Aunt Alexandra: The Embodiment of Tradition in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is filled with vibrant characters who bring the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, to life. While characters like Atticus Finch and Scout are often at the forefront of discussions about the novel, Aunt Alexandra plays an essential role in understanding the intricacies of Maycomb's social dynamics and the Finch family itself.

At first glance, Aunt Alexandra might be dismissed as the stereotypical Southern belle, wrapped up in her notions of family pride, obsessed with societal norms, and resistant to change.

However, a deeper dive into her character reveals a woman trapped between the traditions of the past and the emerging realities of a changing world.

Aunt Alexandra is a stalwart of the Finch family and the embodiment of Maycomb's traditional values. Her staunch belief in the importance of "gentle breeding" and lineage showcases the town's rigid class and racial hierarchies. Through her, we get a glimpse of the underlying prejudices that many Maycomb residents harbor.

Get quality help now

KarrieWrites

Verified writer

Proficient in: Free Essays

5 (339)

“ KarrieWrites did such a phenomenal job on this assignment! He completed it prior to its deadline and was thorough and informative. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Her insistence that the Finch family should associate only with "our kind of folks" speaks to the broader issues of racial and social discrimination that are central to the novel.

But Aunt Alexandra's character isn't just a simple portrayal of traditional Southern values. She's also depicted as a caring family member, genuinely concerned about the upbringing of Jem and Scout. In her own way, she believes she's doing what's best for them. Her decision to move into the Finch household to provide a "feminine influence" for Scout reveals her dedication to family and her belief in the roles that men and women should play in society.

Furthermore, her relationship with Calpurnia, the Finch's black housekeeper, highlights the complexities of race relations in Maycomb. While Alexandra sees Calpurnia as inferior because of her race, she also respects her role in the Finch household and her contribution to Scout and Jem's upbringing. This duality in her character underscores the contradictory nature of Maycomb society.

A defining moment for Aunt Alexandra comes during the missionary circle meeting in the Finch home. As the ladies of Maycomb discuss the plight of an African tribe, they display overt racism towards the black community in their own town. While Aunt Alexandra remains complicit in these conversations, the subsequent events challenge her beliefs. After learning about Tom Robinson's death, she witnesses her brother's grief and her family's pain. It's a poignant moment, as she realizes the tangible consequences of the societal prejudices she's long upheld.

Towards the end of the novel, Aunt Alexandra's character begins to show signs of growth. She starts to understand and even appreciate the moral stands taken by her brother, Atticus. When Bob Ewell attacks Scout and Jem, Alexandra's deep-seated love for her family shines through. She becomes more than just a figure of tradition; she becomes a supportive aunt, deeply concerned for the well-being of her family.

In conclusion, Aunt Alexandra is a multi-dimensional character who offers readers a window into the traditional values of Maycomb society. While she initially seems to be a mere embodiment of these antiquated beliefs, her character evolves, showing a capacity for understanding and change. Through Aunt Alexandra, Harper Lee illustrates the challenges of reconciling personal beliefs with societal norms and showcases the possibility of growth even in the most rigid of characters. The character of Aunt Alexandra serves as a reminder that beneath the facade of tradition often lies a complex web of beliefs, emotions, and potential for transformation.