Question

When Walter caught up with us, Jem made pleasant conversation with him. A haint lives there, he said cordially, pointing to the Radley house. Ever hear about him, Walter?. Reckon I have, said Walter. Almost died first year I come to school and et them pecans"folks say he pizened ˜em and put em over on the school side of the fence. Jem seemed to have little fear of Boo Radley now that Walter and I walked beside him. Indeed, Jem grew boastful: I went all the way up to the house once, he said to Walter. Anybody who went up to the house once oughta not to still run every time he passes it, I said to the clouds above. And whos runnin˜, Miss Priss? You are, when aint anybody with you. By the time we reached our front steps Walter had forgotten he was a Cunningham. Jem ran to the kitchen and asked Calpurnia to set an extra plate, we had company.

(In to kill A mockingbird) In this passage, what can a reader infer about Jem?
A. He is trying to act tougher than he really is.
B. He strongly dislikes Walter but hides it.
C. He is Scouts younger brother.
D. He is the head of the household.

Answer 1

In the passage, Jem's boastful behavior, such as claiming to have gone up to the Radley house and challenging Scout's perception of him running, suggests that he is attempting to present himself as more fearless and confident than he may genuinely feel. This portrayal aligns with the inference that he is trying to project a tougher image. The correct answer is A. He is trying to act tougher than he really is.

In this passage from "To Kill a Mockingbird," Jem's boastful demeanor, boasting about approaching the Radley house and challenging Scout, implies an attempt to present himself as braver than he may truly feel. The inference is that he is striving to act tougher, possibly to dispel any lingering fears about Boo Radley.

His demeanor suggests a desire to showcase courage and maturity, especially in front of Walter and Scout. This facade of toughness may be driven by a mix of peer influence, the desire to impress others, and the need to overcome the spooky reputation of Boo Radley in their neighborhood.

Option A is correct.