Scout becomes aware of changes in her older brother's moods and appetite in chapter 12. She finds these changes difficult to handle and wonders if they might be the result of having a tapeworm. After getting her feelings hurt when Jem tells her to start "bein‘ a girl," Scout asks for help from Calpurnia. In her response to Scout, Calpurnia refers to Jem as "Mister Jem." Calpurnia informs Scout that the changes occurring in Jem can be attributed to him getting older. She explains that Jem may seek more time alone, in which case Scout is welcome to spend time with Calpurnia. Her change in the way she addresses Jem shows that Calpurnia is acknowledging Jem's growth and status in the family. She shows respect by referring to him as "Mister Jem."
In chapter 12, Scout takes note of the way Calpurnia begins to address Jem. Jem is growing up and hitting puberty at the beginning of the chapter, and Scout mentions that her brother seems to have acquired an "alien set of values" overnight. Calpurnia begins addressing Jem as "Mister Jem," and Scout asks Calpurnia why she is acting differently towards her brother. Calpurnia attempts to explain to Scout that Jem is growing up and tells Scout that Jem is going to want more space. Cal then offers Scout an opportunity to keep her company while Jem is out "doin’ whatever boys do." Essentially, Calpurnia recognizes that Jem is hitting puberty and becoming a young man, which is why she starts addressing him as "Mister Jem" and giving him more space. She also realizes that Scout will get lonely and offers to keep her company whenever Jem is playing with Dill.
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