Old Family In To Kill A Mockingbird

In To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Aunt Alexandra’s pride is depicted by "Old Family" and "Finch Pride", which are reflected in her conversations and attitudes. Aunt Alexandra is concerned with tradition, that is "the way things should be", and social reputation. So-called "Old Family" pride is essential to her. As a foundation of Maycomb’s history, family pride and traditional notions of familial legacy are essential. The way one acts is reflective of their family status. Aunt Alexandra states this to families often. "It just goes to show you all Penfield women are flighty."(172) Being able to label families in a particular manner, which could be offensive, is a part of this construction of family identity. When Aunt Alexandra believes
that Atticus' family needs a more "feminine touch”, this indicates the "Finch Pride". In speaking to Scout, some comments of Aunt Alexandra are harsh, “Because-he-is-trash, that's why you can't play with him. I'll not have you around him, picking up his habits and learning Lord-knows-what. You're enough of a problem to your father as it is."(301) Scout is expected to behave in accordance to social expectations and tradition, and this is essential to Aunt Alexandra's pride of the family. Aunt Alexandra's obsession with “Family Pride” and “Old Family” is critically important to her, and Maycomb, in general.