Scout's Reckoning with Femininity

Scout's resistance to Aunt Alexandra's attempts to make her a lady, and her gradual acceptance of some aspects of femininity.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Tomboy Identity

The Tomboy Identity The Overall Preference Scout prefers overalls to dresses. She is a tomboy who fights, climbs trees, and plays with Jem and Dill. She resents any pressure to be ladylike. The Aunt's Disapproval Aunt Alexandra is fanatical about Scout's attire. She says Scout cannot be a lady if she wears breeches. She gives Scout a pearl necklace and expects her to be a ray of sunshine. The Conflict Scout feels that being a girl means giving up her freedom. She argues with Aunt Alexandra but finds support from Atticus, who says she can be a ray of sunshine in pants.

The Feminine Influence

The Feminine Influence The Missionary Circle Aunt Alexandra hosts the Missionary Society. Scout is forced to serve refreshments and be polite. She feels out of place. The Introduction to Ladies Scout meets the ladies of Maycomb. She sees their private hypocrisy and their public facade. She is not impressed, but she begins to observe. The Slow Change Despite her resistance, Scout starts to learn from Calpurnia and Miss Maudie. She sees that being a woman does not have to mean being weak. She begins to appreciate the strength of the women around her.

The Final Acceptance

The Final Acceptance The Walk Home with Boo Scout walks Boo Radley home. She stands on his porch and sees the world from his perspective. She feels a sense of empathy and maturity. The Father's Approval Atticus says Scout has grown up. She is now able to see things from others' points of view. She has learned to be a lady in her own way—by being compassionate and understanding. The Integration Scout does not abandon her tomboy ways, but she accepts that she can be both a girl and a person of strength. She reconciles her identity with the expectations of her society.

throughout Scout's early childhood

after Aunt Alexandra's arrival

after the trial and the attack