In the beginning of the book Scout, the main character, introduces the reader to her cook, Calpurnia. Calpurnia is an African American woman who used to work at Finch’s cotton farm. During this time in the book the reader knows that it is hard for African Americans to find reliable work. For Calpurnia to have work in a white’s household is a form of strength because when she agreed to this job she knew that there would be ridicule coming her way. Not only is she the Finch’s cook, but she also is teaching Scout manners and how to become a young lady. “Calpurnia was something else… she always ordered me out of the kitchen asking me why I couldn’t behave as well as Jem.. Our battles were epic and one-sided. Calpurnia always won, mainly because Atticus always …show more content…
Alexandra came to live with her brother, Atticus, to give Jem and Scout a motherly figure. This choice alone was a strong act because Alexandra has a husband and a son at her home, but she choose to leave them in order to give another family a figure they could look up to. Her decision affected, not only her child, but the Scout and Jem as well. Her interaction with her family was cut short in order to have more interaction with her niece and nephew. “‘We’ve decided that it would be best for you to have some feminine influence’”(Lee 170). This passage shows that Alexandra and Atticus agrees with this act. That proves that she is a trustworthy person. This act shows that she has the strength to do something that gives her less time with her husband and son.
By showing Calpurnia’s Strong personality, Miss Maudie’s selflessness, and Alexandra’s decision making, Harper Lee forces the reader to question society’s views of women. These three women show and tell the reader the roles that women have to play in their time period. There are even more women in the book who show this theme so the reader can understand why this theme is so important in the