2.) Atticus tells Jem: “So far nothing in your life has interfered with your reasoning process.” What is he talking about?

In this passage Atticus is stating that Jem really is his own person. Jem has lived in the Finch household his whole life and Atticus is above all things a just man. Even when he disagrees with Jem about an issue he doesn’t just state he disagrees and moves on, he shows Jem his own train of thinking and in that manner lets Jem agree with him only if he actually does. Atticus has made great effort to let his children form their own opinions, which is why Aunt Alexandra is having such a difficult time with Scout; she is trying to impose her own views on Scout.

If you grow up in a Democratic household your are more likely to be a democrat, just the same as if you are raised in a Republican household you tend to be a Republican. This is why there are so many racists in Maycomb County. They grew up in a household where their parents and relatives believed they where better then the colored folks.  It’s the reason the Ewells always stay the same, when Uncle Jack comes to visit and talks with Atticus about the court case and Atticus asks if Jack is Acquainted with the Ewells [117]. “Uncle Jack said yes he remembered them. He described them to Atticus, but Atticus said, “ you’re a generation off. The present one’s are the same though”. The Ewells don’t change because they are all raised the same way and are not given any chance to form their own opinions. Jem lives in Atticus’s house though and Atticus is vehement on Jem and Scout forming their own opinions. This is why Jem does not understand the racism displayed by the jury. Jem has been raised to form his own opinions using logic and his good heart. This passage is ultimately about Atticus making Jem realize that he has been raised with as little biased as possible.