Why Does Aunt Alexandra Come To Stay

Why Does Aunt Alexandra Come to Stay? Exploring Family Dynamics in To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming-of-age story deeply intertwined with the complexities of family, social prejudice, and moral growth. While the narrative unfolds through Scout Finch's innocent yet observant eyes, the arrival of Aunt Alexandra adds a significant layer of conflict and tension to the already intricate plot. This essay will delve into the reasons behind Aunt Alexandra's arrival in Maycomb, exploring the underlying motivations, the impact she has on the Finch family, and her role in shaping Scout's understanding of the adult world.

The Societal Pressure: Maintaining the Finch Family Reputation

Aunt Alexandra's arrival isn't merely a spontaneous visit; it's a strategic move rooted in the rigid social structures of Maycomb. The Finch family, while respected, finds itself under a microscope following Atticus's controversial decision to defend Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of raping a white woman. This act challenges the deeply ingrained racial prejudices of the community, placing Atticus and his children in a precarious position.

Preserving Social Standing:

Aunt Alexandra, a woman deeply invested in maintaining the family's social standing and reputation, views Atticus's actions as a threat to their established place in Maycomb society. She embodies the traditional values and expectations of the Southern aristocracy, believing in upholding appearances and conforming to social norms. Her arrival signifies an attempt to restore order and propriety to the Finch household, which has been disrupted by Atticus's outspoken defiance of the town's racial hierarchy.

Influencing Atticus and the Children:

Alexandra aims not only to protect the family's image but also to influence Atticus's behavior and guide his children towards more socially acceptable conduct. She disapproves of Scout's tomboyish nature and considers it unbecoming of a Finch girl. She feels Atticus is too lenient with his children and believes that a stricter, more traditional approach is necessary to mold them into respectable members of society. This highlights a clash between Atticus's progressive parenting style and Aunt Alexandra's staunch adherence to societal expectations. Her presence serves as a constant reminder of the societal pressures faced by the Finch family.

Family Dynamics: Filling a Perceived Void and Asserting Authority

Beyond the societal pressures, Aunt Alexandra's arrival also stems from a desire to assert authority within the Finch family and to fill a perceived void in the children's upbringing.

A Traditional Feminine Influence:

With Calpurnia, their housekeeper, largely managing the household and Atticus engrossed in his legal work, Aunt Alexandra sees an opportunity to provide a more traditional feminine influence on Scout and Jem. She attempts to instill in Scout a sense of femininity, encouraging her to dress and behave in a manner deemed appropriate for a young lady of her social standing. This reflects a patriarchal society's expectations of women and girls and highlights the limitations imposed on them.

Strengthening Family Bonds (Her Perspective):

Alexandra believes that by taking a more active role in the children's lives, she can strengthen the family bond and provide a sense of stability amidst the turmoil caused by Atticus's involvement in the Robinson case. However, her methods often clash with the children's independent spirits, creating friction and misunderstanding. Her presence is not always welcomed by the children and creates a different form of tension than that already present.

The Role of Gender and Societal Expectations

Aunt Alexandra's actions are largely shaped by the restrictive gender roles prevalent in 1930s Southern society. She represents the epitome of a traditional Southern woman, bound by societal expectations and confined to a narrow definition of femininity.

Conforming to Societal Norms:

Her insistence on Scout conforming to traditional feminine ideals reveals the restrictive nature of gender roles in that era. This demonstrates the constraints placed on women and the pressure to conform to societal expectations, even at the expense of individual expression and personal growth. Alexandra's attempts to mold Scout into a refined young lady are not driven by malice but by a deeply ingrained belief in societal norms and the preservation of the family's image.

Limited Agency for Women:

Aunt Alexandra's limited agency within the social structure further underscores the constraints imposed on women during that period. Her power is derived primarily from her social standing and her role within the family. She seeks to exert influence through subtle manipulation and conformity, reflecting the limited opportunities available to women outside the domestic sphere.

The Impact on Scout's Development

Aunt Alexandra's presence significantly impacts Scout's development, forcing her to confront the complexities of the adult world and the contradictions within Maycomb society.

Challenging Assumptions:

Aunt Alexandra's rigid adherence to societal norms challenges Scout's naive understanding of the world. Scout's initial resistance to Aunt Alexandra's attempts at social refinement forces her to question societal expectations and to grapple with the complexities of gender roles and social hierarchies. This resistance is vital to Scout’s character development and independence.

Understanding Hypocrisy:

Witnessing Aunt Alexandra's hypocrisy—her adherence to social conventions while secretly harboring prejudices—helps Scout develop a more nuanced understanding of human behavior and the pervasive nature of social hypocrisy. This understanding becomes crucial to her moral growth. The contrast between Atticus's actions and Aunt Alexandra's reinforces the importance of individual conscience over blind conformity.

Developing Independence and Empathy:

Despite the initial conflicts, Scout's interactions with Aunt Alexandra contribute to her development of empathy and independence. Learning to navigate the complexities of family relationships and societal expectations allows Scout to become a more well-rounded individual. She begins to understand the different motivations behind people's actions, even those she finds difficult to accept.

Conclusion: A Catalyst for Growth

Aunt Alexandra's arrival in Maycomb is far from a simple plot device. It serves as a pivotal turning point in the novel, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics, the pervasive influence of societal pressures, and the importance of individual conscience. While her presence introduces conflict and tension, it ultimately catalyzes Scout's growth and her understanding of the intricate web of relationships and prejudices that shape the world around her. She is a complex character, motivated by a desire to protect her family, but ultimately limited by her own rigid adherence to outdated social norms. Her role in the novel ultimately underscores the importance of challenging these norms and fostering individual growth amidst societal constraints. By exploring these themes, Lee invites readers to reflect on the enduring power of family, the complexities of social structures, and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.