Saturday, April 23, 2011
Aunt Alexandra
Aunt Alexandra has come to stay with the Finch’s, imposing many of her views on the family. After returning from Calpurnia’s church the children find Atticus’ sister Alexandra waiting for them on the porch. The first thing that Aunt Alexandra says is, “Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia.” This represents the life style Aunt Alexandra is accustomed to, obviously a very cushed one at that. The arrival of Aunt Alexandra has a large impact on the family. First Aunt Alexandra tries to impose her views of what it means to be a lady to Scout. Scout has and will always be a tom-boy and despises the criticism given to her by Alexandra, but keeps her mouth shut for Atticus. We as the readers can very plainly see that these two lady characters have very contrasting views of what it means to be a woman. Alexandra see it fit to be a lady and have things done for her, while Scout sees is fit to be a lady and do things herself. From the beginning of the chapter Aunt Alexandra has also rubbed Calpurnia the wrong way. Towards the end of the chapter we see clashes between Cal and Alexandra. “Don’t try to get around it. You’ve got to face it sooner or later and it might as well be tonight. We don’t need her (Cal) now.” Before the arrival of Aunt Alexandra, Cal had been the mother figure in the children’s life, but now Aunt Alexandra is trying to succeed this position. Aunt Alexandra has taken it upon herself to organize the Finch’s while imposing her views as well.
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I agree with you that the way Aunt Alexandra behaves in the Finch house represents her attitude toward people who aren’t just like her. Aunt Alexandra arrives already thinking that she is better than everybody else. As you quoted before, Aunt Alexandra’s first words are ordering Calpurnia around. “Jean Louise, stop scratching your head,” was the second sentence. You can tell Aunt Alexandra expects to be served and obeyed. She plans on taking the mother role in the family, which to her means making sure everyone knows where they stand. Even her own niece and nephew are inferior to her. Aunt Alexandra thinks that Atticus has raised a couple of savages who do not know how to behave. She thinks it is her job to transform them. She also thinks that Cal is no longer needed. It’s that statement that finally makes Atticus sit up and take notice. “Alexandra, Calpurnia’s not leaving this house until she wants to… I couldn’t of got along without her all these years. She’s a faithful member of this family…” Aunt Alexandra learns that the Finch family won’t take her orders so easily.
ReplyDeleteEmma
Again, I completely agree with Scott, as well as Emma. Aunt Alexandra just comes into Atticus Finch's household and expects for everyone to treat her exceptionally, especially Scout. The Aunt thinks the Scout (and Jem) should all of a sudden be accustomed to having to respect another "mother-like" figure when this kind of respect is new to them. The kind of respect that I'm talking about is not the same as how the kids would respect Calpurnia. Aunt Alexandra wishes for equal authority as Atticus. When Scout and Atticus were talking about if Scout could visit Calpurnia's house sometime, Aunt Alexandra interjects, "You may not”, when she wasn’t even involved in the conversation. I agree with Scott when he says that Aunt Alexandra thinks Atticus raised rude and not respectful children. But I think that Aunt Alexandra should be less harsh and kinder towards the kids if she desires respect. If she continues to overuse her authority in the house, she’s not going to get her way and the kids will also continue to do as they please.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Scott as well. Aunt Alexandra voluntarily entered into the family and really has no understanding on the way that Atticus's family lives and with the things that they are accustomed to. She tries changing little things at a time, starting with Scout. Aunt Alexandra wants to show Scout what a "real woman" is like. In chapter 13, Aunt Alexandra says, "We decided that it would be best for you to have some feminine influence." While, I agree with Scout's point of view on life and being a woman, I think that Aunt Alexandra does mean well for Scout. She wants what she thinks is best, even if it may not be what Scout wants. I think a reason why Harper Lee included the character Aunt Alexandra, was to show the contrast between the old-fashioned ideas and the new. Aunt Alexandra also demonstrates a contrast with Calpurnia. Right when Aunt Alexandra arrives, the first thing she asks, is for Cal to take her bags. This proves that she still treats Cal as if she wasn't part of the family, even though the Finch's have grown to love her. In conclusion, Aunt Alexandra tries to influence certain family members, without them wanting to be changed.
ReplyDeleteYes, you're right. The entry of Aunt Alexandra means a feminine influence in Scout's life. Aunt Alexandra also believes that the Cunninghams are white trash. It is part of her mission to make Scout a lady and to keep the Finch family name pure.
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