How is Jem maturing physically and emotionally in these chapters? (Dana Yesson)

Jem demonstrates physical maturity when he brags about growing body hair and getting taller, and is emotionally maturing when talking with Scout and Atticus more seriously and knowledgeably. When talking to Atticus and Scout about the Tom Robinson case and the court in general, Jem speaks up very often asking questions, and being a lot less childish than we’ve seen him before. “You actually put on the jury a man who wanted to kill you the night before?”... “you take such a risk, Atticus, how could you?” (Lee, 254). Here Jem sounds a lot more grown up than anything at the start of the book, and he isn’t arguing with Atticus, he’s listening and learning from him. Jem matures physically after Scout cries because Aunt Alexandra and Atticus don’t want Walter Cunningham over at the house. He brags that he’s got armpit and chest hair and that he’s “got it all figured out” when it comes to the type of people in Maycomb County. Scout even notices the change, “eyebrow becoming heavier... slimness about his body… He was growing taller.” (Lee, 257). Jem’s overall changes to thoughts, ideas, and figure make him very different from what he used to be like, and maturity has sure stuck him.