I find this book quite intriguing in many different ways. Having had only some previous knowledge of the story, I'm interested to see how all of the customs and culture of Maycomb will play a part in the grand scheme of the story. One thing that was really shocking (and embarrassing on my part, I suppose) was that I didn't realize Scout Finch was actually a little girl until chapter 5. I simply thought the constant references to how much of a girl he (well, she) was becoming were just insults from an older brother. It wasn't until the author included the bit on Dill declaring his love for little Jean Louise did I realize my mistake. I'm curious to see how Scout being really the only girl among a sea of boys her age will contribute to the story. Scout's gender also makes much more sense as to why Calpurnia is so much harder on her than Jem. It also could relate back to why Miss Caroline is so much harder on her as well. Miss Caroline seems very lost in Maycomb, and maybe a contributing factor is that she is so bewildered at the fact that Jean Lousie is nicknamed "Scout" and is not a proper young lady like Miss Caroline was raised as.
Chattahoochee River
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
To Kill A Mockingbird: Section 1
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Kaitlyn, Why do you think so much time is spent on Scout's gender (or reference to it)? Does it strictly serve as characterization? Or do you think there is a deeper purpose? It is obviously a challenge that Scout faces - she doesn't understand why she has to act (nor does she want to act) like a lady. Does her gender play into a deeper message about growing up? About having to become something because society says so?
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn, you're not the only one who thought Scout was a boy in the beginning. I thought the same. She does act like a boy, due to how she was raised by nothing but boys. But what really is interesting, is that her brother criticizes her as being too girly and sometimes believe she isn't girly enough. When Scout actually herself wants to know what it means to be a lady?
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn, you're not alone. I totally though that Scout was a boy initially as well. I though her brother was just teasing her by calling her "a girl." It was actually only until I heard the way she talked about deal, that I became confused as to what her true identity was. Reflecting on the first six chapters, I see how her gender is very influential in the development of relationships amongst those around her. How do you think the fact that she grew up around boys will contribute to the story? I think she'll be much more tough skinned and unabated by societal norms.
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn--
ReplyDeleteI think a little initial confusion of Scout's gender might be intended. From the very beginning, we know that Scout defies norms, and we are able to see a little of her rebellious side.