Initial Fear and Curiosity:
* Early Stages: Jem, like most children in Maycomb, is initially terrified of Boo. The rumors and myths surrounding him paint a picture of a monstrous, dangerous creature.
* Curiosity Takes Hold: As Jem matures, his fear gives way to a morbid fascination. He, along with Scout and Dill, become obsessed with Boo, creating elaborate games and stories about him.
Shifting Perception:
* Acts of Kindness: The children start finding small, mysterious gifts left for them by Boo. These acts of kindness gradually chip away at their fear and begin to humanize him in their eyes.
* Protecting the Children: When Jem's pants are ripped on the fence while trying to retrieve Boo's lost gift, Boo secretly sews them back together. This further softens Jem's perception, highlighting Boo's caring nature.
* Boo's Role in the Attack: When Bob Ewell attacks Jem and Scout, it's Boo who steps in to save them, fatally injuring Ewell in the process. This act of ultimate heroism shatters Jem's previous notions of Boo completely.
Final Understanding and Acceptance:
* Boo as a Real Person: Jem finally recognizes Boo as a real person, not a monster. He realizes that Boo was always misunderstood and afraid of the world, leading him to isolate himself.
* Compassion and Gratitude: Jem feels immense compassion for Boo and is deeply grateful for his bravery. He understands Boo's need for privacy and respects his choice to remain unseen.
Conclusion:
Jem's journey from fear to understanding and acceptance of Boo Radley is central to the novel's themes of prejudice and compassion. Through Jem's evolving perspective, Harper Lee shows how easily fear and misinformation can distort our view of others and how empathy and understanding can lead to profound change.