As I was reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, I slowly came to understand how important a woman's role was back in the 30's. Women in the 30's were stereotyped to be strictly domestic, well mannered, and properly dressed according to society's rules. Though at first, I thought this standard as cruel; gradually, I realized that everything turns out for the better in the town of Maycomb. This is because the women are the "backbone" of the town. They keep house, raise the children, contribute to the town, etc. To sum it up, there is always the wife standing behind the husband without complaint, or objection. .
Starting form a young age, girls were trained on proper etiquette. To begin, "Scout could not possibly hope to be a lady if she wore breeches." At that time, she was only in the first grade and her aunt was already nagging her about her appearance. Plus, the 30's were a transition period from when girls' attire was neat as a pin to the 40's and 50's when the majority of the people dressed like hippies'; wearing jeans, capris, bellbottom pants and tie-dye t-shirts which were much more comfortable and convenient. This was a big reason why Scout preferred breeches to dresses. Moreover, "Scout wasn't supposed to do anything that required pants!" That totally narrows down the list of things a 6-year-old girl that looks up to her older brother would be interested in doing. It was also part of the process of becoming a lady; a lady is supposed to stay inside and crochet, knit, and have tea. Also, Aunt Alexandra's ideal for Scout consisted of "playing with small stoves, tea sets, and wearing Add-A-Pearl necklace." Furthermore, "Scout should be a ray of sunshine in her father's lonely life." If you look deeper and read-between-the lines' you will also conclude that Aunt Alexandra only wants Scout to be a little more feminine and be able to comfort her father Atticus who is very lonesome after the loss of his wife.
