Ms. Smarty Pants Know It All

(Continued from To Kill A Mockingbird part 1)

Structure

The structure of the book is incredible. It is almost mathematical in how later events are set up by the former pages. Tim Johnson -> Mrs. DuBois -> the trial. These were such important events in the developments of Jem and Atticus.

Family Codes

All the families presented in the story had their own tenants of life.

• Ewells (everyone else is at fault)
• Cunninghams (take nothing from nobody)
• Radleys (religious strictness, isolation)
• Finches (morality, honor)

Some are judged better and some are judged worse, but in all the families, it can be argued that the children all suffer (enclose “suffer” in quotes if you’d like) because of their parents’ codes.

Jem had to stay with Mrs. DuBois beyond the original agreement without reason. More seriously, he also would have had to stand trial if not for Heck Tate’s intervention.

Aunt Alexandra

I used to think that Alexandra inserted herself into the family because she was afraid of the embarrassment that was coming and how Atticus would damage the family’s reputation. I didn’t like her. Now I see that she was doing her part as well.

While Atticus toiled to placate the men’s world. Alexandra offered just one more reason for the town’s resentment and anger to stay away. She wooed the women, who would have influenced the men. If she could convince the town of the dignity and gentility of the Finches, than that nobility would reflect on Atticus, his words, and what he was trying to accomplish.

Did she believe everything? No, but she did her part.

Audiobook Challenge status: seven completed, five to go.

Tags: Books // Add Comment »