Thursday, March 8, 2007

Aunt Alexandra... FRIEND or FOE?

I pondered the question as to whether or not Aunt Alexandra is a mean old cranky lady, or a person in this story that is misunderstood? Do you think that she means well with all her harsh criticism of Scout, or is she trying to be bitter to people. I read ahead to chapter 13, and she comes to stay at the Finch Residence for a long time, to help mother Scout, and add a feminine influence. What to you think Atticus thinks of her visit? Scout? Jem?

14 comments:

Benjamin Disraeli said...

She's cranky but she just wants to help Atticus out I would guess. Haven't read that far but I can only assume (though we know what assuming does) that she felt sorry for poor motherless scout and felt that it was her duty as a Finch and as a woman on god's green earth to help out her...brother? er whatever...

thegoldenone said...

I think she wants the best for them but doesnt know how to show it except in a demanding way. I think she want to teach Scout how to act more like a girl since she doesnt have any girly influences. I think Scout it going to try everything in her power to make her aunt feel as unwelcome as she made scout feel. Since Atticus is busy with the trial she is probably coming down to lend him a hand but is going to end up making their relationship worse.

stephen colbert said...

Aunt Alexandia is a cranky old women, but I think in her mind she is doing the right thing. She may in her mind be trying to help Scout, but it is easy to see that she has a strong dislike for Scout. The fact that she doesn't have a girl is probably the biggest reason why her and Scout are enemies. Aunt Alexandra has no idea how to react to Scout and usually results in her insulting Scout wich just makes Scout hate her even more.

Princess Ariel said...

i agree with stephen colbert. I think Aunt Alexandra thinks in her mind that she is doing the right thing.

ginger said...

I think that Aunt Alexander is one of those people who you hate for what they do, but know in their heart that they have good intentions.I think that when Aunt A. disagrees with Atticus supporting Tom Robinson in the trial because she wants to protect him, and that when she harps at Scout for being such a tomboy she just wants her to grow up and be what is expected in the southern society. So, yes i think that Aunt A. is misunderstood and has good intentions but doesnt quite know how to get them across.

ginger said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dr. Hoopz said...

I do think that Aunt Alexandra is just rying to help Scout become more of a lady, but I also believe that she could do it in a nicer way than the way she is doing it. So in other words I would say that while she is with her family during the Holidays she does come across as just a cranky old lady. However I think that when she is at home with Francis she probably isn't as rude

Mrs. S says... said...

Regardless of how well-intended Aunt Alex is, she is close minded and bias!

Emily Osment said...

I think she is a little cranky old women, but I do think she wants the best for the family, especially Scout. I mean I wouldn't worry so much about Scout! I know she needs to act a little more like a lady, but she should be able to be who she is most comfortable with. The Aunt doesn't need to worry unless Scout is 35 and is unmarried, without a job, lives on her couch, smells,wears men's clothing, burps out loud all the time, and is growing facial hair! I mean come on,if it gets that bad, you probably need to call a specialist for help. I think she needs to just lay off alittle bit. She probably really isn't that rude, she just comes off that way. Also, like dr. Hoopz said, she probably doesn't act that way around Francis.

Kelsey Pingleton said...

I think that Aunt Alex should just leave Scout alone because it should be her choice in how she wants to dress. If she wanted to dress like a "girly-girl" she would, but if the girl wants to wear pants...then so be it. But as for the way Scout acts, I think that it would be okay for Aunt Alex to step in from time to time to correct some of the things that need to be corrected. I just don't think that she should be so overbearing and controlling. It is Atticus's job to raise his children, not Aunt Alex's. Hopefully she will loosen up a little bit.....

txncutie said...

I think that she is just one of those old ladies who aren't happy with their lives...so they take out their anger on other people! I don't really think she is misunderstood! I just think that she wants to be rude to everyone so she won't feel so bad about herself! Of course she might be trying to look out for Scouts best interest..but she could have found another way oh showing her feelings!

honey said...

She is selfish and rude, just by the way she treats others. It seems that she is still trying to find herself by putting others down to build up her lack of confidence.

PrincessJasmine said...

I agree with Emily... I think that Aunt Alexzandria worries way too much about Scout. I mean, can you honestly blame her for the way she behaves? She has been surrounded by testosterone her entire life and hasn't really had any "girl-friends" to influence their girly ways upon her. But what it really comes down to is that Scout is just not interested in the same things as many girls are. And chances are she'll always be that way. Just because she is a Tom boy doesn't mean she in incapible of becoming a lady some day. But, as of right now, let the poor girl go roll around in the dirt and play baseball for heaven's sake! I do beleive that Aunt Alexzandra means well...but she has a very rude way of showing it. I bet she's just bitter and jealous because Scout can pull off the overall look, while she is left in a sufficating corset! She should seek therapy and/or medication for her anger problem. But, untill Scout is a little older...she should just relax.

Robert Allen said...

I think that Aunt Alexandra is misunderstood. I think that she is just trying to be helpful to Atticus in raising his children because she thinks that he needs a womens peroggative. I believe that atticus asked her to visit to help the kids.