Student Question
What are the similarities and differences in Aunt Alexandra's behavior between Part One and Part Two?
Quick answer:
In both parts of the novel, Aunt Alexandra is portrayed as strict and critical, particularly concerning Scout's attire and behavior, reflecting her traditional Southern beliefs. In Part One, Scout views her as distant and isolating. In Part Two, Alexandra moves in with the Finch family, revealing her complex personality and softer side, including defending Atticus and showing care for Scout. Her increased presence highlights her prejudices and family pride, while Scout's maturity allows her to understand Alexandra better.
Aunt Alexandra is indignant towards Scout in both parts of the novel because Scout insists on wearing overalls and playing outside with the boys. Alexandra is the quintessential Southern Belle and believes that all girls should act accordingly by wearing dresses and participating in social affairs. In "Part One" Scout laments at the fact that Aunt Alexandra "isolates" her during family dinners, and in "Part Two," Scout mentions that Alexandra thinks she is dull. In both parts, Alexandra disagrees with Atticus on various matters which include defending Tom Robinson, parenting techniques, and Calpurnia's place in the family. Also, Alexandra is viewed as a hospitable individual in both parts. In Chapter 9, Alexandra invites the family over and prepares a delicious Christmas dinner. Similarly, in Chapter 24, Alexandra graciously hosts the missionary circle at her house.
In "Part Two" of the novel, Alexandra moves into the Finch household, and...
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Scout begins to elaborate on Alexandra's peculiar theory of heredity.Alexandra's personality is further explored in "Part Two" than it is in "Part One." For instance, Alexandra's fascination with her family background is portrayed, as well as her prejudiced feelings toward lower-income families. Alexandra's softer side is also depicted in "Part Two." Scout witnesses Alexandra defend Atticus' character and display sympathy for her brother in Chapter 24. Alexandra also hands Scout her overalls after Scout returns home from Ewell's attack in Chapter 28. As Scout matures in "Part Two," Aunt Alexandra's complex personality becomes evident due to Scout's developing perspective.
How does Aunt Alexandra differ in Part One and Part Two of the book?
In Part One of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout does not see her aunt much. She views her as a distant person. Aunt Alexandra rarely comes to visit Scout and her family in Maycomb. Scout reveals how she feels about Aunt Alexandra:
... throughout my early life, she was cold and there (Chapter 9).
Aunt Alexandra is portrayed as being strict, critical, and full of unwanted advice in Part One. She is concerned that Scout is not ladylike:
Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire. I could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches; when I said I could do nothing in a dress, she said I wasn't supposed to be doing things that required pants. Aunt Alexandra's vision of my deportment involved playing with small stoves, tea sets, and wearing the Add-A-Pearl necklace she gave me when I was born; furthermore, I should be a ray of sunshine in my father’s lonely life.
Chapter 12 is the first chapter in Part Two. Aunt Alexandra's presence increases dramatically in Part Two. In Chapter 12, Scout and Jem come home to find their aunt sitting on the porch.
Scout and Jem soon find out that Aunt Alexandra is moving into their house. She is going to stay throughout the trial. Scout begins to see Aunt Alexandra as a person with feelings and more warmth than she knew before. She is still strict and serious but Scout begins to understand her aunt.