The Good, the Bad, and the Deep South: Character Analysis of Aunt Alexandra Anonymous 9th Grade

The novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee explored the racist south during the Jim Crow era through the lense of a girl, Scout Finch. Through the novel, we learn of the experiences of the people living through this time, and how racism was predominant throughout the area. This novel teaches lessons such as setting good examples, remaining poised, and being compassionate, but also allows viewing faults within this time period. This includes the obsession with image, narrow-mindedness, and following set ideals for how a person should act. One of the characters, Scout’s Aunt Alexandra, demonstrates these traits, and provides insights to the lives of people in the deep south. Through her actions, the reader can learn lessons about how to better their lives, and how the South was a deeply flawed place, and how to learn from those past mistakes to move to a better future.

Aunt Alexandra represents obsession with image, narrow-mindedness, and conforming to the ideals of others. Upon arriving in Macomb and moving in with Scout, her brother Jem, and her father Atticus, she would call, “‘Jean Lousie, come speak to these ladies.’ When [Scout appears] in the doorway, Aunty would look as if she [regrets] her request; [Scout] was...