To Kill A Mockingbird Aunt Alexandra
by Harper Lee

Aunt Alexandra is a relic of the old South. She holds firm to out-dated beliefs about being a Southern lady. Many 20th century Southern authors have criticized the archaic notion of Southern breeding and the unofficial Southern aristocracy. It is a class of people characterized by subtle racism and class warfare. Harper Lee uses Aunt Alex to expose what is wrong with the Southern gentility. She believes that by dressing well, using manners, and being social, she is a true lady. But Aunt Alex cannot stand up for what is right; she cannot go against old notions. In the novel, it is Scout who becomes the true lady. Scout stands up for what is right and is true to herself and her values. Aunt Alex can be no such person because of her breeding.