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6+ "Morphodite" in To Kill a Mockingbird: Definition & More

The term, a colloquial and derogatory shortening of “hermaphrodite,” is used in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird to describe an individual possessing both male and female characteristics, whether physical or perceived. In the novel, Scout uses it to insult her cousin Francis, suggesting he is both physically and emotionally unpleasant, employing the term as a general insult rather than a literal description of his biological sex. The usage highlights the prejudiced and often ignorant language prevalent in the novel’s Southern setting.

The significance of its inclusion lies in its reflection of the societal attitudes and limited understanding of gender and sexuality during the time period. Its presence underscores the insensitivity and casual cruelty embedded within the community, showcasing how language can be weaponized to demean and ostracize. Furthermore, the terms usage provides a window into the children’s evolving understanding of complex social issues like difference and prejudice within the confines of their small town.

What is a Morphodite in To Kill a Mockingbird?

The term used in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird to describe the snowman built by Jem and Scout Finch is a colloquial and derogatory word, “morphodite,” which is a mispronunciation of “hermaphrodite.” In the context of the novel, it refers to a figure combining elements perceived as both male and female, reflecting the children’s use of mud to darken the snowman after initially constructing it with snow borrowed from Miss Maudie. The snowman, therefore, possesses both white (associated with purity and females by the children) and dark elements (associated with African Americans and males by the children), blending perceived gender and racial characteristics.

The use of this term highlights the prevalent racial and gender biases existing in the 1930s South. The childrens unconscious association of certain characteristics with specific genders and races underscores the deeply ingrained prejudices of their society. Furthermore, the children’s innocent yet problematic construction and labeling of the snowman reflects their limited understanding and acceptance of differences, revealing the societal norms being passed down to them. The initial innocence of the children, followed by the application of socially charged biases, provides a poignant commentary on the formation and perpetuation of prejudice.