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Discussion of the role of family in killing a mockingbird
In the novel "to kill a mockingbird", there are two excellent examples of how parents can be a major influence on their children
To kill a mockingbird parenting essay
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A birthplace can act as a place which strongly affects a child’s personal opinions on certain topics. Maycomb has a tendency to corrupt the mind of adults and children who have grown up there with prejudice thoughts . In To Kill a Mockingbird, two characters that grew up in Maycomb , Miss Maudie and Aunt Alexandra have similar viewpoints but can differ on certain concepts.
The biggest similarity between Miss Maudie and Aunt Alexandra consist of facts that show both of these women act as two of the few female presences in Scout's life. In differing ways, they give her the feminine guidance as Scout grows older throughout To Kill a Mockingbird. Leading by example, A way Miss Maudie and Aunt Alexandra both instill ideas and rules which
The Southern women were told and obligated, by some code of southern conduct, to mature into fair-smelling, perfect "ladies." By "ladies" they meant women who were well mannered, good at embroidery, and wore frilly, lacy dresses. One example of this southern tradition occurs when Aunt Alexandra comes to the Finch residence to help Atticus raise his children during the trial. When first arriving she says to Scout, "We decided that it would be best for you to have some feminine influence. It won't be many years, Jean Louise, before you become interested in clothes and boys." This comment implies that the only subjects girls are expected to understand are boys and clothes. Aunt Alexandra makes no mention of Jean Louise's intelligence, education, or personality. Her diction suggests that the only thing Jean Louise is capable of pursuing is her attire and a man. Scout discovers what a "southern lady" is as she notices how Aunt Alexandra "chose protective garments that drew up her bosom to giddy heights, pinched in her waist, flared out her rear, and managed to suggest that Aunt Alexandra's was once an hour-glass figure." Scout was considered to be very improper, wearing overalls and pants, but Aunt Alexandra would still try and introduce her to other ladies. I assume that she did this to try and influence Scout. She hoped Scout would form lady-like habits by watching others. Another example takes place after the trial, when Jem is appalled at the decision the court makes in response to Tom Robinson's case.
“She had never told on us, had never played cat-and-mouse with us, she was not at all interested in our private lives. She was our friend.” (Lee 59) This was how Scout described Miss Maudie, Scout was explaining her perspective of herself and that she wants to be treated like an adult and that the only one to do so was Miss Maudie. Consequently, this helps the readers understand Scout. Also, Miss Maudie helps to develop Jem’s character by giving him a big cake when he’s supposed to have a small one like Scout and Dill. This shows that she doesn’t consider him a kid anymore which reflects Jem’s journey to adulthood throughout the book. “I simply want to tell you that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father’s one of them.” (Lee 288) This quote was Miss Maudie’s way of explaining to Jem and Scout what their father’s job was, in other words, what his character’s job was. Miss Maudie’s quotes and actions were able to help the characterization of the main
Scout and Jem still are unable to accept her and are detached from her strong traditional southern views. As a result Atticus receives many criticism the way he brought up his children and is forced to act. 'Our Father was actually fidgeting. "No, I just want to explain to you that--your Aunt Alexandra asked me...son you know you 're a Finch, don 't you?" (177) However Jem and Scout notices this and become resentful towards the changed Atticus. As Atticus struggles with the Tom Robinson case, Aunt Alexandra plays the role of their mother since they only have Atticus “I know what he was trying to do, but Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work." (170) however she also knows that instilling manners and acting as the motherly figure was the role of a woman, during that time period. Throughout the book, Atticus has struggled with the job of filling both the father and the mother. No matter how hard he tries, the roll of the mother can never be filled by Atticus. His character does not have the same personality traits that a mother would. All Scout needs is a loving mother, but when Aunt Alexandra comes, she does not nearly fill that role. She is even harsher and the spot still remains vacant. "...you 've got to do something about her," Aunty was saying. "You 've let things go on too long Atticus, too long” (36).This quote shows how Aunt Alexandra is demanding and looks as if she is trying to be the stricter side, which I dont think Scout needs "Atticus, it 's all right to be soft-hearted, you 're an easy man, but you have a daughter to think of." (136-137)I think Alexandra is totally wrong here. Scout does not like to listen to a demanding person telling her what to do. Instead of listening, she will simply do the opposite. A less harsh and caring mother would give Scout something more to mature. Alexandra is really into
In the novel,”To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, the characters Scout and Atticus have several similarities and differences. One such similarity is that they both have the ability to view situations from different perspectives. When Scout walked Boo home, she was able to see the world from Boo’s perspective. Another similarity is that they both aren’t prejudice.The two also are able to use their words effectively. After Scout moves away from fighting, she gains the ability to effectively use her words as Atticus can. Aside from their similarities, these characters have several differences.
In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, there is an abundance of minor characters. Three of these characters, Dill, Alexandra, and Calpurnia are especially significant because of the influence they had on Scout.
In real life there are many different types of people, some of them are similar
In the novel there are two families in the town of Maycomb that are very different. The Cunningham's and the Ewells have contrasting and opposite reputations. The Cunningham's are very respected in the town while the Ewells very much despised by the community. The Cunningham's show the respectability of hard worker or, where as Ewells are considered lazy. Miss Maudie is another character in the town who lives next to the Finch family. She is similar to the Cunningham's because she is a trusted figure who faces hard times very bravely and works hard in her garden.
During one of Aunt Alexandra’s missionary circle meetings, Atticus briefly interrupts the meeting to ask Aunt Alexandra, along with Calpurnia; Miss Maudie; and Scout; to join him in the kitchen. Once in the kitchen, Atticus tells them about Tom’s death before leaving with Calpurnia to meet with Tom’s wife. This leaves Aunt Alexandra worrying about Atticus’ health and questioning the town. Aunt Alexandra becomes conflicted with the town, wondering why they leave all the problems to her brother. As this goes on, Scout watches her aunt put herself together like a lady before returning to the meeting. Scout recognises this as her aunt being strong and imitates her aunt’s actions. “After all, if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could
The author George Elliot once said “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Appearance can be very misleading, and you shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone. This philosophical idea has been included in many works of literature, including the timeless classic To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee. The novel takes place in the town of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s. Many citizens of Maycomb tend to make judgements based on outward appearances alone. In the novel, Lee uses minor characters such as Boo Radley, Mrs. Dubose, and Tom Robinson to convey the book’s theme of prejudice.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”-Martin Luther King Jr. This quote shows how racism is like darkness and hate and love and light are the only way to drive racism out. The story takes place at the time of the great depression. Scout lives in a very racist and judgement city in the south. A black male is accused of raping a white woman. Scouts dad Atticus gets appointed to be the defendant's lawyer. Racism is an antagonist in To Kill A Mockingbird because the white people of Maycomb discriminate the blacks and make them feel lesser. The theme racism can be harmful to everyone is shown by many characters throughout the book.
Clearly, Miss Maudie Atkinson proves very influential in Scout’s life. Scout learns many lessons and morals from her, which ultimately help her become a better person. The lessons and morals Scout acquires provide her with many of the tools necessary for success in life and for improving her character. Among many things, Scout learns from Miss Maudie that she should not judge people or believe rumors, act humbly about any skills she possesses, and always maintain a good and positive attitude. However, not only Scout can learn from Miss Maudie. All individuals can take a lesson from Miss Maudie and become a better person in the process.
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…Until you climb his skin, and walk around in it.” (Lee 30) The story takes place in a small town called Maycomb, which is in Alabama. It happened and started in the late 1930s in “The Great Depression”. The main characters are Scout, Jem, and Atticus . Scout is the youngest and the most maturing one, the perspective was from her point of view. Jem is the eldest and cares a lot about everything that Scout faces. Atticus is the father of Jem and Scout, and he works as a lawyer in Maycomb, who helps black people. The trail in the novel “To Kill A MockingBird” affect Scout, Atticus and Jem because it taught them bravery, equality, and how to face injustice.
Aunt Alexandra is Atticus' sister. She moves to live with Scout and Jem because she wants to teach them the right way of growing up since their mom is dead. As she watches them grow up, she grows up mentally also. “People up there set them free, but you don't see them setting at the table with them. At least we don't have the deceit to say to them ‘yes, you are as good as we are but stay away from us’ said Mrs.
Reading a book once in a while helps us from being ignorant from the outside world. Readers many times dare to compare and discuss about the books that they have read. This works when we read two master pieces of literature that could be very similar and in the same time very different stories. I had the great fortune of reading the screenplay of “To Kill a Mockingbird” as well as the part of the memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. After reading these two great pieces of literature I dare to compare the main characters, Scout from “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Maria from “I know why the caged bird sings”. The main intentions of this two books are to teach lesson to their readers whether they could be children or adults.
Atticus and Aunt Alexandra : How would you describe Atticus and Alexandra Finch? These are two very different type of people with different futures for the children while they may want the same thing, they both have very different methods than the other person. A big conflict for Scout would be her relationship with her aunt. Aunt Alexandra is a very poised and put together older women. She applies a heavy amount of makeup even when the weather is ridiculously hot just to show how focused and mannered women she is, even wearing a heavy corset everyday. The Finches are on a high pedestal higher than most other families in the county , at some point she tries to tell Scout about the way she carries and applies herself to everything that she