Feminism in to Kill a Mockingbird

Feminism In To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, is an ideal display of feminism that takes place during the period of depression in the south. It portrayed the two kinds of women found in the south during this time, the women who were pro the feminist movement, and the average Southern women. Sadly some women mistakenly rebelled against the ideals of society, by just being themselves. Men and women were to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen, were men were expected to dress in suit and ties and women were expected to wear dresses and be courteous. Since southern towns were so sheltered from the liberal views of the rest of the world they had no chose but to abide by these gender roles.

Harper Lee writes about the life of Jean Louise Finch a girl being brought up in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. She is an adolescent girl seeking individuality, and goes by the name of Scout. Jean is somewhat of a tomboy who is constantly being pressured by her elders to take on the customary role of a southern young lady. However, throughout the story Jean’s exhibits masculinity through her nickname Scout, her hostile behavior towards her teachers Aunt Alexandra, Mrs. Dubose, fighting, and the wearing boy’s clothing. During the 1930’s the ideal young lady was supposed to be a spitting image of absolute femininity, so of course a lot of pressure was put on Jean to be “a proper Southern belle” (Johnson, 144).

Girls were trained to speak, and dress like ladies. Learning how to speak many languages and playing female appropriate sports and instruments were a must. Women were to never wear pants, or jeans no matter the weather condition, only dresses, skirts, hats, and gloves were accepted. Even with all these rules posture was the most important of all, so rough housing was not tolerated. Instead, young ladies had to play with dolls, were they would play house, dress-up and had tea parties, even though this may seem innocent it was another way for...