28th Annual Student Research Conference
The Ladies of Maycomb: A Feminist Criticism of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
Ellen A. Thibodeau
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
Though To Kill a Mockingbird does not primarily focus on gender role issues, the novel still gives them a great deal of attention. Lee includes subtle insights into what it means to be a lady through characters including Calpurnia, Aunt Alexandra, and Miss Maudie, who exemplify wisdom, courage, and strength. These women also have a profound impact on Scout's life. However, Scout feels more at home in the world of men, as she would rather get dirty in pants than wearing a dress and playing with dolls. This paper will explore the influences of female individuals, their function in society, the reasons for frequent mislabeling of being insignificant. Their feminine insights elaborate on the timeless tale of what it means to be human and viewing it from the feminist lens assists in understanding of women throughout history.
Keywords: To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee, Feminism , Scout, gender roles, Calpurnia, 1930s
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 103-4
Location: VH 1224
Time: 8:45