To Kill A Mockingbird: Week of 12/1

Prompt: Character Relationships
Chapters: 9-12

Throughout To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee has managed to make a perfect balance among the characters between their alter egos and foils. We are able to juxtapose characters such as Scout's Aunt Alexandra and her father, Atticus, throughout the beginning. Although it may not seem as such, but we are allowed to view the striking similarities that lie among the brother and sister. Both Atticus and Alexandra Finch seem to have a strong care for their family and do their best to assist them in any way possible. They both work in their best attempts so that the children grow to be happy and established people wherever they may go. Along with this, the sibling duo have a rather subtle yet noticeable care for each other. Despite their constant disagreements, we are able to see each other's safety is a priority to one another.

Despite their list of similarities, Atticus and Aunt Alexandra are also extremely different to one another. Together they present foils in the most explicit of manners. The differences begin among their reason for caring about Jem and Scout. As seen throughout the story Aunt Alexandra's subtle yet snarky remarks and her rather startling glares are used to help teach the children the importance of respect and reputation. On the other hand, as a caring father, Atticus has always taught his children the importance of empathizing and understanding. Another difference between the two would be the personality they display among people they socialize with. It seems to me that Aunt Alexandra has the need to hide her true thoughts among her friends at tea time. In complete contrast, Atticus is relatively blunt and says what needs to be said at the appropriate times.

Throughout the novel we have been able to see the interesting relationship between Scout and Atticus, and the relationship between Scout and Aunt Alexandra. Aunt Alexandra not only has effected Scout, but her father as well. This in return has caused Scout to revolt against the two adult figures in order to display her disapproval. Aunt Alexandra is in several ways a foil to Scout due to Alexandra's distaste for Scout's behavior and clothing style, which she considers to be "not lady like." Scout's father, Atticus, unlike her aunt continues to have a positive effect on the child. Atticus, in my opinion is an alter ego to Jean-Louise, seeing as he has taught her the importance of respect for others, empathy, and courtesy. Together Atticus and Alexandra have changed the atmosphere in Scout's daily life due to the dramatic change in rules and expectations. In simple terms, not only has her individual relationship with each adult effected her but also the relationship between the two adults. Much too Scout's dismay, the bickering between the adults, the change in Atticus's disposition, and Aunt Alexandra's snide statements show to have a great effect on the narrator.