What does Harper Lee think about gender roles?
Harper Lee explores traditional gender roles through Scout and what other’s expect of her as a girl. Scout is a tomboy and resists feminine stereotypes. Jem insults her by calling her a “girl,” but as he gets older he starts to believe she should be acting differently to fit her gender role.
What is the sin that Harper Lee is talking about?
‘Your father’s right,’ she said. ‘Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy…but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
What comment is Lee making about the legal system and society?
Most notably, Harper Lee comments on the prejudiced nature of society and the broken justice system. African Americans are viewed with contempt and treated with indignance simply because they are black. Tom Robinson is wrongly convicted, despite the lack of evidence and conflicting testimonies from the Ewells.
What is Aunt Alexandra view of femininity?
Aunt Alexandra wishes Scout would act like a proper Southern lady and not behave like a “tomboy.” Alexandra believes a female should wear dresses, engage in social activities, and remain indoors. She also believes a lady should have an understanding of her heritage and not participate in physical activities.
Why does Scout cry when they talk to Atticus?
Explain why Scout cries. Scout begins crying, because she is confused. She also feels that Aunt Alexandra changed the way Atticus speaks to her and Jem. Atticus says to forget their conversation and ignore what he said previously.
What do the kids learn from Aunt Alexandra?
Aunt Alexandra emphasizes that Jem should always have good manners and Scout should dress appropriately, which means that she should stop wearing overalls and begin wearing dresses. Aunt Alexandra also attempts to instill a sense of family pride in the children, which they never seem to develop.
How is Aunt Alexandra a foil to Atticus?
Attitudes within a family can differ. On the one hand, Aunt Alexandra acts as a foil to Atticus as she represents the stereotypical upper class white woman of the South in the 1930s.
What bad news does Atticus bring home?
What bad news does Atticus bring home? The bad news is that Tom had attempted escape and had been killed by guards.
What does Scout’s aunt say to her?
Merriweather by saying “Her food doesn’t stick going down, does it?” In other words, she is saying, ‘You still eat Sophy’s food and use her as your own personal servant.
Who is Aunt Alexandra referring to when she says we don’t need her now?
But, Aunt Alexandra tells her brother that Calpurnia should be dismissed. “We don’t need her now.” With an “even voice,” Atticus informs his sister that Calpurnia is a “faithful member of this family” and they need her as much as ever. This retort to Aunt Alexandra infuriates her.
Why does Scout hate her aunt?
Scout views Aunt Alexandra with contempt because she is continually criticizing her lifestyle and tries to control her. Scout tries her best to avoid Alexandra, and even attempts to attack her after Alexandra calls Walter Cunningham Jr.
Why is Aunt Alexandra so critical of Scout?
Aunt Alexandra wants Scout to be more lady-like and thinks that because she is a Finch, she should start acting like it. She is very concerned that Atticus doesn’t care how Scout is acting. Aunt Alexandra wants Scout to become a woman of society and Atticus is not raising her that way.