From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

How does Harper Lee challenge traditional gender roles and expectations through the character of Scout Finch in “Go Set a Watchman”?

In Harper Lee's literary opus, "Go Set a Watchman," the esteemed author delicately and deftly confronts the bedrock of traditional gender roles and expectations, casting her discerning gaze upon the character of Scout Finch, a young girl navigating the tumultuous currents of societal norms and personal growth. Through Scout's transformative journey, Lee invites readers into a profound exploration of the multifaceted complexities inherent in gender constructs, seeking to challenge and ultimately subvert the prevailing paradigms of the era.

To fully grasp the scope of Lee's audacious endeavor, one must first situate "Go Set a Watchman" within its historical context. The novel, published in 2015 but written prior to Lee's seminal work "To Kill a Mockingbird," serves as a companion piece, illuminating the genesis of the indomitable Scout Finch. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement in the mid-1950s, Lee weaves a tapestry of familial and societal dynamics that converge upon Scout's nascent identity, rendering her journey emblematic of the broader struggles faced by women in a deeply patriarchal society.

From the outset, Scout defies convention, eschewing the prescribed femininity assigned to her gender. Her tomboyish disposition and penchant for mischief disrupt the carefully constructed boundaries of acceptable behavior for young girls. Through Scout's unapologetic refusal to conform, Lee emboldens her readers to question the rigidity of traditional gender roles and the limiting expectations imposed upon women.

Central to Scout's defiance is her fiercely independent spirit, one that is honed through her upbringing by her father, Atticus Finch. Atticus, an emblem of morality and integrity, nurtures Scout's intellectual curiosity and encourages her to transcend societal expectations. He bestows upon her the gift of knowledge, granting her access to the written word and its transformative power. In doing so, Atticus unwittingly empowers Scout to challenge the very foundations of gendered limitations, allowing her to flourish as an individual unbound by the shackles of her gender.

Furthermore, Scout's interactions with the male figures in her life serve as a microcosm of the struggle against traditional gender norms. Her relationship with her brother, Jem, exemplifies the dichotomy between societal expectations and personal agency. While Jem succumbs to the pressures of conforming to masculine ideals, Scout resists, asserting her autonomy and forging her own path. This juxtaposition poignantly highlights the limitations placed upon individuals based solely on their gender, emphasizing Scout's revolutionary role in defying these constraints.

As the narrative unfolds, Lee masterfully navigates Scout's transition from adolescence to adulthood, guiding her protagonist through a labyrinth of disillusionment and self-discovery. Returning to her hometown of Maycomb, Scout is confronted with the disheartening revelation that the father figure she idolized, Atticus, is not the paragon of virtue she had envisioned. This revelation serves as a catalyst for Scout's burgeoning consciousness, as she grapples with the imperfections and fallibility of those she revered.

Crucially, it is through this disillusionment that Lee underscores the fallibility of traditional gender roles themselves. By exposing the flaws and contradictions within the male figures in Scout's life, Lee invites readers to question the infallibility long associated with masculinity. In doing so, she challenges the notion that men are inherently superior or better equipped to navigate the complexities of life, dismantling the patriarchal scaffolding that has long underpinned societal expectations.

Moreover, Lee deftly employs Scout's experiences with romance and the pressure to conform to conventional notions of femininity as a means of further subverting traditional gender roles. As Scout embarks on a romantic relationship with Henry Clinton, she is faced with the expectation of assuming the submissive, domestic role typically prescribed to women. Yet, Scout resists such expectations, refusing to be diminished or defined solely by her romantic entanglements. Her refusal to compromise her independence and identity serves as a poignant declaration of agency, firmly rejecting the confining gender roles that seek to suppress her potential.

Harper Lee's "Go Set a Watchman" presents readers with a formidable challenge to traditional gender roles and expectations through the character of Scout Finch. By defying societal norms, embracing her individuality, and questioning the flawed constructs of masculinity and femininity, Scout emerges as a symbol of resistance against the oppressive confines of gendered expectations. Lee's masterful narrative invites readers to interrogate the very essence of gender roles, calling for a reevaluation of societal paradigms and fostering a vision of liberation and empowerment for individuals of all genders.