In To Kill a Mockingbird, why did Harper Lee choose to make Scout's mother die? I wonder how the novel would have been different with a mother for...

Harper Lee's decision to have Jem and Scout's mother die when they were young was important to the character development of Atticus, Jem, and Scout. Atticus is forced to take on the role of a single parent who has the unique experience of raising a little girl on his own. Scout's "tomboyish" behavior is developed due to the absence of a mother. Her esteemed view of Atticus is a result of his intimate care and attention. Scout's perspective and moral development is shaped by Atticus, including her reluctance to accept the town's notions femininity, which perhaps has its roots in being raised without a mother.

Jem is old enough to remember his mother's death and Scout is not. Later on in the novel, Jem becomes jaded with humanity as a result of the wrongful conviction of Tom Robinson. His mother's death is connected with Jem's eventual loss of innocence. Jem was deeply hurt when his mother passed and still harbors feelings associated with her death, similar to the negative feelings that linger following the trial. In contrast, Scout is aware of her mother's death, yet does not experience heartbreak like Jem does. Scout's inability to be negatively effected by the loss of her mother parallels her reaction to the conviction of Tom Robinson. Scout does not lose faith in humanity the way Jem does. Instead of harboring negative feelings towards Maycomb's community members and becoming jaded, she develops understanding.

Minor characters, like Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra, would not play important roles throughout the novel if Jem and Scout's mother was alive. Calpurnia's important role as a mediator between the black and white community enhances Scout's perspective. Scout gains valuable experience and insight into Maycomb's African American community via her relationship with Calpurnia.

Aunt Alexandra's disposition toward child rearing portrays the few character flaws in Atticus, which makes him a more believable character to the audience. Alexandra's relationship with Scout is important to Scout's character developing into a lady. Harper Lee uses these minor characters as strong female role models to Scout. Both Calpurnia and Alexandra provide unique viewpoints and experiences that shape Scout's personality and perspective.