What do you think of Atticus's rule: "You mind Jem whenever he can make you?" What problems might it cause and what advantages does such a rule have?

"'Who started it?' asked Atticus, in resignation.

'Jem did. He was tryin' to tell me what to do. I don't have to mind him now, do I?'

Atticus smiled. 'Let's leave it at this: you mind Jem whenever he can make you. Fair enough?'" (138).

This new declaration of policy between Jem and Scout helps to even the playing field in a way. Jem is older and more mature, but Atticus knows that it is difficult to obey a sibling. In this case, Jem had taken Scout aside to reason with her about not ruffling Aunt Alexandra's feathers. He may have persuaded Scout to mind him in this endeavor had he not said that he would spank her the next time she behaved that way. Jem will have to "make" Scout mind him in clever ways, not physical ones. If, however, Jem does resort to using physical means to "make" Scout mind him, he knows that she will fight back--and there was at least one time she was able to land a strong punch on him. Be that as it may, Jem is still older and stronger. If he became truly upset, he could hurt Scout pretty badly if he ever resorted to physical violence to make her mind.

Fortunately, Atticus must trust Jem not to physically hurt Scout, even if he does threaten it. Atticus must also know that tempers flare, but his kids tend to get over it pretty quickly, too. In the end, this ambiguous rule leaves the sibling relationship in the hands of the brother and sister who must now work together more effectively if they are to get along. Fortunately, Jem never takes advantage of his physical advantage over his sister and this rule never really has to be addressed again.