Reading Response #4

"Nowhere. Let's see now, who taught me my letters? It was Miss Maudie Atkinson's aunt, old Miss Buford" (Lee 141)." This quote shows how Cal brought a new perspective into the life of Scout and Jem. By taking them to her church they learned how differently the African Americans did church then how Scout was used to going with Atticus. At first some people didn't like Scout and Jem but they were just giving them a hard time and that caused Scout wanting to leave, but Cal kept the situation calm and made sure they felt safe. Scout then learned that most of the people in the church could not read and that was mind blowing to her. This is the impact that scout had on her life because she learned more about the African Americans in the community and now she might respect them more. "You've let things go on too long, Atticus, too long" (Lee 155). Scout was over hearing a conversation between her aunt and Atticus after a fight broke out between Scout and her. Aunt Alexandra does not like the fact that Cal has been a Nuisance in Scout's life, or at least that's how she sees Cal. But Aunt Alexandra doens't know how Cal impacted Scout's life in a good way taking care of her everyday making sure she's safe and teaching her things that probaly no one else in the twon would teach. Cal's been there when she needed it the most and all Aunt Alexandra see's is that Scout's not acting like any other girl should act. Scout's adventurous and likes to do things other girls may not like but that's what makes her special and her Aunt is trying to take that away from her. 

Similarities: Both Cal and Aunt Alexandra want Scout to succeed. Both Cal and Aunt Alexandra want to take care of Cal/both have time living in house taking care of Scout and Jem.

Differences: Cal was very nice and understanding while Aunt Alexandra was very strict and pushing Scout to be someone she doesn't want to be. Cal want's to educate Scout in learning more about the African American community while Aunt Alexandra seems to be against the African American's and wants nothing to do with them.

"Nowhere. Let's see now, who taught me my letters? It was Miss Maudie Atkinson's aunt, old Miss Buford-"(141) This quote is Cal talking to Jem and Scout at church about how most colored folks don't know how to read. Cal bringing them to her church was a very different perspective for them because churches were very different back then. The whole time they were at the church Cal was sticking up for them and being kind just showing them another way of life. I think this moment really affected what Scout thought because she realized how different colored people were brought up and it was absolutely shocking to her that most of them could not read. "..you've got to do something about her,...You've let things gon on for too long, Atticus, too long."(155) This quote was said right after Scout snapped on her aunt. Her Aunt just moved into their home only a few months ago, and Scout has always lived how she has wanted. She's never been girly or been into anything women are "supposed" to do. Her Aunt has been trying to get more involved in how she acts and how she is trying to control how Atticus parents her. I honestly don't think her aunt saying this stuff is going to make her change I think it's just going to make her dislike her aunt even more than she already does. The Similarities between Cal and her Aunt are they both want her to be the best she can be, and they both want to protect her. The differences between Cal and her Aunt are Cal is kinder and her Aunt is mean and pushy. And Cal seems to want Scout to learn and be the best she can be as her, and her Aunt seems like she wants to change Scout as a whole. 

"Any time you want to," she said. "We'd be glad to have you." (Lee 143) After church Scout ask'es if she can have a visit with Cal at her house. Cal is delighted to accept the offer and let her go. Cal has been hard on Scout in Scouts eyes and this is her way of returning a favor or reward her in a way. "I didn't ask you!" (Lee 154) Scout ask'es to go to Cal's house one day for a visit. This was after they went to church with Cal. When Aunt Alexandra says no, Scout breaks out with a snappy remark and raises her voice this angers Aticus and Aunt Alexandra. Aunt Alexandra is not okay with her going there for a visit because she doesn't know the people and the area so she doesn't know if it is safe. Both of these women are similer in how they are raising Scout. Both have tried to teach her how to be lady like and how to talk to people. They have both taught or tried to teach her when to keep her mouth shut. They both said no fighting and no roaming around as she pleases. Having both women in her life is good for her. Both are stern and they both protect her. Cal teaches her to be comfortable with other races and to be inclusive. Where as Aunt Alexandra benifits scout because she now has a more motherly figure at the house all the time rather than just during the day.

'"Nowhere. Let's see now, who taught me my letters? It was Miss Maudie Atkinson's aunt, old Miss Buford-"' (Lee 141). Cal is asked where she went to school after some talking between her, Jem, and Scout transpires after Cal took them to church and Jem and Scout find out the people never learned to read, except a select few, which was shocking to her, to say the least. Scout discovered that the church for the African-Americans was very different from what she was used to going to with her father.  '"...you've got to do something about her,' Aunty was saying. 'You've let things go on too long, Atticus, too long"' (Lee, 155). This was after Scout essentially snapped at her aunt. Scout had lived her life how she wanted; a free-spirited "tomboy" type of girl, and her aunt disapproved of that. In short, the worst thing you can do to anyone, especially a child, is force them to be someone they're not. Scout is not a "girly girl" type, nor is she used to living under a controlled environment, at least not one that's strict. I personally think in her aunt doing this, it's going to just lead to Scout despising her. We've all, or most of us have at least, had somewhat of an "authority problem" and hated being told what to do. And younger kids, you don't take it to heart when they're that young, but when you tell them to do something they don't want to do, and then give them an ultimatum, and they say they hate you, they could really hold a grudge against you. It only gets worse as you get older and into being a teen and / / or young adult.

Similarities: Both Aunt Alexandra and Cal want what's best for Scout, want to look out for her best interest, be there for both Scout and Jem, and want them both to succeed in life.

Differences: Cal lets Scout be who she wants to be and live her life. Whereas, Aunt Alexandra uses to controlling method to try and make Scout into someone she never has been, and doesn't want to be.

"I just can't help it if Mister Jem's growin' up. He gonna want to be off to himself a lot now', doin' whatever boys do, so you just come right on in the kitchen when you feel lonesome"(Lee 132). Jem had started acting differently and Cal had noticed how it was starting to affect Scout so she made it known that she's always there if she needs some company. "You've got to do something about her, "Aunty was saying."You've let things go too long Atticus, too long."(Lee 155). Scout had told her aunt that she'd asked her father a question and not her, leading to the aunt getting outraged by her behavior. Scout had always been free to do what she pleased and her aunt does not approve of this, which has made some tension between the two.

Similarities- Aunt Alexandra and Cal both wanted the children to grow up to be the best versions of themselves.

Differences- The way they think the children will be the best versions of themselves, Cal is more laid back letting Scout do whatever interests her while Aunt Alexandra wants Scout to be more of a lady/less of the tomboy that she is now. 

"'Where'd you go to school, Cal?' asked Jem. 'Nowhere. Let's see now, who taught me my letters? It was Miss Maudie Atkinson's aunt, old Miss Buford-."(pg.141 Lee) This quote is when Cal is talking to Jem about how no one went to school when they where kids back then and how no one knew how to read in that town and that she learned everything she knows from Miss Buford.  This shows scout a new perspective on life because he did not know or even believe that no one knew how to read in the town.  "Who?' I said. 'Your Cousin Lily Brooke,' said Aunt Alexandra. "She our cousin Lily Brooke? I didn't know that."(pg.150 Lee)  This quote talks about how Aunt Alexadria talks to scout about one of scouts other cousins that she didn't even know was her cousin.  This helps scout see things in a different way because she now knows that she has another cousin and now leaves her to wonder why she never knew they were cousins.  Two similarities would definitely be that one is that in both the quote she is learning something new that she didn't know before and another similarity would also be that what she is now learning is all in her family like how the whole town didn't really know how to read her family is part of the town and they didn't fully know how to read either and how she didn't know about her cousin.  Two differences would definitely be that they first talk about her not knowing her cousin and the other is her learning that they town never got taught how to read those both in a way fall under different quality tables and the second thing it that just the way she learned these things they both where having a normal conversation but in the first quote she kinda teaches scout about how the town was never really taught to read and in the second quote Aunt Alexandra was just talking to scout ans assumed that she would know who her Cousin Lily was.   Having both these women in scouts life benefit her because as you can already see she has already learned so much and also because they are just other girls that scout can now talk to.

“You’re not gonna change any of them by talkin’ right, they’ve got to want to learn themselves, and want to learn there’s nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language.”(Lee, Pg. 143) Scout is introduced to a different culture and society when Calpurnia decides to bring her and Jem to church. Scout recognizes that Calpurnia is speaking “colored-folks talk” to her fellow neighbors, rather than speaking with the fluency Scout is so used to hearing at home. Calpurnia teaches Scout a valuable lesson about the importance of blending in, even if it feels wrong at times. How, even if you're smarter than others, it’s ok to be reserved so nobody feels like they’re lesser than anyone else. “She asked me to tell you you must try to behave like the little lady and gentleman that you are.”(Lee, Pg. 151) Atticus is asked by his sister, Aunt Alexandra, to have a conversation with his children about what it means to be a Finch. Essentially, Scout and Jem have a reputation to live up to, and Aunt Alexandra wants them to act in a more acceptable manner. Scout is different from many other girls with a strong ambition to learn more and more every day. She is just trying to live in the way she was raised, and can’t understand why she is expected to live like someone she’s not. Scout is told countless times throughout this book that she needs to be more like a lady and is often devalued for not doing so. 

Both Cal and Aunt Alexandra are trying to raise Scout in a way that they think is most beneficial for her success and dignity. The advice from each of the women is referring to how it's important that people should try to live like others of their descent. 

Cal’s approach seems more genuine and for the peace of Scout, whereas Aunt Alandra’s approach seems more for her own interest, to preserve her family’s image. Cal’s sole intent is for Scout to be able to coexist in other environments without affecting the feelings of others, while Aunt Alexandra’s intent is to keep Scout out of other environments and encourage a principled way of living. A way of living that is very one-dimensional at the time and promotes the division of groups in society.

Scout being raised by both of these women may be perplexing at times, but it helps Scout develop different angles and views on society. This will only benefit her when she gets older, and allow her to express what she believes is morally correct and what’s not.

Alex is the woman who likes to get the kids to be kids and there dad comes over and talks to them about trying to teach them better, and to tell them that's its not right on how there acting. Alendrea said "just one of the things ive been telling you about".

"Nowhere Let's see now, who taught me my letters? It was Miss Maudie Atkinson's aunt." (Lee 141) After Calpurnia took Scout and Jem to her church they could see how different the African American church is to their church, like how they don't have book or know how to read. "You've let things go on too long Atticus, too long." (Lee 155) Aunt Alexandra said this after Scout yelled at her Aunt Alexandra said that she could't go to Calpurnia's house. I think she said this to try to get Scout to be more girly, and to act more like Alexandra. 

Similarities: Both Calpurnia and Alexandra want Scout to respected. They both are trying to look out for her and take care of her. 

Difference: Calpurnia lets Scout dress and act how to wants. Aunt Alexandra wants Scout to be more of a girly and she never really had been and doesn't seem like she want to.  

Having both of these women in her life could benefit her but her Aunt is try to get her more "Lady" like at a young age. This could benefit her when she is older. I think that she should just be a kid and have fun. 

"The idea that she had a separate existence outside our household was a novel one . . ." (Lee 143) This quote is one of my favorites because not only is it a good pull back to reality for us realizing how truly naive kids are, but I also think it's a good example of the cultural divide in this town. There's obviously racial tension in this story as we see with Tom and this story has intentionally avoided the logistics of it beyond name calling (since it's from Scouts perspective), so it's interesting to see Scout see beyond her front porch (figuratively and metaphorically.)

""Atticus, is all this behavin' an' stuff gonna make things different? I mean are you---?"" (Lee 152) I think this quote is a great example of Aunt Alexandras impact on Scout and her perception of her surroundings. Scout's been raised in a single dad household with Cal as her mother figure, in a town with the same people in the same neighborhood for years. Aunt Alexandera represents a change, a new set of expectations, two things that Scout isn't used to and isn't comfortable with. With this new figure in the house, dictating and observing Atticus and kids, she's afraid of losing what she has, and she's afraid of losing her laid-back and caring father she has become accustom to. 

Now as far of being beneficial, Cal is absolutely awesome. She keeps Scout in check, and keeps her safe, and always has. I think that Cal as a character is interesting and is a amazing motherly figure to both Scout and Jem, as long as a emotionally supportive friend for Atticus, who honestly needs it. 

As far as Aunt Alexandra goes... I don't think she's beneficial at all. Some would argue she's a motherly figure for the two but Cal does that job and 3 more, Alexandra is simply just a worse version of Cal. A proper motherly guidance needs to have been in a childs life for many years and has to be loved by the kids. Cal is loved by Scout and Jem and has been there since the beginning, nurturing them more than Aunt Alexandra ever did. Personally Aunt Alexander is just the personification of expectations, for everyone, Atticus, Jem, Scout and Cal alike. She's a personification of this story's main theme, and not in a good way.

"Nowhere. Let's see now, who taught me my letters?  It was Miss Maudie Atkinson's aunt, old Miss Budford---" (Lee 141).  This was after Calpurnia took Jem and Scout to her church.  When Calpurnia took Jem and Scout to her church, they could see how different that church was from what they were used to.  At the church, they discovered that the people never learned how to read.  "...you've got to do something about her,...You've let things go on too long, Atticus, too long." (Lee 155).  Aunt Alexandra says this after a fight between herself and Scout.  Scout has never really done the traditional "girly-girl" things, and Aunt Alexandra wants Scout to become the traditional "girly-girl".  

Similarities: I feel like Aunt Alexandra and Calpurnia both want to see Scout succed, and they both trying to take care of her.

Differences:  Calpurnia is more supportive and understanding while Aunt Alexandra is being way too pushy about what Scout wants to do.  Calpurnia doesn't seem to care what Scout wears, whereas Aunt Alexandra is pushing her to dress like more of the traditional "girly-girl".

Calpurnia: it’s not necessary to tell all you know. It’s not ladylike-in the second place,in the second place, folks don’t like to have somebody around knowin’more than they do”.In that sentence, I can understand that Calpurnia is teaching scouts about education and being more like a lady.

Alexandra:“Just one of the things i’ve been telling you about,”.I can understand Alexandra talking about Scout about being more like a lady.

Calpurnia and Alexandra are a good influence for Scout because they want her to become more polite and feminine, but they use a different method, Calpurnia teaching her life lessons on what Scout misses by making her reason, and Alexandra wants Scout to act right away with another behavior but with this method she can’t make mistakes and understand what’s right and wrong

 "..Nowhere. Let's see now, who taught me my letters? It was Miss Maudie Atkinson's aunt, old Miss Buford-."(pg.141 Lee) After Cal too Scout and Jem to her church, they saw all the differences between their church and an African american church. They didn't have books or know how to read."..you've got to do something about her,...You've let things gon on for too long, Atticus, too long."(155) Scout got annoyed with her aunt who just moved in with them not too long ago. Scout has never been anything but a tomboy and her aunt is trying to impact her personality. Scout's aunt isn't going to change the way she is and if anything she is going to despise her aunt even more for trying to get her to change. These two woman are trying to help Scout but Cal is opening her eyes and Scout's aunt is trying to make her change and be like every other girl. Scout having both of these woman in her life is both beneficial and harmful. Cal is truly just trying to get Scout to see a little more into her world and diversity whereas the aunt is staying close minded and trying to tell her that there's a certain way woman live and the way Scout acts isn't in the norm. 

Calpurnia: She invites the kids to church, but the interaction she faces with them wasn't pleasant at first; "Lula stopped, but she said, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here—they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Calpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” Jem said, “Let’s go home, Cal, they don’t want us here—” I agreed: they did not want us here." (Lee 136) Calpurnia isn't embarrassed to be seen with them she stands her ground and it shows that she truly cares for them. It may not reflect just yet on Scout but having a positive female is important. Unlike Aunt Alexandra she isn't the nicest to Scout because she's a "tomboy." I know this isn't in the recent chapter but it does reflect, but in Chapter 9 when Aunt Alexandra was concerned with Scout's attire. Alexandra is more worried about her attire than who Scout is as a person. "Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire. I could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches; when I said I could do nothing in a dress, she said I wasn’t supposed to be doing things that required pants. Aunt Alexandra’s vision of my deportment involved playing with small stoves, tea sets, and wearing the Add-A-Pearl necklace..." (Lee 92) Alexandra doesn't seem to accept Scout for who she is but Calpurnia has been caring for her and is her of a mother figure than Aunt Alexandra.

"She made me wear a petticoat and she wrapped a pink sash tighlty around my waist. She went over my patent-leather shoes with a cold biscuit until she saw her face in them. 'Its like we were goin' to Mardi Gras,' said Jem. 'Whats all this for Cal?' 'I dont want anybody sayin' I dont look after my children.'" (Lee 134) At this part of the story, Cal, Jem and Scout are getting ready for Church. We can tell by how Scout and Jem normally get ready for things doesn't protray that they are taken care of in Cal's eyes. She dresses them up correctly and mentions how she doesn't want the kids looking neglected. We can see that this is a new perspective for Scout because she mentions Mardi Gras like shes dressed all fancy. But to Cal, its dressed right. 

"'Yessum, and she promised me I could come out to her house some afternoon. Atticus, I'll go next Sunday if it's alright, can I? Cal said she'd come get me if you were off in the car.' 'You may not' Aunt Alexandra said it. I wheeled around, startled, then turned back to Atticus in time to catch his swift glance at her, but it was too late. I said, 'I didn't ask you!'" Aunt Alexandra interrupts and objects the question Scout was trying to ask. When Scout leaves the room, we get more insight on why. '"Atticus, it's all right to be soft-hearted, youre an easy man, but you have a daughter to think of. A daughter whos growing up."' We can infer that Aunt Alexandra, though harsh, is looking after Scout and her safety. Alexandra would raise Scout differently, more strict. She doesn't like how soft Culpurnia is, and would rather she be gone. While Scout is not in the room to receive this directly, she can overhear how Alexandra would care and look after Scout. We know Alexandra is more strict and straight forward, but we now learn she doesn't want any other inlfuence on Scout. Even though Culpurnias intentions are good, Alexandra does not like how she goes about it. 

The similarities between these two characters in reference to Scout is about well-being. Culpurnia wants her to learn new things, and dress and look clean. Alexandra wants Scout to be more lady-like and to start looking after her future, and her growing up. Also worrying abt her safety. 

The main difference is how each character goes about it. Culpurnia appears soft and is very kind to the kids. She likes to take care of them, and ease them into things that are better for them. Alexandra, on the other hand, gets straight to the truth, tells the kids and Atticus how it is. She makes it seem urgent and more severe. Cuplurnia is in no rush, and looks at it as a teaching experience. Alexandra teaches it like it should be known, and that it is more severe than it really is. 

"It's not necessary to tell all you know. It's not ladylike—in the second place, folks don't like to have somebody around knowin' more than they do. It aggravates 'em. You're not gonna change any of them by talkin' right, they've got to want to learn themselves, and when they don't want to learn there's nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language." (Calpurnia)

“We decided that it would be best for you to have some feminine influence. It won’t be many years, Jean Louise, before you become interested in clothes and boys.”(Aunt Alexandria)

They both are trying to teach Scout how to be more ladylike

Alexandria is more interested in teaching scout to be more ladylike so she is more feminine

Calpurnia is teach Scout to be more ladylike so she doesnt get into trouble

“I’m sorry, Aunty,” I muttered.
“Now then,” he said. “Let’s get this clear: you do as Calpurnia tells
you, you do as I tell you, and as long as your aunt’s in this house, you
will do as she tells you. Understand?” (Lee 122). This Moment showed that you must give respect to your aunt and elders with no question. "Aunt Alexandra managed to smile in a way that conveyed a gentle
apology to Cousin Lily and firm disapproval to me. When Cousin Lily
Brooke left I knew I was in for it."(Lee 119) Alexandra the same way, stern and wants Scout to be 'Lady Like' and just listen without no back talk.

S-Both want her to be quiet and listen. They want her to apologize for things.

D-Alexandra is more bold, but wants to fit in with the ladies, Calpurnia is more straight up and just says what she thinks.

This will benefit her to not be so hot headed in certain times like when she ripped up The Neighbors good plants.

"Nowhere. Let's see now, who taught me my letters?  It was Miss Maudie Atkinson's aunt, old Miss Bedford---" (Lee 141). This was after they went to the church. When they went to the church they realized how different this church was compared to the church they used to go to. They learned that people never really learned to read. "...you've got to do something about her,...You've let things go on too long, Atticus, too long." (Lee 155). This was said by Aunt Alexandra during a fight between her and Scout. Aunt Alexandra wants scout to be more girly acting. 

Different: Calpurnia seems to be more chill and understanding than Aunt Alexandra is being.

Same: They are both trying to help Scout succeed.

"Any time you want to," she said. "We'd be glad to have you." (Lee 143) 

"I just can't help it if Mister Jem's growin' up. He gonna want to be off to himself a lot now, doin' whatever boys do, so you just come right on in the kitchen when you feel lonesome"(Lee 132).

These quotes show how cal impacts Scout's life by always being there for her. Whenever scout needs someone to talk to or just hang out cal is always there for here

 "...you've got to do something about her,...You've let things go on too long, Atticus, too long." (Lee 155). 

same: there both want to be involved in scouts life

difference: their point of view on how to raise scout is different