FREE ESSAY ON 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. Lee con