Jem uses the metaphor of a caterpillar in a cocoon to describe his feelings. According to him in what way is he like a caterpillar in a cocoon? What feeling is he struggling with and how does it relate to the trial and the town of Maycomb? What does the c

Jem was staring at his half-eaten cake. “It’s like bein‘ a caterpillar in a cocoon, that’s what it is,” he said. “Like somethin’ asleep wrapped up in a warm place. I always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, least that’s what they seemed like.”

Jem feels like a caterpillar in a cocoon because he's been protected.... kept innocent. He's struggling with the actions of the people in Maycomb..... people he thought he knew, people he believed to be good people..... fair people. The caterpillar symbolizes Jem's innocence..... an innicence he loses a bit more each day.