Southern Belles In To Kill A Mockingbird

An Investigation Into Bellehood Southern Belles embody the eccentric ideals of the South, yet represent the epitome of respectable manners and morals for women nationwide, including most of the women characters in To Kill a Mockingbird. The cornerstone of the idea of a Southern Belle is based on stringent gender, class, and race guidelines, but underneath those divisions are the common attributes of charm, respectability, and intense passion for the well being of others (Oklopcic). True Southern Belles abide by the unwritten rules specific to their population, which include proper etiquette, manners, volunteerism, and grace. Characters such as Aunt Alexandra and Miss Maudie demonstrate these principles and attempt to instill their good graces

In fact, the idea of a Southern Belle corresponds greatly to reputation. Because Mayella is related to Burris Ewell, who Scout describes as “the filthiest human being,” one would expect an unkempt and dirty appearance from Mayella (Lee 35). However, one would not expect a middle class Scout to be “mud-splashed” and “covered with sand” in front of a group of Aunt Alexandra’s sophisticated Maycomb society friends (Lee 176). Scout’s filthiness and relatively carefree attitude contrasts the Southern Belle stereotype and proves Scout to be a tomboy. Rather than playing with tea sets and devoting free time to good deeds, Scout likes to get dirty and play outside with the boys. This comes as a disappointment to Aunt Alexandra and the rest of society, who expects Scout to conform to the gender stereotypes of the region due to her social status. On the other hand, Mayella and the Ewell family are considered white trash, which is lower in the social hierarchy, so people assume that Mayella is not a Southern Belle. Mayella differs in all aspects from a true Southern Belle. She is filthy, does not execute proper etiquette, and attempts to ruin Tom Robinson’s life by falsely accusing him of rape. The only difference between Scout and Mayella is that Scout chooses to be dirty, while

Because Aunt Alexandra herself is a Southern Belle, she is set on Scout “playing with small stoves, tea sets, and wearing the Add-A-Pearl necklace” (Lee 108). Aunt Alexandra is “fanatical on the subject” of Scout’s attire and constantly tries to make Scout more ladylike (Lee 108). However, Scout likes to be tomboyish, wear overalls, and hangout with the boys. Aunt Alexandra even comes to stay with the Finch family in Maycomb to provide Scout with some “feminine guidance” (Lee 170). She wants to force Scout to become a Southern Belle by making her wear dresses, pressuring her to engage in elegant activities, and imposing her flawless manners on Scout. This relates to a Southern Belle because the authentic traditions of the South are passed down through generations and as a result, perpetuate the idea of a Southern Belle and their legendary persona. Since Scout loses her mother at a young age, Aunt Alexandra wants to pass on her good principles and feminine style to Scout as a method of molding Scout into a well-bred woman. In comparison to the unwritten rule that Southern Belles should spend their lives doing for others and holding loved ones near to their hearts, Aunt Alexandra insists that Scout be “a ray of sunshine” in her father’s life (Lee 108). Just as the traditional Southern Belles dedicate themselves to