Aunt Alexandra
Introduction
Younger sister – proper Southern ‘lady’ with strict social code
Unlike Atticus in her attitudes towards prejudice and justice
Snobbery and discrimination alienate her from the Finches, but she is a welcome
addition to Maycomb
Presents idea of out-dated views and optimistic ideal of even characters like her can
see the injustice and show concern for the state of humanity
First Impressions
• ‘swapped at birth’, - her snobbish attitude is so incongruous to the understanding
nature of Atticus and Jack that it seems impossible for them to be related. Her views
are completely oppositional at Atticus’ and rigid in terms of social standing or a
person’s value.
• ‘cold’, - lack of feeling and empathy; her approach is inflexible, haughty and devoid of
any compassion.
• ‘back- porch listener’ – she exploits the flaws of other people and uses them to
practise her superiority. She remains aloof from their emotions but is quick to
pounce on their mistakes to emphasise her own power- she is a terrible gossip.
Gender
• ‘fanatical on the subject of my attire’ – in Aunt Alexandra’s eyes Scout’s dungarees
are inappropriate and do not represent a ‘lady’. She obsesses over Scout’s clothes,
refusing to look past Scout’s pushing of the stereotypical boundaries.
• ‘not possibly hope to be a lady’ – a ‘lady’ was very much confined to an aesthetic,
domestic role and perceived as something to look at wihout and strong viewpoints.
Harper Lee is highlighting the damage caused and the reform prevented by minds like
Aunt Alexandra’s.
• ‘behave like a sunbeam’ – bring joy, be aesthetically pleasing – she thinks that
Scout’s purpose should be purely to serve and please others with her proper
behaviour. Woman were trapped by a lack of education
• ‘ray of sunshine’ – ‘sunshine’ is thought of as airy, without any real depth, views or
ability to create conflict – vacuous.
Authority
• Aunt Alexandra fitted into the world of Maycomb like a hand into a glove, but
never into the world of Jem and me’ – sense of belonging in the world of racism and
prejudice. Doesn’t connect with the children who symbolise changing viewpoints and
the significance of tolerance and empathy. Contrastingly, she seems fixed in the past.
• ‘royal prerogative’ – she assumes a right/honour to something. She believes in
entitlement stemming from birth and history, which reflects her stagnant views on
social hierarchy. The right of white people to be better than everyone else is one
such entitlement she claims. Contrast to Miss Maudie who earns respect through her
moralistic nature.
Introduction
Younger sister – proper Southern ‘lady’ with strict social code
Unlike Atticus in her attitudes towards prejudice and justice
Snobbery and discrimination alienate her from the Finches, but she is a welcome
addition to Maycomb
Presents idea of out-dated views and optimistic ideal of even characters like her can
see the injustice and show concern for the state of humanity
First Impressions
• ‘swapped at birth’, - her snobbish attitude is so incongruous to the understanding
nature of Atticus and Jack that it seems impossible for them to be related. Her views
are completely oppositional at Atticus’ and rigid in terms of social standing or a
person’s value.
• ‘cold’, - lack of feeling and empathy; her approach is inflexible, haughty and devoid of
any compassion.
• ‘back- porch listener’ – she exploits the flaws of other people and uses them to
practise her superiority. She remains aloof from their emotions but is quick to
pounce on their mistakes to emphasise her own power- she is a terrible gossip.
Gender
• ‘fanatical on the subject of my attire’ – in Aunt Alexandra’s eyes Scout’s dungarees
are inappropriate and do not represent a ‘lady’. She obsesses over Scout’s clothes,
refusing to look past Scout’s pushing of the stereotypical boundaries.
• ‘not possibly hope to be a lady’ – a ‘lady’ was very much confined to an aesthetic,
domestic role and perceived as something to look at wihout and strong viewpoints.
Harper Lee is highlighting the damage caused and the reform prevented by minds like
Aunt Alexandra’s.
• ‘behave like a sunbeam’ – bring joy, be aesthetically pleasing – she thinks that
Scout’s purpose should be purely to serve and please others with her proper
behaviour. Woman were trapped by a lack of education
• ‘ray of sunshine’ – ‘sunshine’ is thought of as airy, without any real depth, views or
ability to create conflict – vacuous.
Authority
• Aunt Alexandra fitted into the world of Maycomb like a hand into a glove, but
never into the world of Jem and me’ – sense of belonging in the world of racism and
prejudice. Doesn’t connect with the children who symbolise changing viewpoints and
the significance of tolerance and empathy. Contrastingly, she seems fixed in the past.
• ‘royal prerogative’ – she assumes a right/honour to something. She believes in
entitlement stemming from birth and history, which reflects her stagnant views on
social hierarchy. The right of white people to be better than everyone else is one
such entitlement she claims. Contrast to Miss Maudie who earns respect through her
moralistic nature.
