The Finch Family vs. Aunt Alexandra's Conservatism

The clash between Atticus's progressive values and Aunt Alexandra's traditional, class-conscious views.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Aunt Alexandra's Arrival

Aunt Alexandra's Arrival The Unexpected Visit Aunt Alexandra arrives at the Finch house to stay permanently. She says she is there to provide feminine influence for the children. The Children's Reaction Jem and Scout are surprised and wary. They sense that her presence will change things. She is a force of tradition and order. The Tension with Atticus Atticus had not told them she was coming. He seems to have been pressured into it. The arrival sets up a conflict between his parenting style and Alexandra's.

The Family Pride Lesson

The Family Pride Lesson The Attempted Lecture Aunt Alexandra asks Atticus to speak to the children about their family pride. Atticus awkwardly tries to explain that they are from gentle breeding. The Children's Confusion Jem and Scout are bewildered. They do not understand why being a Finch matters. Scout starts crying, feeling that Atticus is not himself. The Failure Atticus quickly abandons the lecture. He tells Scout to forget it. He realizes that he cannot impose Alexandra's values on his children. The conflict between his principles and his sister's is clear.

The Daily Friction

The Daily Friction The Missionary Society Aunt Alexandra hosts the Missionary Society, forcing Scout to participate. Scout is uncomfortable with the ladies' gossip and hypocrisy. The Emphasis on Heredity Alexandra constantly talks about family streaks and the importance of lineage. Jem and Scout find it tiresome. They prefer Atticus's view that fine folks are those who do their best. The Undermining of Calpurnia Aunt Alexandra tries to diminish Calpurnia's role. She suggests that the children need a different influence. Atticus resists, but the tension is there.

The Resolution through Atticus's Firmness

The Resolution through Atticus's Firmness The Defense of Calpurnia Atticus stands up to Aunt Alexandra when she wants to dismiss Calpurnia. He says Calpurnia is part of the family. This shows his values. The Children's Loyalty Jem and Scout remain loyal to Atticus's way. They reject Alexandra's attempts to change them. They find comfort in Miss Maudie's support. The Underlying Unity Despite the conflict, the family remains together. Aunt Alexandra eventually softens a little. The clash of values is unresolved but managed.

summer, after Atticus's trip to Montgomery

evening after Aunt Alexandra's arrival

during Aunt Alexandra's stay

as the trial approaches