Empathy, or the ability to understand another persons experiences, is another major theme in To Kill a Mockingbird, and Atticus serves as the moral compass of the book.For Scout and many other characters, Atticus is a model of what a good person should be: someone who values others Atticus thus insists that although Cunninghams may be poor, theyre honorable. 1. What chapter does Atticus talk about the Cunningham pay? As Maycomb County was farm country, nickels and dimes were hard to come by for doctors and dentists and lawyers. Walter Cunningham, Sr. was a client of her father's. Aunt Alexandra believes that Atticus takes over questioning. 13. What is Atticus opinion of the Cunninghams? What can be said about Walter Cunningham character? Scout now thinks reading is everything, whereas before she thought of it as a natural thing she could do. Atticus then begins to discuss farm problems when Walter asks for molasses. While conversing with Scout, Jem says "If there's just one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each other? Atticus tells Jem that once a person earns the respect of a Cunningham, the whole clan becomes fiercely loyal to that person. To Kill a Mocking bird, by Harper Lee is a book set during the great depression in a small town in Maycomb county Alabama. Whether it be his services (or his children's for that matter), or his hospitality, Atticus presents himself as, To begin, the Cunningham family occupies a critical role in showing kindness throughout the story. In the beginning of, A characteristic that is strongly emphasised in the novel is pride, which Lee uses to show that poverty does not necessarily humble a family. They are a very poor family and we learn about the Cunninghams through (mainly) Walter Cunnigham. Interracial marriages were illegal. woman jumps off carquinez bridge 2021 aunt alexandra's opinion of the cunninghams. As he. Scout seems to learn a little empathy when she sees how Chuck Little defends Miss Caroline and when Atticus suggests that she not mention her reading at school anymore as a sop to Miss Caroline. Scout looks for a friendly face and recognizes, a little uncertain is a good bet. Mr. Cunningham sees that the children will not leave and thinks about how he would feel if he were Atticus. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout witnesses many different types of prejudiceand even promotes these attitudes herselfincluding classism, sexism, and racism. The Cunningham's have gained Atticus' respect because the one member of the family who'd served on the jury actually took time to "think" before deciding on his verdict. They will not take something they cant pay back and have a demonstrated history of paying Atticus back in produce as opposed to dollars. Early in the chapter, Atticus describes how Sam Levy made the Ku Klux Klan members so ashamed of themselves that they left him alone. What is Aunt Alexandra's opinion of the Cunninghams? Explain why Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here. For instance, "Jean Louise said, 'Don't worry, Cal. Cunningham then ends the confrontation. Atticus handles problems with grace, like a gentleman, and hopes his children will do the same in the face of, The novel To Kill a Mockingbird is an exploration of the human condition: whether people are essentially good or essentially evil. Walters visit in Chapter 3 provides Scout insight into the lives of lower-class farming families. To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 23. This is surprising in itself, but even more shocking is the fact that this juror was of the Cunningham clan, many of whom were among the angry mob at the jail on the night of the thwarted lynching. This is an important philosophy in our society. The setting of a small, rural town in the Deep South during the Depression Era clearly indicates an impoverished area. It does not store any personal data. Atticus said that while Mr. Cunningham was part of a group, he was still an individual. This quote means that a mans personality/character is shaped and determined by the way he reacts and responds to the difficulties and hardships that he faces. Scout mentally recollects how Mr. Cunningham, when entailed, repaid Atticus for his legal services by giving the Finch family hickory nuts, stove wood, and other farm produce. Are we as poor as the Cunninghams? Walter Cunningham is a boy in Scout's first-grade class. Atticus's opinions can usually be trusted, and he is convinced of the importance of dealing fairly and reasonably with all people, no matter what the Atticus has a lot of innocence to him, he is a good man. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. On the one hand, it provides a sense of the town. Atticus is willing to explain everything to Jem and Scout. Atticus' opinion of the Cunninghams is better because they are kind people. Atticus to Scout, after an angry Jem wrecks Mrs. Duboses flower garden because of her criticism of Atticus defending a black man. Scout later talks to Jem and Aunt Alexandra about how when school starts again, she would invite Walter Cunningham for dinner and to hang out with them. 1.) That was enough. The Cunninghams are near the bottom but the lowest are the Ewells. Who are the Cunninghams in to kill a Mockingbird? For example, Walter refused to take a quarter from Miss Caroline because he could return it back to her. What words and phrases do Scout and Atticus use to describe the Cunninghams in this chapter how are the Cunninghams different from the finches How are they similar? Whats the difference between the Ewells and the Cunninghams? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Atticus opinion of the Cunninghams is better because they are kind people. Burris Ewells Neck was dark grey, the backs of his hands were rusty, and his fingernails were black deep into the quick (27). However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The three women change their perspectives as the story goes on. He then became a test pilot and flew more than 100 different types of aircraft. Throughout day she learns a lesson that money does not determine a person's personality or how they act. He must have wanted to go home the short way, because he walked quickly down the middle aisle toward the south exit He did not look up. (Lee, 215). Now that its out of Ewells system, Atticus expects no more predicaments to come. Mr. Cunningham is friends with Atticus but is part of the group of men who do not support Atticus. Next. The unexpected early release of shocking plot details from the new novel by Harper Lee, a sequel to her great work To Kill A Mockingbird, has revealed that 2.) Wiki User. Why did Atticus put one of the Cunninghams on the jury? How do you I stop my TV from turning off at a time dish? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This Cunningham thought that Tom was innocent. The best scene in the film in my personal opinion was the final closing argument that Atticus had in court. They were allowed to do most of what they wanted and whenever they wanted because everyone has given up on trying to force people like the Ewells into a new environment. The Finches are part of the common folk so the Finches are above the Cunninghams and Ewells on the social class hierarchy. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Cunningham paid Atticus with stovewood, hickory nuts, similax, and holly . When Scout and her cousin Francis get in an argument, his retaliation is to try and insult Atticus: hes turned out a nigger lover well never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb again (Lee 83). The Cunninghams are country folks, farmers, and the crash5 hit them hardest." 34 Atticus said professional people were poor because the farmers were poor. The kids don't have much to relate to Walter show more content to pay him back in food, rather than money because thats all they have to give. Calpurnia could be the mother Jem and Scout never had because she is wise, caring, and patient with the kids. There was prejudice between races and prejudice between families. 13. 1. Who wants to get rid of Calpurnia? The Finches are similar to the Cunninghams because both families are considered poor because of the, The Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations. He was all for finding him innocent and showing good sense regardless of the opinions and racism of everyone else. 2 How does Atticus describe the Cunninghams? 5 Why did Atticus put one of the Cunninghams on the jury? The blind spots that Atticus refers to is the fact that Mr. Cunningham, like many of the men with him, is blind to the fact that black people are their equals. Atticus wants his children to be able to learn from their mistakes and experiences. Along with the Finches, Calpurnia works as a cook in their household, but is held as a motherly figure in the childrens eyes. We learn at the beginning of Harper Lee . "Atticus had said it was the polite thing to talk to people about what they were interested in, not about what you were interested in." (Page 163) That's when Scout realizes Atticus was standing in Toms shoes. Scout notices Cunningham and starts to talk about how she knows his son, and how he's a pretty neat kid. As Jem and Scout transition from their navet and innocence, Atticus is there every step of the way, in order to guide them towards the right path. Walter Cunningham 's father. The way that they are dress also indicate their current state of mind. What impressions do we get of school? Scout knew more about the Cunningham family than most. The cunninghams are poor and of lowest class, while the Finches are in between and have more money. . Struggling with distance learning? In this quote, Atticus says he would rather Bob Ewell focus his rage on Atticus than on one of Bob's children. 4. Mr Cunningham says, All right, Mr. Finch, get em outa here. Copyright 2023 WisdomAnswer | All rights reserved. opinions. Scout recognizes him from the lynch mob who tried to attack Tom Robinson before the trial even started. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". At home, she reads every day, but Miss Caroline told Scout she could not read at home because she was taught the wrong way. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. However, both the boys and the families are very different in many, many ways. Concerning responsibility, the Finches are looked upon to act as a backbone for the town of Maycomb, and when other members have grievances they generally visit Atticus, for they know he is an honest man who represents the town. Atticus says they are poor farmers, but want to get by on their own.