TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD QUESTION

Jem and Atticus's relationship is based on love and respect. Atticus affords his son the personal responsibility to make mistakes and learn from them. From an early age, Jem not only looks up to his father but tries to remain worthy of his father's respect. When Atticus loses the Tom Robinson case, Jem cries. He cries for the loss of decency that he felt would override people's racism. He cries because the law, which Atticus cherishes, could not protect the innocent.