To Kill a Mockingbird

Atticus explains that Alexandra has come to stay with them and help the family for awhile, though it seems this stay is more Alexandra’s will than Atticus’. Immediately welcomed by the community, Alexandra joins numerous ladies’ groups and becomes a member of Maycomb society. Despite her community service, Alexandra is judgmental, claiming that everyone has a “streak” (147). Atticus delicately challenges her judgements, suggesting that the Finch family—and all of Maycomb, by extension—has both a literal and figurative “incestuous streak” (147).

This idea of an “incestuous streak” is particularly pertinent to Maycomb, where a family’s worth is determined by the strength and duration of its legacy. Alexandra feels, however, that Scout and Jem do not adequately pride themselves on their “gentle breeding” (131) and tells Atticus to lecture them about their heritage. Scout is distressed because this isn’t a subject Atticus would ordinarily address with them. This turn of events suggests that Alexandra is helping protect the family name in preparation for the Tom Robinson trial.

True to the predications of Atticus, the children start to hear whispering in town about the trial. Scout asks Atticus about Tom Robinson and the accusation of rape, bringing up her visit to Calpurnia’s church.