To Kill A Mockingbird Essays (187 words) - To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird The South represents a region of the United States which demonstrates relatively traditional values. For example, southern societies suggest men act like gentlemen, and women act in a polite manner and wear dresses. Such characteristics mainly emerge in small southern towns because they remain unaffected by large groups of people from different parts of the country. Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird documents the life of a young girl growing up in small Maycomb, Alabama. Jean Louise Finch, also known as "Scout," represents a young girl who attempts to find her identity. The young tomboy receives pressure from adults who insist she should conform to the traditional role of a southern lady. Harper Lee uses nicknames, fistfighting, virile clothing, and undesirable women to portray Jean Louise's masculinity while encouraging her to postpone becoming a lady. In traditional society, parents name children according to their gender. Common names for boys include John, Robert and James, whereas Elizabeth, Sarah, and Cathy represent standard names for girls. The author gives her main character two common female titles, Jean Louise. Many southern females have two first names which reinforces their role in society as a Southern Belle, or a traditional southern lady.