The Concept Of Womanhood In To Kill A Mockingbird

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It takes a village to raise a child, whether that child be a motherless caucasian girl in Alabama, or a poor black child living in squalor in a foreign land. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee describes the experiences of Scout, an impressionable young tomboy. Scout is without a real mother; she looks to women in the Maycomb community to help her define what it means to be female. Her concept of womanhood develops as she interacts with several women who foster her welfare and growth. The most influential women in Scout’s life are Aunt Alexandra, Miss Maudie, and Calpurnia. Other female characters, including the ladies of the Missionary Circle, influence Scout’s conceptualization of womanhood, but not always in a nurturing, helpful way . In …show more content…

She loves Scout as her own and commits to teaching her manners and morals. When Scout complains about Calpurnia, Atticus responds “We couldn’t operate a single day without Cal,” (Lee 33). When Jem presses Scout to start “being a girl and actin’ right,”(Lee 53) Scout looks to Calpurnia for comfort and guidance. Spending time with Calpurnia in the kitchen, “[Scout begins] to think there was some skill involved in being a girl” (Lee 154). When Calpurnia takes Scout to church she fusses over her appearance, explaining, “I don’t want anyone sayin’ I don’t look after my children.”( Lee 157). Watching Calpurnia at her church, Scout learns there are different social codes for different settings. Calpurnia is intelligent enough to teach herself to read and write, but humble enough not to boast. She told Scout “It’s not necessary to tell all you know. It’s not ladylike,”(Lee 167). She respects others, and will not tolerate the children mocking Boo, or embarrassing guests. Calpurnia courageously stands up for her beliefs, as evidenced by her firm stance with Lulu at church. Calpurnia shows Scout that females can be principled, nurturing, efficient, firm, and trustworthy. Like the Mruna tribe, Calpurnia parents Scout as her own child, but steps back when others such as Aunt Alexandra, Atticus, or Miss Maudie step in to support

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