By uncovering the truth about others in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem and Atticus signify that ambition is required to understand human behavior. While passing Boo Radley’s house, Jem has the aspiration to give a note to Radley in order to comprehend his actions and find out the truth about him. Jem has to work for Mrs. Dubose and his eagerness leads him to discover and understand the truth behind her thoughts. At Tom Robinson’s trial, it may seem that Atticus doesn’t use his ambition to reveal the true intentions of Mayella, so he can acknowledge them. Jem and Atticus have the desire to unveil the truth about others in order to understand their actions, while Jem demonstrates his determination to figure out and disclose Radley’s …show more content…
Near Radley’s house, Jem decides to make a bold decision. He wants “to give a note to Boo Radley” asking him “to come out sometimes” so he can talk to Radley (Lee 52). Jem is passionate about meeting Radley so he can reveal and recognize his true behavior, along with the reason why Radley isolates himself. Determined to understand Radley’s actions, Jem needs to uncover the truth about him and is also eager to unveil the truth about Mrs. Dubose and her thoughts while comprehending them. After working for Mrs. Dubose, Jem is committed to uncovering and being conscious of the legitimate reasons for her actions. Jem goes to his father, Atticus, for an inquiry regarding Mrs. Dubose. Being “perplexed” Jem asks Atticus “why” Miss. Dubose is the way she is, in which Atticus says that she “was a morphine addict” who quit showing “real courage” (Lee 127-128). Jem’s ambition pushed him to understand Mrs. Dubose and disclose the truth behind her unusual way of thinking. Having the aspiration to uncover the truth, Jem understands why Mrs. Dubose makes certain actions, but Atticus is questioned when it seems like he doesn’t use his ambition when uncovering the truth about Mayella to understand her