"I know what he was trying to do, but Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work." (p.170) Atticus tries to fulfill the role of both a father and mother, however Scout understands that only a woman can fulfill the role of a motherly figure. In Chapter 13 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Aunt Alexandra comes to stay with Scout and Jem's family. Readers have already met Aunt Alexandra and know of her strong disapproval of how Atticus's kids were raised. Throughout the chapter it shows how Jem and Scout's lifestyle suddenly changes with Aunt Alexandra's firm upper hand and strict rules.
Scout and Jem still are unable to accept her and are detached from her strong traditional southern views. As a result Atticus receives many criticism the way he brought up his children and is forced to act. 'Our Father was actually fidgeting. "No, I just want to explain to you that--your Aunt Alexandra asked me...son you know you're a Finch, don't you?" (p.177) However Jem and Scout notices this and become resentful towards the changed Atticus. Atticus also finds this uncomfortable and later tells his children, "I don't want you to remember it. Forget it."
Scout realizes her father's struggle dealing with carrying on the Finch's name, being a parent that lives to the expectations of his family, and still believing in his own separate views. "I know what he was trying to do, but Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work." (p.170) However she also knows that instilling manners and acting as the motherly figure was the role of a woman, during that time period.
Throughout the book, Atticus has struggled with the job of filling both the father and the mother. No matter how hard he tries, the roll of the mother can never be filled by Atticus. His character does not have the same personality traits that a mother would.
ReplyDeleteAll Scout needs is a loving mother, but when Aunt Alexandra comes, she does not nearly fill that roll. She is even more harsh and the spot still remains vacant.
"...you've got to do something about her," Aunty was saying. "You've let things go on too long Atticus, too long." This quote shows how Aunt Alexandra is demanding and looks as if she is trying to be the stricter side, which I dont think Scout needs.
"Atticus, it's all right to be soft-hearted, you're an easy man, but you have a daughter to think of." I think Alexandra is totally wrong here. Scout does not like to listen to a demanding person telling her what to do. Instead of listening, she will simpley do the opposite. A less harsh and caring mother would give her something to aspire to and she would possibly stay out of trouble. Overall, Aunt Alexandra did not fill the motherly spot and instead, became the stricter parent that Scout did not need.