to kill a mocking bird

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The Gender roles in society have greatly changed throughout the years of America from puritan women who thought that showing skin was undoubtedly a sin from the flapper era in american history that welcomed the idea of women showing more of their sexuality. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird which depict the events that occur when a white man who defends an african american man during the era of the great depression and what results from the story. Gender roles are a prevalent theme in the story. Through the characters dialogue and Scout's narration, Miss Maudie is characterized as a modern women while aunt Alexandra is characterized by her adherence to tradition. Maudie Atkinson is a modern day woman in her mannerism compared to a traditional woman such as Alexandra Hancock; Miss Maudie's futuristic view point is very apparent through her actions. She says in a conversation with Scout and Jem about the trial that is about to occur, “'Just because it's public, I don't have to go'”(Lee 159). Lee shows the characterization of Miss Maudie as a strong, rebellious woman for not attending the court case even thought its an event in the towns history where most citizens of Maycomb attended. Miss Maudie shows her independent thinking of a modern day women in the society of Alabama. She concluded that she does not want to attended the court case when she says, “' 't's morbid, watching a poor devil on trial for his life. Look at all those folks, It's like a Roman carnival”'(Lee 159). Maudie Atkinson illustrates her unique thinking because she gives her own opinion on the situation that is occurring. A majority of the citizens in Maycomb feel that Tom Robbins is guilty but Miss Maudie's mind is not conflicted by racial prejudice. Lee uses c... ... middle of paper ... ...if she has instances where scout is hurt or needing help she is always their to support her. Miss Maudie does not ridicule and Judge Scout like Alexandra does instead she creates a supportive environment for scout to thrive and become a modern women. Scout's narration and the character's dialog prove that Alexandra is characterized by her traditional values while Miss Maudie is characterized as a modern woman. The issues of gender roles are still a large part of society today and it affects a majority of adolescents because they feel the need to conform and ignore their individualism and that is why this novel is still relevant to society today.. The lessoned to be learned here is to be comfortable in one's own skin and don't listen to negative feedback if it is not constructive. Works Cited Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York, NY: Warner, 1982. Print.

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