"To kill a mocking bird" by Harper Lee: How the ideology of expectations played a significant role throught the book.

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...