I think that Aunt Alexandra attempts to act as a mediator in the Finch household. I think the way she intervenes the daily lives of Scout and Jem further illustrates Atticus’ unique lifestyle in comparison to the rest of Maycomb County. I think that Aunt Alexandra’s parenting tactics clash with those of Atticus. Atticus’ primary focus is to demonstrate to his children the importance of strong character and personal bravery, whereas Aunt Alexandra emphasizes the importance of using good manners and abiding by Maycomb customs to portray a “proper” image. I think that Scout and Jem are particularly startled when Aunt Alexandra attempts to impose her standards on Atticus’ household. I think that Aunt Alexandra possibly represents a broader concept concerning the conflict between Atticus and the majority of individuals in Maycomb County.
This conflict between the two distinct perspectives in Maycomb County relates back to overarching theme of the novel, the dispute relating to race illustrated by the trial of Tom Robinson. Just as Aunt Alexandra voices her disapproval of Atticus’ choices, many other racist Southerners question his ethics and voice their disapproval. On page 110 Francis expresses his objection to Atticus’ choices “If Uncle Atticus lets you run around with stray dogs, that’s his own business, like Grandma says, so it ain’t your fault. I guess it ain’t your fault if Uncle Atticus is a nigger-lover besides, but I’m here to tell you it certainly does mortify the rest of the family” This quote demonstrates the tension caused by the choice Atticus makes to defend a Black man. Both Scout and Jem thought of their father as an impregnable individual with high moral standards, however, upon the arrival of Aunt Alexandra, Atticus surrenders to her. The children detect a change in their father and are alarmed by his weakness to his sister. Soon, however, Atticus dismisses his sister’s questioning and recants what he had said, “ “I don’t want you to remember it. Forget it” He went to the door and out of the room, shutting the door behind him. He nearly slammed it, but caught himself at the last minute and closed it softly.” It is clear that Atticus is struggling to maintain his determined attitude and disregard the negative criticism from those around him.
How do you think the relationship between Aunt Alexandra and the children will progress as time goes on? Do you think that as Atticus carries on with his trial that he and Alexandra will grow apart further or will Atticus continue to submit to his sister’s criticism and allow her to parent his children?
I think that Aunt Alexandra attempts to act as a mediator in the Finch household. I think the way she intervenes the daily lives of Scout and Jem further illustrates Atticus’ unique lifestyle in comparison to the rest of Maycomb County. I think that Aunt Alexandra’s parenting tactics clash with those of Atticus. Atticus’ primary focus is to demonstrate to his children the importance of strong character and personal bravery, whereas Aunt Alexandra emphasizes the importance of using good manners and abiding by Maycomb customs to portray a “proper” image. I think that Scout and Jem are particularly startled when Aunt Alexandra attempts to impose her standards on Atticus’ household. I think that Aunt Alexandra possibly represents a broader concept concerning the conflict between Atticus and the majority of individuals in Maycomb County.
ReplyDeleteThis conflict between the two distinct perspectives in Maycomb County relates back to overarching theme of the novel, the dispute relating to race illustrated by the trial of Tom Robinson. Just as Aunt Alexandra voices her disapproval of Atticus’ choices, many other racist Southerners question his ethics and voice their disapproval. On page 110 Francis expresses his objection to Atticus’ choices “If Uncle Atticus lets you run around with stray dogs, that’s his own business, like Grandma says, so it ain’t your fault. I guess it ain’t your fault if Uncle Atticus is a nigger-lover besides, but I’m here to tell you it certainly does mortify the rest of the family” This quote demonstrates the tension caused by the choice Atticus makes to defend a Black man. Both Scout and Jem thought of their father as an impregnable individual with high moral standards, however, upon the arrival of Aunt Alexandra, Atticus surrenders to her. The children detect a change in their father and are alarmed by his weakness to his sister. Soon, however, Atticus dismisses his sister’s questioning and recants what he had said, “ “I don’t want you to remember it. Forget it” He went to the door and out of the room, shutting the door behind him. He nearly slammed it, but caught himself at the last minute and closed it softly.” It is clear that Atticus is struggling to maintain his determined attitude and disregard the negative criticism from those around him.
How do you think the relationship between Aunt Alexandra and the children will progress as time goes on? Do you think that as Atticus carries on with his trial that he and Alexandra will grow apart further or will Atticus continue to submit to his sister’s criticism and allow her to parent his children?