Please Help To Kill A Mockingbird question.
1. What does jem mean when he says "That's what I thought, too," he said at last, "when I was your age. If there's just one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each other? If they're all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other? Scout, I think I'm beginning to understand something. I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house all this time . . . it's because he wants to stay inside."

Question

Please Help To Kill A Mockingbird question.
1. What does jem mean when he says "That's what I thought, too," he said at last, "when I was your age. If there's just one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each other? If they're all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other? Scout, I think I'm beginning to understand something. I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house all this time . . . it's because he wants to stay inside."

anonymous · Answer

@WildQueen

anonymous · Answer

To me, this is a statement that shows one of the main themes of the book.  It is meant to tell us that all people are the same -- that there are not (or should not be) black people and white people, rich people and poor people.  There should only be people.

This is, as I say, one of the major themes of the book.  Scout and Jem are encouraged to think of Boo Radley as a person, not a monster.  Calpurnia makes sure that Scout does not treat Walter Cunningham like he is lower than the Finches.  Atticus tells the kids they need to respect black people and even people like Mrs. Dubose