To Kill a Mockingbird - Southern Traditions :: Free Essay Writer

To Kill a Mockingbird  -  Southern Traditions     The South has always been known for its farming economy, confederate tendencies, family pride, and mild females in ruffled dresses. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, the Souths familiar traditions become ostensible as a theme throughout the plot. This novel takes place in Alabama in the 1930s and tells a story about a lawyer who defends a wrongly accused black-market man while trying to raise his two children, Scout and Jem, as they go through lifes most active learning stage. Southern ways rise the plot of the story and give a realistic and historic perspective to the book. This portrayal of Southern culture appears in various forms of racism, hatred, meek women, and family.   The Southern women were told and obligated, by some code of southern conduct, to mature into fair-smelling, perfect ladies. By ladies they meant women who were well mannered, good at embroidery, and wore frill y, lacy dresses. One grammatical case of this southern tradition occurs when aunty Alexandra comes to the Finch residence to help Atticus raise his children during the trial. When first arriving she says to Scout, We decided that it would be best for you to have some feminine influence. It wont be many years, Jean Louise, in the beginning you become interested in clothes and boys. This comment implies that the only subjects girls are expected to understand are boys and clothes. Aunt Alexandra makes no mention of Jean Louises intelligence, education, or personality. Her diction suggests that the only thing Jean Louise is capable of pursuing is her attire and a man. Scout discovers what a southern lady is as she notices how Aunt Alexandra chose evasive garments that drew up her bosom to giddy heights, pinched in her waist, flared out her rear, and managed to suggest that Aunt Alexandras was once an hour-glass figure. Scout was considered to be very improper, wearing ov eralls and pants, only if Aunt Alexandra would still try and introduce her to other ladies. I assume that she did this to try and influence Scout. She hoped Scout would form lady-like habits by watching others. Another example takes place after the trial, when Jem is appalled at the decision the court makes in response to Tom Robinsons case.