Throughout the novel, Aunt Alexandra disagrees with her brother, Atticus, on a variety of issues. She does not support the way he chooses to let Scout act like a "tomboy" and encourages him to teach Jem and Scout about their family background. She argues with him over Calpurnia and also opposes his decision to defend Tom Robinson. She is rather abrasive, callous, and opinionated throughout the majority of the novel. After the verdict is read and Tom Robinson is found guilty of assaulting and raping Mayella Ewell, Aunt Alexandra shows empathy to Atticus by saying, "I'm sorry, brother" when he walks into the house (Lee 131). Scout is shocked because she has never heard Alexandra call Atticus "brother" before. Alexandra's comment portrays the sympathy she has for her brother who has just suffered a disappointing loss. Even though she disagrees with Atticus' choice to defend a black man, she still feels sorry for seeing Atticus struggle.
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