Illustration of a bird perched on a scale of justice

To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

Start Free Trial

Discussion Topic

Atticus and Aunt Alexandra: Contrasts and Similarities in To Kill a Mockingbird

Summary:

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch and Aunt Alexandra are siblings with contrasting views and personalities. Atticus is progressive, valuing equality and moral integrity, while Alexandra is traditional, emphasizing family heritage and social status. Atticus is relaxed and open-minded, whereas Alexandra is rigid and concerned with appearances. Despite these differences, both care deeply for Jem and Scout, providing them with guidance and support. Their sibling relationship mirrors the dynamic between Jem and Scout, who also share love and occasional conflict.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

What elements contrast Atticus and Aunt Alexandra in chapter 13 of To Kill a Mockingbird?

Just the fact that Aunt Alexandra comes to live with her brother adds to the contrast between them because the two siblings are completely different people. Aunt Alexandra is a snobbish, prejudiced person while Atticus is relaxed and not prejudiced. In chapter 13, Aunt Alexandra starts preaching her beliefs about the Finch family being above everyone else. She tells the family that every other family in the county has a "streak," just to show that Finches are better than everyone else. Everything is based on heredity with Aunt Alexandra, which gets old to listen to.

"Everybody in Maycomb, it seemed, had a Streak: a Drinking Streak, a Gambling Streak, a Mean Streak, a Funny Streak" (129).

Atticus kindly throws her "streaks" back in her face by suggesting that maybe the Finches have an incestuous streak because they are the first generation who didn't marry their cousins. Aunty is proud of...

Unlock
This Answer Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

her heritage and simply says that small hands are the only inheritance they received from "gentle breeding."

The situation in the Finch household escalates when Aunt Alexandra puts Atticus up to discussing heritage and the birds and the bees with the children. It doesn't work. It only makes things worse for Atticus because Scout starts crying. She cries because she feels the wind changing in her house and wants to know if they will have to live under Aunt Alexandra's domineering rule forever. Atticus sees that Aunt Alexandra's pushing and manipulating is disturbing the household's status quo in a negative way. Jem and Scout ask their father if he really wants them to remember everything Aunt Alexandra tells them. Atticus gives up and says, "I don't want you to remember it. Forget it" (134).

For the most part, then, the elements that bring a heightened sense of contrast to the Finch home are Aunt Alexandra's "preoccupation with heredity" and her manipulation of Atticus to support her ideas and teach the children what she believes. Fortunately, Atticus drops the effort, but unfortunately, Aunt Alexandra does not.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

The contrasts are extreme.  Scout thinks her aunt finds her dull while she knows Atticus finds her interesting. Alexandra has "river boat boarding school manners," and while Atticus is a gentleman, he is also very relaxed and unpretentious. She feels she is better than others, while Atticus is quick to tell her that their "generation's practically the first in the Finch Family not to marry its cousins," noting they are as "common" as anyone else. Alexandra wants Scout to behave like a lady, and while Atticus tries to reinforce his sister's wishes, Scout knows that he loves her the way she is, which, at the time, is more of a tomboy than a lady.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In To Kill a Mockingbird chapter 13, what contrasts Atticus and Aunt Alexandra?

In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there are several elements that create a sharp contrast between Atticus and Aunt Alexandra.

First of all, Atticus is a man of few words. He does not socialize with people, though he is always polite and interested when speaking to others.

On the other hand, Aunt Alexandra is very sociable. She entertains women in various groups, and joins other groups. She has visitors over on a regular basis.

Atticus raises his children with intelligence, patience, good humor and flexibility. He leads by example, lets his conscience guide him rather than popular opinion, and recognizes the need for his children to see the world around them as it truly is rather than shielding them with ignorance. (We see this when he allows the children to know what is involved with Tom Robinson's case; Aunt Alexandra does not agree.)

Aunt Alexandra is concerned with appearances. Dressing correctly and acting in an appropriate fashion (especially with Scout wearing overalls instead of dresses) are very important details with Aunt Alexandra.

Lastly, Atticus does not have the same sense of familial history that Aunt Alexandra does. The children know stories of family members that their aunt would prefer they did not know; Aunt Alexandra's sense of family is not the same. Atticus is firmly rooted in his community, but is looking forward, hoping that Maycomb will be able to step out of the past and grow in a positive way.

For Aunt Alexandra the past is very important, especially the past of the Finches, a family which has been in the area for many years (as was introduced at the beginning of the novel). She is a genteel southern woman, and this can be seen in how she handles herself within the community. She is concerned that the children will have to sense of what it means to be a Finch, and even speaks to Atticus so he will talk to them.

Whereas Aunt Alexandra is concerned with appearances, Atticus is not, and will not allow himself, once again, to act in a way that does not follow his internal moral/ethical compass. Aunt Alexandra sins are more of omission: not telling the "whole truth," not recognizing the world as it truly is in order to maintain appearances.

Though they are brother and sister, Atticus and Aunt Alexandra are very different people.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In To Kill A Mockingbird, how are Atticus and Alexandra similar and different?

Atticus and Alexandra are two very different people.  The only similarity I can think of is that they both care about others, but in very different ways.  Alexandra cares what others think...Atticus actually cares about the people themselves.  Alexandra seems to represent the old traditional South, clinging to her heritage (what little 'fame' she might have), social standing, prejudices, outward appearance, and southern hospitality/graces.  She is appalled that Scout acts so much like a little boy rather than being and dressing properly as she feels a lady should.  

Atticus on the other hand is progressive.  He is considered to be fair, just, and honest.  He has new ideas and new philosophies about life, and he raises Scout and Jem in this progressive manner.  He allows both Jem and Scout to express themselves and doesn't require that they behave in ways 'worthy' of the Finch name.  He is opposed to a false show of etiquette and behavior, and prefers to live openly and honestly with himself, his children, and his neighbors.

In the novel, Scout mentions that this drastic distinction between the two siblings is a result of gender.  She says that only a woman could raise them as Aunt Alexandra is trying to, but I think the reason for the difference also has to do with what the author is trying to show in the novel.  The differences between Atticus and Alexandra reveal the hypocrisy and prejudices to which some members of society cling.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Compare Jem and Scout's relationship with Atticus and Aunt Alexandra in To Kill a Mockingbird.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, both brother and sister relationships of the Finch family share many characteristics, while, at the same time, there are some distinct differences:

From the beginning of the novel, it is apparent that Jem Finch and Scout are, like Atticus and his sister, loving siblings, although they do disagree with each other at times. When, for instance, Mrs. Dubose insults Scout as his "dirty little sister," Jem retorts to her insult. Likewise, Atticus insists that the children be respectful to their aunt and obey her. Both Atticus and Jem try to guide their younger sisters: Jem explains to Scout in the first chapters that her new teacher uses the new Dewey methods of education, while Atticus explains to Alexandra that he cannot face his children if he does not defend Tom Robinson and attempt to change "Maycomb's disease."

However, there is a difference between Atticus and Alexandra regarding their attitudes about the family name and its importance. For, while Alexandra feels that there is a distinct difference between the Finches and other families of Maycomb, Atticus is not so snobbish. Like Atticus, Jem and Scout agree with Scout's attitude that "There is only one kind of folks: Folks."

As the trial of Tom Robinson approaches, Jem and Scout do what they can to support their father such as come to the jail where the mob has assembled. Similarly, Aunt Alexandra is appreciative of Miss Maudie's defense of Atticus with her sarcasm toward the hypocritical Mrs. Merriweather after her remarks about Atticus's acting as defense attorney for Tom Robinson. Furthermore, Alexandra supports Atticus more as the trial progresses, and she becomes concerned for his welfare while Atticus explains to her the importance of upholding his commitment to justice.

In a parallel situation to Atticus's maintenance of moral integrity to his sister, Jem sets an example for his sister when he informs Atticus that Dill has hidden in their bedrooms on the night that he has run away from home. And, like Alexandra who tries to protect Atticus from insults, Jem defends Scout from Bob's Ewell's vicious attack.

The statement of Atticus Finch that the Tom Robinson case is "something that goes to the essence of a man's conscience" points to the greatest commonality of both pairs of brothers and sisters. For, they are all united in their sense of justice and morality and their love for one another.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In To Kill a Mockingbird, how do Atticus and Aunt Alexandra differ?

While Atticus concerns himself with the pragmatics of any given situation, including child-rearing, Aunt Alexandra is more concerned with upholding the social customs and values of the time.

For instance, even though Atticus allows Scout to roam freely in overalls or pants, Alexandra considers such clothing and behavior to be "un-ladylike." Alexandra spends a good deal of her time in this novel trying to convert Scout from her tomboyish ways, and attempting to get her to transform into a more feminine girl, clad in dresses and lace rather than denim and leather.

Atticus's attitude toward Scout's personal development is a bit more open-minded, and he allows her to become her own person without the interference of outdated customs. He may be concerned with her manners and her interaction with others, but outside those two areas, Atticus takes a fairly "hands-off" approach to directing his kids. 

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

As is often the case, these siblings differ very much from each other. Whereas Alexandra has automatically absorbed the value system of Southern society without question, Atticus challenges it. One must consider the difference in gender (women were not "supposed" to assert their opinions apart from gardening tips, neighbourhood gossip, and cooking recipes!). Also, Atticus has studied law and has spent a lot of time constructing his values, founded on an intrinsic ideal of justice already very present within him.

Their difference marks their individuality - a brother and a sister subjected to the same environment and influence have simply chosen to be the people they ultimately are. Despite other factors, each is the 'product' of personal choice.  

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Compare Jem and Scout's relationships with Atticus and Aunt Alexandra in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Jem and Scout have an exceptional relationship with their father, Atticus, in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The children's mother died when Scout was young, so Atticus has been their only parent for four or five years. While they often get frustrated by the things he will not do (play football or teach them to shoot their air-guns) and are unimpressed by all the things he can do (make an air-tight will and play a Jew's harp), they love and respect their father.

When Atticus kills old Tim Johnson, the rabid dog, Jem says:

"Atticus is real old, but I wouldn’t care if he couldn’t do anything—I wouldn’t care if he couldn’t do a blessed thing.” Jem picked up a rock and threw it jubilantly at the carhouse. Running after it, he called back: “Atticus is a gentleman, just like me!”

Atticus is not a harsh man but he expects his children to be well behaved; on the other hand, he loves them very much. When Scout explains to Miss Caroline how she learned to read, we can visualize the scene:

I could not remember when the lines above Atticus’s moving finger separated into words, but I had stared at them all the evenings in my memory, listening to the news of the day, Bills to Be Enacted into Laws, the diaries of Lorenzo Dow—anything Atticus happened to be reading when I crawled into his lap every night.

The children's relationship with Aunt Alexandra is nothing like their relationship with their father, primarily because she is everything Atticus is not, even though she is his sister. She is concerned about things that do not matter and takes things seriously which are not serious, such as their family heritage. While Atticus listens and reserves judgment, Aunt Alexandra is quite judgmental, as demonstrated by her vocal views about Calpurnia's influence on the children, her brother's decision to defend Tom Robinson, and Scout's dress and manners.

Atticus is steady and does not change throughout the novel, but Aunt Alexandra does soften her views toward blacks, her brother, and the children by the end of the story. It is not surprising that Jem and Scout have a better relationship with their father than they do with an aunt they do not see very often--and who is much more closed-minded than they are used to from the other adults in their lives (Atticus, Calpurnia, Miss Maudie). 

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

How do Atticus and Alexandra differ in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In Chapter 13 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout remarks that "There was indeed a caste system in Maycomb...." She adds that her aunt Alexandra fits into this system perfectly as she is at the top of the social system. Her dress is according to what is expected of a lady, her actions are what is expected of a lady, and her speech is in accordance with propriety. She entertains guests, and expects her niece and her nephew to act according to social expectations.

Her Missionary Tea sees some of the more socially elite arrive at the house.  Aunt Alexandra feels that she must make the teacakes, having forbidden Calpurnia to bake them.  When she speaks to Scout, unlike her brother, Alexandra calls her Jean-Louise and demands that she wear a dress. After a time, she requests that her brother talk with his children, informing them about the expected behavior. In addition, she objects to Atticus's including Calpurnia into the day-to-day instruction of the children; Alexandra, in fact, she suggests that he dismiss her.

In contrast to his sister Atticus is uninterested in social position and social facades; for instance, he sits alone in church. As a concession to his sister, however, he reminds Scout of their family tree and the name that they carry. He does, however, insist upon good manners as he demands that his son read to and be considerate of Mrs.Dubose, who suffers. 

Much more liberal and tolerant than his sister, Atticus defends Calpurnia as the teacher of Scout and a member of the family, and he explains that his defense of Tom Robinson is taken so that his children will not have to acquire "the usual disease" of Maycomb.  His integrity, however, gains the respect of his sister, who does worry for Atticus when he begins his defense of Tom.  She indicts the town:

"They're perfectly willing to let him do what they're too afraid to do themselves--it might lose 'em a nickel.  They're perfectly willing to let hims wreck his health doing what they're afraid to do, they're ____"

Thus, Alexandra displays the loyalty that Atticus possesses, as well. Nevertheless, appearances are of much more importantce to Alexandra that they are to Atticus. 

Approved by eNotes Editorial