Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird: Significant Role of the Ideology of Expectations

Expectations.

In "To Kill a Mockingbird", the author, Harper Lee, makes it clear that the expectations that Aunt Alexandra had for people were immoral. Aunt Alexandra expected Scout to dress and act like a lady. She wanted her to do things, such as wearing dresses, talking like a lady, and not doing things that boys do. However, Scout was not ready to make that change, because she was used to doing the exact opposite of what Aunt Alexandra asked her. She was doing things that boys would do, like wearing overalls, running around outside, and even fighting with other people. This was a reason that Scout did not like her Aunt very much; on the other hand, Scout had much respect for Atticus because he did not judge her by her appearance, but by her intentions, actions, and mentality. Through Aunt Alexandra, Harper Lee shows us that expectations should be built in accord to a person's character.

Every meeting between Scout and her Aunt takes great effort. Often, struggles arise between the two, mostly matters of Scouts appearance, and the manner in which Scout conducts herself. These censures that Aunt Alexandra made of Scout were based on looks. Scout narrated, "A flip of the coin revealed the uncompromising lineaments of Aunt Alexandra and Francis." (81). This passage portrays the Negative outlook Scout had on Aunt Alexandra. Scout knew exactly what Aunt Alexandra wanted of her, "Aunt Alexandra's vision of my deportment involved playing with small stoves, tea sets, and wearing the Add-A-Pearl necklace she gave me when I was born..."(86). Scout didn't like to wear Add-A-Pearl necklaces, or play with small stoves. This was not Scout. Scout was a rough going girl who loved to play in the mud and run around in the woods. Aunt Alexandra knew this, and so she tried her best to change Scout. Aunt Alexandra thought she was doing the right thing for Scout. Aunt Alexandra always imposed her expectations into Scout's everyday life. However, with the influence and advice of Atticus, Scout disregarded her Aunt's guidance. Aunt Alexandra will always be a part of Scout's life, but Atticus will be as well. Therefore, the balance of what would seem to be opposite poles will be there for Scout, and will enable her to choose who she wants to become.

Atticus and Aunt Alexandra's way of judging people are diverse in their ideology of what and how to judge. Aunt Alexandra just wants Scout to be more ladylike. Aunt Alexandra scolded Scout once for not dressing in a way the way that she had asked; "...She said I wasn't supposed to be doing things that required pants"(86) However Atticus only asked Scout to be a kind and honest person, and to try and get along with others. Before Scout almost fought Cecil Jacobs, Attics told her, "You might hear some ugly talk about it ["it" Referring to a conflict that arose between her father, in a community that still discriminated on the basis of race] at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head up high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don't let 'em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change...it's a good one, even if it does resist learning."(80). Atticus is involved in a civil case that could end his practice of law. Aunt Alexandra, and the rest of the town were against Atticus defending a "Negro," but Atticus did what was right. Atticus was trying to teach his children the same principal. All Aunt Alexandra cared about was how Scout looked, and if she was acting appropriately. Since Atticus only wanted people to be of good quality by doing what was right, it made him a well-respected person; unlike Aunt Alexandra who judged people by their looks and outer appearance.

By the means of Aunt Alexandra, Harper Lee lets us know that the expectations of a person should be decided not by a person's looks, but be created in such a way that it would raise the quality of life for that person and others. Atticus's great personality and respect for others is rewarded by the respect from the people of Maycomb. He did not care how someone looked or dressed. He just worried about how the people treated others, and the way that they acted towards others. Aunt Alexandra only cares about what people look like. She wanted people of her lineage to comply with her social requirements so that she would not be embarrassed in front of her friends, and would be able to show a family that by the standards of her social culture would be acceptable. Some people did not like Aunt Alexandra for that. Aunt Alexandra's accusations and Atticus' easy-going personality made an enormous influence in Scout's life. It taught her that she could become a well-respected person if she followed in the footprints of her father. The quality of a person's life partially depends on their expectations and judgment of others.