One of a few literally theories is the feminist theory examples of which are constantly reoccurring through out To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Jem accuses Scout of acting like a girl.
Example 1: Very often through out the plot of the book we encounter one phrase that Jem prefers to use when scolding Scout for being scared of something. “Scout sometimes you act so much like a girl it’s mortifying” (Lee 38). This shows a very stereotypical belief that only girl’s are scared of something that is dangerous (in this case it is to get a tire from Boo Radley’s front porch). Moreover it is a way for Jem to insult Scout (since she understands that a girl is thought to be someone of a lower mental and physical strength), and trigger her to do foolish things.
Other ladies criticize Scout for not wearing a dress.
Example 2: Harper Lee never introduced the reader to any other girl wearing britches instead of dress, like Scout Finch. Not only that the author deliberately shows how all of the women in the Maycomb county criticize her for doing the opposite.
“ What are you doing in those overalls? You should be in a dress and camisole, young lady! You’ll grow up waiting on table if someone doesn’t change your ways” (Lee 101).
Mrs. Dubose wishes for Scout to wear a dress, she also deems that a girl is bound to be unsuccessful in life if she is not in proper attire.
“Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire. I could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches; when I said I could do nothing in a dress, she said I wasn't supposed to be doing things that required pants” (Lee 81).
Furthermore Aunt Alexandra view’s regarding Scout’s clothes completely agree with those of Mrs. Dubose, she also did not think that a girl should be involved in any kind of activity that would prevent her from wearing a dress.
“’ You are mighty dressed up, Miss Jean Louise,’ she said. ‘ Where are your britches today?’ ‘ Under my dress.’ I hadn’t meant to be funny, but the ladies laughed ”( Lee 229).
This quote shows that Scout untraditional ways make her a laughing stock amongst the ladies, who are of strong opinion that a girl is obliged to wear a dress. Scout opposes gender discrimination in job sector.
Example 3: After the Tom Robinson trial, and the unfair ruling of the jury, Jean Louise Finch wonders whether if they chose someone else Ms. Maudie for example as a jury, the outcome would change, and is surprised when she encounters such gender discrimination in the job sector.
"'For one thing, Miss Maudie can't serve on a jury cause she's a woman-' 'You mean woman in Alabama can't-?' I (Scout) was indignant"' (Lee 69).
Scout strongly opposes such form of inequality, she does not understand or sees any reason for woman not be able to hold the same positions as men.
News of Tom Robinson's death, show Scout how strong Aunt Alexandra is.
Example 4: After the Finch household receives the news of Tom Robinson’s death, Harper Lee shows the reader a positive side of the Maycomb woman population, specifically Aunt Alexandra.
“ After all, if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I” (Lee 237).
Closer to the end the extremely challenging part of being a lady is revealed to the reader, since even after horrific news of death, Ms. Maudie and Aunt Alexandra were able to return to their guests and act as if nothing happened. This set and example for Scout and showed how courageous some women are.