Question

In To Kill A Mockingbird chapter 7 Jem has two watches: the one from the tree and the one from his father. What kinds of symbols are these watches? What might they symbolize in the novel?

Answer 1

Answer: The two watches symbolize the children's connection with both their father and Boo Radley. Moreover, the watch that Atticus gives to Jem is an attempt to establish trust between a father and a son.

 

Explanation:

The story of "To Kill a Mockingbird" is centered around the Finch family, which consists of a father, Atticus, and his two children, Jem and Scout. In the fictional town of Maycomb where they live, rumors are circulating about a mysterious neighbor who never leaves his house, Boo Radley. Having heard these stories, the children are afraid of him, but it later turns out that he is a kind person who helps Scout and Jem when they are attacked.

Radley leaves various presents for Scout and Jem in a tree, among which is the watch. This is his way to connect with the children and prove them that he is trustworthy, since he cannot approach them directly due to all the rumors surrounding him. Similarly, Atticus gives Jem the pocket watch that has been passed down from generation to generation in the Finch family. With this gift, Atticus shows him that he trusts him enough to give him this family treasure. This present indicates that Jem has grown up and matured.