Explain the last line of Chapter 13.

The last line of Chapter 13 gives Harper Lee the chance to explain to the reader how Scout is advancing and maturing as a lady. When Aunt Alexandra arrives at the Finch household, Scout knows that she will be tormented about not being lady-like. As the chapter progresses, Scout begins to realize that she will inevitably grow up to be a woman and she starts to embrace who she is. During her chat with Atticus, Scout thinks to herself, "I know now what he was trying to do, but Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work." (152) In Scout's maturing mind she has begun to understand the expectations and stereotypes of women. During that time a woman is portrayed in a certain way. Scout's knowledge of a woman's portrayal in the South during the 1930's leads her to make the inference that, "it takes a woman to do that kind of work." As Scout Finch continues to learn how a woman should act and dress, she will learn to become one as well. Harper Lee chose to include this line in order to further mature Scout and to portray stereotypes of women during that time. Scout's maturing is something that all readers can connect to because we have all grown up. She uses this particular line to move Scout a stage further in her maturity. This line is also included because it shows the reader exactly what a white woman is supposed to be like and what "kind of work" she has to do. Harper Lee does a great job with maturing Scout and explaining the stereotypical woman in one simple line.

How do you think Scout will react to being pushed toward maturity? Will she push it away or embrace it? How will Atticus influence Scout's growing up? Will Scout struggle with maturing without a real mother figure in her life?