What does Atticus think about Scouts conformity to gender roles?

From racism to gender roles, To Impale a Mockingbird by Harper Lee comments on the prejudices intertwined in the fabric of Southern society in the USA during the 1930s, in the aftermath of the Great Depression . This iconic novel is celebrated even today as an example of nifty American literature. Lee creates characters chock with complexity, personality and most importantly, human being flaws and struggles.

The master character effectually which the novel revolves is a six-twelvemonth-old daughter: Jean Louise Finch, generally known equally Scout. Scout grows up in the small town of Maycomb, a fishbowl where everyone knows everyone and privacy and secrets are unheard of. She is a 'tomboy', always in overalls and dirty shoes, spending the majority of her time playing with her older brother, Jem, and friend, Dill.

She is trigger-happy and tough, and sees the world in black and white. Jem, iv years her senior, is more skilful at spotting the grayness areas. Both children have been raised by their father, Atticus, a forthcoming lawyer with a strong sense of morals and great respect for his two children.

When I read the novel for the starting time fourth dimension, I was immediately intrigued by Lee'due south delineation of gender roles and gender prejudice within Maycomb's guild. The story is narrated by both young Spotter and an older, more mature Scout reflecting on her childhood. It covers a span of 3 years and follows the children through turbulent and disruptive times in their lives.

Accustomed to a repose and relatively monotonous routine, Scout finds adjusting to the changes in the world around her based on new events in Maycomb difficult. This bildungsroman, a coming of age novel, makes interesting observations about many aspects of Scout'southward life and surroundings, simply perhaps the almost astute are about her existence equally a immature girl expected to conform to societal standards for women. These standards are best illustrated past the personalities and behaviours of the women in the novel.

Scout is used past Lee to demonstrate how societal expectations of feminine behavior are pushed upon girls right from a young age. She is described as a tomboy, and does not fit the stereotype for young, gentle and petite girls. She is tough and playful and spends her time outdoors instead of behaving in the expected 'ladylike manner'.

She initiates brawls, curses with excitement and makes curt and sarcastic comments about adults. All in all, she comes across as a likeable and loftier-spirited grapheme, who readers tin easily empathize with.

Scout is used by Lee to demonstrate how societal expectations of feminine behavior are pushed upon girls right from a young historic period.

Scout doesn't adapt to gender roles, and is upset when she is made to. Every bit she grows up, she has to begin attention the local school. On her kickoff day of school she is forced to wear a dress, much to her displeasure. She feels uncomfortable in it, and unlike herself. Still, she has no pick equally it was deemed the appropriate vesture for girls.

She is always in the company of Jem and Dill, and as the children grow up, she finds herself on the receiving end of comments from the boys such as, "Scout, I'k telling you for the concluding time, close your trap or get home-I declare to the lord you lot're gettin' more like a daughter everyday". When she warns her brother confronting sneaking out at night and accepting foolish dares, he retaliates with comments such every bit the one above, fueled by gender prejudices insinuating that girls are weak and easily scared.

This ensures that she is silent and doesn't voice whatsoever more concerns lest she is forbidden from joining their adventures in the future. Over fourth dimension, she is distanced from the two boys, who brainstorm to exclude her from their games and spend their time together. This brings her into closer contact with the other strong female character of the book, Miss Maudie Atkinson.

Miss Maudie is the Finch's neighbour, and becomes Scout'due south friend when she is left out of games by Jem and Dill. Miss Maudie is continuously optimistic, and sees the bright side of every situation. When her house is half burnt down in a burn down, she comments, "Always wanted a smaller house, Jem Finch. Gives me more than yard. Just think, I'll have more than room for my azaleas now!" She faces every state of affairs with practicality and unwavering positivity.

When she is insulted by pes-washing Baptists for gardening, she quotes the Bible right back at them and wears a "grin of the uttermost wickedness". She is a stiff female figure Lookout man respects and trusts for advice, unlike other ladies in the town, who spend their fourth dimension discussing others' lives and problems.

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Lee does not give her a husband and children, which adds to her independence and confidence as an individual, instead of every bit a graphic symbol in a familial setting. Throughout the novel, she helps Watch understand their world better, and does not treat her as a naïve kid. When discussing religion and Christianity with Sentry, she tells her, "Sometimes the Bible in the hand of ane man is worse than a whiskey bottle in the hand of – oh, of your begetter".

Scout confides in her and values her opinions, and Miss Maudie is well-nigh a mother effigy in Spotter'due south life. Sentinel reflects upon her relationship with Miss Maudie, saying, "She had an acid tongue in her head" but "Jem and I had considerable faith in Miss Maudie" as "she was our friend".

While being optimistic and kind, Miss Maudie is not afraid to voice her behavior or motion confronting the tide of popular stance. At a ladies' tea, she is upset by the women being intolerant and racist towards their blackness help, and snaps at one of the women complaining almost her cook.

Lookout recollects that, "When Miss Maudie was angry her brevity was icy. Something had fabricated her deeply angry, and her greyness eyes were equally common cold equally her vocalisation". Miss Maudie is disgusted by the prejudiced opinions of people, and does not subscribe to them. She also supports Scout and helps her to stand up against forces that try to push Watch into stereotypical assumptions and judgments nearly others.

In contrast to Miss Maudie, Spotter's Aunt Alexandra represents the ideal Southern family-oriented woman. She is at the other end of the spectrum, with her conventional beliefs and constant disapproval of Scout's tomboyish behavior. She complains about Picket wearing overalls to Atticus who is frustrated by her frequent criticism, and Scout describes the exchange equally "The only time I ever heard Atticus speak sharply to anyone".

Scout does non understand her Aunt's obsession with her wearable. Aunt Alexandra repeatedly tells her that she cannot be a lady if she does non wearing apparel like one, and that she should engage in more 'girly' activities. Aunt Alexandra too says that as a girl, Scout should "be a ray of sunshine" in Atticus's life, reinforcing the patriarchal expectation that all girls must be positive and happy continuously and brighten up the lives of their husbands or fathers.

Aunt Alexandra repeatedly tells her that she cannot be a lady if she does not dress similar one.

She enforces this and tries to get Scout to conform to gender roles despite seeing how resistant she is to them. She takes part in all the 'right activities', such as hosting missionary circles, joining clubs and gossiping with a passion. She is portrayed as judgmental and is quick to create prejudices in her mind about others.

Sentinel reflects upon her Aunt'southward attitude and says, "When Aunt Alexandra went to school, cocky-doubt could not be found in any textbook, so she knew non its meaning". Aunt Alexandra takes it upon herself to exert a 'feminine influence' on Picket's life as she grows, and Sentry resents her interference. She does not support or guide Lookout man as Miss Maudie does, and tries to brand her change.

While Lookout man tries to remain indifferent towards her Aunt and her efforts, at a point in the novel, she begins to respect her. When dealing with a crunch during her ladies' tea, Aunt Alexandra regains her composure and handles it gracefully, resulting in Spotter remarking, "If Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I".

Equally nosotros sentry Spotter mature and gain a deeper understanding of the developed world, we come across how her environment influences her opinions. The roles of Miss Maudie and Aunt Alexandra are the almost significant in Lookout man'southward upbringing and perspective of the earth. To Impale a Mockingbird covers several themes that are challenging and often uncomfortable to meet and explore, such as racism and loss of innocence.

Nevertheless, it is regarded as timeless for a reason- Lee'south skilful graphic symbol development and narration creates a powerful and relatable story, one that is both informative and thought provoking. As a feminist, seeing its delineation of sexism and gender stereotypes was interesting as it helped me gain a amend understanding of the manifestations of conventional ideals in a young girl'southward life.

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Source: https://feminisminindia.com/2017/10/30/to-kill-a-mockingbird-review/

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