The relationship between Aunt Alexandra and Atticus is changing in that Atticus is pushing back against Aunty, now that she lives with the family. When Atticus talks about Mr. Underwood, who hates Negros, Aunt Alexandra says not to mention that in front of Caplurnia. Atticus snaps back, “Everyone in Maycomb knows it,” (Lee 178). Scout notices a difference in her father around Aunt Alexandra. She notes that there was a “quiet digging in, never outright irritation” (Lee 178). As true to his character, Atticus doesn’t say anything outright, but is obviously annoyed. This is important to our understanding of the novel because this scene helps us understand Atticus’ determination when he believes in something. He is determined in everything he does, from something as small as what he wants to talk about in his home, to something as large as fighting for Tom Robinson, even though Atticus knows it is a losing battle. When Aunt Alexandra says something that Atticus disagrees with, he quietly but determinedly fights for what he thinks is right, just like he does in the Tom Robinson trial.
I disagree. Atticus is subtly standing up to Aunt Alexandra because the Tom Robinson case has shown him that he needs to stand up for what he believes in, whether it's against Bob Ewell or his sister. This is important to our understanding of the novel because it shows that the case is changing Atticus as a person and helping him grow morally. As was said by Atticus earlier in the novel when explaining to Scout why he has to take the case: "...every lawyer gets at least one case in lifetime that affects him personally. This one's mine, I guess"(86). Atticus' subtle rebellion shows that the case is changing him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Antonella and Katherine. Atticus has always fought for what was right which is why he became a lawyer. Now that Aunt Alexandra is here more Atticus is clearly annoyed but never deliberately tries to be rude. "There was a faint starchiness in his voice... digging in, never outright irritation" (Lee178). I believe that the Tom Robinson case has changed Atticus for certain, however, it is just the change in Aunt Alexandra's living situation that has made Atticus begin to 'dig in'.
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