Chapters 16-17 How is the relationship between Aunty and Atticus changing? In what ways is this important to our understanding of the novel? (Ben)

The relationship between Aunty Alexandra and Atticus is changing because Aunty is inflicting negative energy in to the Finch family, especially Atticus. This is important to our understanding of the novel because it shows how everyone's character can adapt to change. With Aunty Alexandra moving in to the Finch's house, it juristically changes Atticus' emotion and kindness. For instance, when the children, Scout and Jem Finch, left the house at night, Aunty was disgusted in the morning by their actions, however Atticus was much kinder. That being said, when Aunty spoke to the family about Calpurnia behind her back, Atticus stepped in but not with his normal voice. "I was beginning to notice a subtle change in my father these days, that came out when he talked with Aunt Alexandra. He was a quiet digging in, never outright irritation..." (Lee 178) This quote shows how Atticus reacts to talking to Aunty Alexandra with bitterness, however its not how he normally speaks which is much kinder. This is important to the novel because it shows character adaptation, like how Atticus reacts with his sister around, how Jem and Scout react when their father is acting differently, and how Aunty thinks about the Finch family's customs. A similar situation in the novel was how Jem thinks that Scout should be more ladylike. This changes Scouts opinion on how she acts just like how Atticus' opinion on life is changed when Aunty Alexandra talks to him. In conclusion, throughout the novel it is shown that Aunty Alexandra presence is changing how Atticus acts in his home because of her negativity.


 Do you think that Aunty Alexandra will move out by the end of the book? If not do you think Atticus will warm up to her?