Jem shows maturity and growth throughout the novel. In chapter two of the book, it is Scout’s first day of school and she has a disagreement with the new teacher Miss Caroline. Scout let the teacher know she made a mistake trying to offer Walter Cunningham lunch money when he doesn't have any. Scout tells her Walter will not take the money because he isn't able to pay it back. Scout is punished by Miss Caroline. (Lee,23) Scout knocks Walter down on the playground and begins to wrestle with him because she got in trouble. Jem stops the fight. In chapter twenty one, Jem’s father, Atticus, talked about the Cunningham’s not having money but knew they always paid their debts somehow. Jem understands that Walter is stuck in this family situation and there isn't much he can do. He knows he should be treated with respect instead of fighting with him. Jem invites Walter home to share their lunch because he does not have anything to eat. “That’s okay ma’am, you’ll get to know all of the country folks after a while. The Cunninghams never took anything that they can’t pay back - no church baskets and no scrip stamps. They never took anything off of anybody, they get along on …show more content…
Initially Scout does everything she can to get her out of the house. When Walter comes to her house for dinner, Scout criticizes Walter for pouring molasses all over his food, and Calpurnia yells at Scout. After Walter leaves, Scout asks Atticus to fire Calpurnia because she yelled at her. Atticus does not fire her. (Lee,182-183) “Jem said suddenly grinned at him. ‘Come on home to dinner with us, Walter,’ he said. … We’d be glad to have you.” Walter’s face brightened then darkened.” (Lee p. 30). Walter interrupted the conversation to ask if there was any molasses in the house. He then poured it all over his meat and