(Chapter # 12 - 13) What do you learn about Aunt Alexandra in chapter 13 in general, and what do you learn about her influence over Atticus and his family?

Aunt Alexandra visits Jem and Scout in Maycomb from the Finch’s Landing. “PUT MY BAG in the front bedroom, Calpurnia, was the first thing Aunt Alexandra said. Jean Louise, stop scratching your head, was the second thing she said (169). Throughout this passage, it is quite clear that Aunt Alexandra is moody and stuck-up. Aunt Alexandra wants the kids to do what she says and act in a certain way that she thinks is appropriate for the Finch’s since she declares “What Is Best For The Family.” Aunt Alexandra takes too much control in wanting to set the right foot for the family.

“Well, your father and I decided it was time I came to stay with you for a while (169). We decided that it would be best for you to have some feminine influence (170).”  Aunt Alexandra comes to Maycomb so she can straighten out Jem and Scout. After the incident at the Finch’s Landing, when Scout punched francis, Aunt Alexandra could see these children needed to be taught manners and good behaviour. One can infer that she talked Atticus into staying with the kids since Atticus is already a good parent and doesn’t need further help with the household. “Stop that noise, Atticus said. I felt myself beginning to cry, but I could not stop. This was not my father. My father never spoke these thoughts. My father never spoke so. Aunt Alexandra had put him up to this, somehow (178).” This passage shows that Aunt Alexandra is changing the ways of Atticus’s household and their living style. She wants to up their standards of life since Scout and Jem aren’t just anyone, they’re Finch’s. Aunt Alexandra isn’t even taking their thoughts into consideration; she is just enforcing rules and expecting for them to get follwed. This change of behavior by Atticus is making scout feel upset since she wants her old dad back. Scout knows Alexandra persuaded Atticus into this, and there’s no going back. Scout and Jem are depressed about the new way they have to act since they find it amusing to mess about and live a normal life.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why might you think Atticus agreed to let Aunt Alexandra stay with them?

2. Why else might you think Scout is upset about being told to behave in an orderly manner?