his hands in his overcoat pockets. He might have been watching a football game. Miss Maudie was beside him. 'See there, he's not worried yet. . . Let's don't pester him, he'll know when it's time,' said Jem" (70).

As Jem recognizes his father's calm demeanor, he has learned he can also remain calm and take care of Scout.

One final example of Jem showing maturity and wisdom beyond Scout's abilities is when Aunt Alexandra comes to live with them. Scout butts heads with her constantly, which causes more conflict in the house. Jem, seeing that he could make a difference in the situation, attempts to speak with Scout about it:

"Scout, try not to antagonize Aunty, hear? . . . It's this Tom Robinson case that's worryin' him to death. . . Now I mean it, Scout, you antagonize Aunty and I'll—I'll spank you" (138).

Scout only sees that the relationship with her brother is becoming unequal and she fights him over this. He seems to be acting more like a father than a brother and this doesn't sit well with her, but it does show Jem's understanding and compassion for adults and what they are dealing with in life far beyond what Scout understands.