Character Relationships

(Aunt Alexandra and Atticus)

Aunt Alexadra and Atticus are mostly different from each other, but aside their differences; there are similarities between them. One similarity is that they both have strong opinions about how the children should be raised; even though their opinions on how they should grow up were very different. They basically just want what's best for them and want to show them that growing up is and essential part of life. Also, they both care about people; although Aunt Alexandra cares about what other's think while Atticus cares about the people themselves.

     There is a lot of differences between Atticus and Alexandra though. Some of those differences are that Alexandra wants everything to go her way and be how she wants it; like she want Scout to act more like a girl. Even though Atticus lets Scout wear overalls, Alexandra considers it "unladylike". On the other hand, Atticus lets Scout be herself as a tomboy. Then, a huge difference is that Alexandra has taken in the system of society while Atticus challenges it.

     Atticus is Scout's dad and Alexandra is her Aunt. The thing that Scout and Atticus have in their relationship is understanding. Atticus understand how Scout feels or acts and he lets her continue them because he is fair. They also do some compromising; one time in the beginning of the book Atticus told Scout that they can continue reading at home (without telling Miss Caroline) and that Scout would keep going to school. Also, they have a good routine with discipline. Most of the time, Scout listens to Atticus when he gives her a punishment for something that she did wrong, such as making fun of the Radley's. This form of punishment is that he doesn't have to hit her, but she still listens. Atticus also teaches her like an adult sometimes and talks to her and explains about things that she doesn't know about.
     Aunt Alexandra and Scout (in the book so far) don't really have much in common and they don't really talk to each other much. So far, Scout has only mentioned one thing that she liked about her; her cooking. Other than that, they can't get along because Akexandra doesn't like how Scout is "unladylike", wears overalls instead of dresses, and gets into fights. She does not approve at all at how Atticus raised Scout and doesn't like her very much.

     Atticus' effect on Scout is that he influences her life everday by teaching her lessons and explaining new things to her. He tries to guide her through her life and childhood as she grows up. One lesson that he gives both Scout and Jem is a lesson that influences them to have respect for life and that lesson is to never kill a mockingbird. One other big thing that he teaches them is to treat everyone with respect and not to judge them. This came up with several different characters such as: Walter Cunningham, Boo Radley, Mrs. Dubose, Mr. Avery, etc.
     Aunt Alexandra's effect on Scout is a negative one starting on Christmas. Scout didn't even want to visit her because she disliked Alexandra for constantly saying she wasn't raised properly with how she acted and what she wore. So far, in the book she didn't like the effect that she had in her, especially when she came for a long visit to her house.