Miss Maudie

1. Looks like:

1.1. Her garden. After her house burns down the only thing she seems to be thinking about is re-growing her garden. “Always wanted a smaller house, Jem Finch. Gives me more yard. Just think, I’ll have more room for my azaleas now”.

1.2. “The shadow of her old grin crossed her face.” Pg 70

1.3. “...She worked in her flower beds in an old straw hat and men’s coveralls Miss Maudie is part of the world where “fragrant ladies rocked slowly, fanned gently, and drank cool water” Chapter 5 Page 48

2. Values and Beliefs:

2.1. “I saw Atticus carrying Miss Maudie’s heavy oak rocking chair, and thought it sensible of him to save what she valued most.” page 75

2.2. Christian faith - “We’re so rarely called on to be Christians, but when we are, we’ve got men like atticus to go for us.” page 234

2.3. Believes in race equality. “We’re making a step- it’s just a baby-step, but it’s a step.” page 235

3. Textural Issues and Concerns:

3.1. Caring to everyone, no matter what race they are. “Fumbling at her apron. Miss Maudie went to Calpurnia and untied her apron” page 256 & “why dont you get a coloured man(jem)...thank you sir, but you’ve got a job of your own over there.” page 80

3.2. “I simply want to tell you that there are some men in this world that are born to do our unplesant jobs for us. Your father’s one of them.” page 234

3.3. She thought Tom was innocent (and didn’t go to the trial). She thought that the Tom Robinson trial was a step towards equality. “You’d be surprised how many of us do.” page 234

4. How others see them

4.1. Jack Finch (Atticus’ brother) : Jack Finch proposed to Miss Maudie every christmas when he came to visit Atticus and his family. Jack has sustained a friendly, flirty relationship with Jack Finch for years as seen in the novel. However, jack explains to Scout that he wasn’t being serious, he was merely “trying to get Miss Maudie’s goat.” * “Miss Maudie had known Uncle Jack Finch, Atticus’s brother, since they were children.”

4.2. Stephanie Crawford: Miss Stephanie Crawford tries to be kind to Miss Maudie, however, her actions are motivated by hypocrisy and gossip, which is not respected by Miss Maudie.

4.3. Aunt Alexandra: Aunt Alexandra and Miss Maudie are two very different charachters as portrayed throughout the novel.

4.4. Jem and Scout: Miss Maudie is special to the children because she treats them maturely- similar to Atticus. She is the person the children go to when they need clarification and an honest answer to the questions that are on their minds. Jem sees her as a bit odd. “He didn’t what know was the matter with her - that was just Miss Maudie.” page 80 Even though the kids see her as a bit strange, they respect her because she treats Jem and Scout like her own children.

4.5. Atticus: Atticus likes Miss Maudie and respects her for who she is. Atticus and Miss Maudie have always thought differently of the Radleys compared to the rest of Maycomb. “His name’s Arthur and he is alive” page 47 This quote shows that similar to Atticus, Miss Maudie respects Boo Radley private and social life in Maycomb.

5. Motivated by

5.1. Jem + Scout's affairs and lives. “With most of her possessions gone and her beloved yard in shambles, she still took a lively and cordial interest in Jem’s and my affairs.” page 79

5.2. The safety of others and lives. “With most of her possessions gone and her beloved yard in shambles, she still took a lively and cordial interest in Jem’s and my affairs.” page 79

5.3. Her garden. After her house burns down the only thing she seems to be thinking about is re-growing her garden. “Always wanted a smaller house, Jem Finch. Gives me more yard. Just think, I’ll have more room for my azaleas now”.

6. Acts Like

6.1. She befriends Scout and is friendly with the Finch’s. “A gesture of cordiality that cemented our friendship” page 46

6.2. She loved to be out in her garden. “Miss Maudie hated her house: she believed time spent indoors was time wasted … she loved everything that grew in God’s Earth.” page 46

6.3. Care-free “Jem Finch … you devil, bring me back my hat sir!” Atticus assures the kids that she’s only fussing. page 73

6.4. She has a sharp tongue. “I was trying to grope in my memory for a sharp phrase of Miss Maudie Atkinson.” page 217

6.5. he doesn’t like people making a fuss about her. “don’t you worry about me Jean-Louise Finch”.