How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"I thought women liked to be thought strange and mysterious."
"No, they just like to look strange and mysterious." (4.23-4.24)
This exchange is a little bit flirty talk, but also a little bit true. At least in Jean Louise's case. She relishes keeping Henry on his toes.
Quote #5
It had never fully occurred to Jean Louise that she was a girl: her life had been one of reckless, pummeling activity; fighting, football, climbing, keeping up with Jem, and besting anyone her own age in any contest requiring physical prowess. (9.9)
We think the main reason Jean Louise was so masculine as a child is because she didn't have a mother. She was raised by a single father and idolized her brother. Her female role model, Calpurnia, was excluded from actually being a role model because of her race.
Quote #6
She must now go into a word of femininity, a world she despised, could not comprehend nor defend herself against, a world that did not want her. (9.10)
Jean Louise's period is a traumatic event for her. We imagine she thought, if she tried hard enough, she could be a man. But her menstruation proves that she is female, and she has to cope with that, which to her (and to millions of pre-pubescent girls) is a tragedy.