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. The greatest difference between the two families is their hygiene. Atticus Finch was an adult, white male in the 1930s deep South. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Another example is the Cunningham family. They are trustworthy. After Scout explained why she was mad at Walter, he told her to put herself in his shoes. Part Two Chapter 16. Harper Lee portrays Atticus as fairly well situated during the poverty in the Great Depression. How does Atticus describe the Cunninghams? If they need to hire people, they pay in crops because that is all they can do. It tells the story of events that take place in Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s. Scout differs from her classmates in several striking and important ways. This is an important philosophy in our society. Atticus is kind, compassionate, and treats his children like adults to the furthest . 5 Why did Atticus put one of the Cunninghams on the jury? Jem asks how Atticus could risk putting someone on the jury who wanted to kill him, but Atticus insists theres little riska man whos a little uncertain is a good bet. Those things were shown well by the Movie To Kill a Mockingbird and the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. We learn at the beginning of Harper Lee . In the 1930s, Everyone Was Racist. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Throughout both sections of To Kill a Mockingbird Lee skillfully shows other divisions among people and how these barriers are threatened.Obviously, it is not a matter of race alone that sets societal patterns in their provincial Alabama town. Atticus tells Jem that once a person earns the respect of a Cunningham, the whole clan becomes fiercely loyal to that person. What does it mean that the Bible was divinely inspired? However, Miss Caroline is unmindful of the Cunningham culture, as Miss Caroline is new to Maycomb., In Jem Finch's life, family is one of his important things he cares about, He doesn't really pay attention to his life but others,but sometimes letting others go will do for the better of his own life.While Jem is growing up with his family things change and the limits. Most of all, this quote foreshadows the building tension that is to come as the court trial for the Tom Robinson case, Atticus showed Scout and the reader to have empathy by understand other peoples point of view. Burris Ewell, Walter Cunningham, and Chuck Little are all from extremely poor families. Scout recognizes him from the lynch mob who tried to attack Tom Robinson before the trial even started. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. Throughout the novel, Lee has created Atticus as the wise figure who seeks the goodness in everything.. Scout now thinks reading is everything, whereas before she thought of it as a natural thing she could do. Even though the amendments which freed slaves and gave them rights were passed more than sixty years prior, the culture of the south intertwined with racism. She simply asks Mr. Cunningham how Walter is doing and it snaps in back into his humanity enough to make the mob leave. Scouts father is lawyer Atticus Finch who is also a member of the State Legislature and a much respected member of the community at least at the start of the book. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. I do not believe this is a Chapter Two question. Interracial marriages were illegal. Bob Ewell, Burris father, is known but not reported by the county to not feed his children from the welfare checks given by the state. Atticus says similar words throughout the novel to calm Scout and Jem down. Scout recognizes him from the lynch mob who tried to attack Tom Robinson before the trial even started. He said that some Christmas, when he was getting rid of the tree, he would take me with him and show me where and how they lived. Even though he knows that this case was inherently against Robinson, he still feels distraught that the jury was prejudiced enough to declare a man guilty, only because of the color of his skin. In fact, one man on the jury wanted to acquitamazingly, it was one of the Cunninghams. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. what specific evidence from the text helps explain why his opinion of the two families differs? Mr. Ewell uses, abuses, and manipulates to get his way. This Cunningham thought that Tom was innocent. 6 What lesson does Scout learn in Chapter 3? He simply uses their checks on alcohol for his own uses. Atticus then begins to discuss farm problems when Walter asks for molasses. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This shows that they have immense respect for Atticus. The way the content is organized. What does the setting at school teach us about the town and its people TKAM? The challenge of this struggle causes Jem great emotional pain as he tries to come to terms with the disappointing realities of inequality, racism, and general unfairness, whilst sharing his thoughts with Scout., However, after Tom Robinson is convicted for a crime that he clearly did not commit, Atticus mercy for humanity begins to waver. Atticus Cunningham Quotes Submitted By Words 1021 Pages 5. "-Scout, chapter Seven. Note that some questions have several parts. 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. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the main character, Scout meets Walter Cunningham and Burris Ewell, who both come from very poor families. By choosing to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch teaches his children to be brave enough to stand up . Here Scout sees that the Cunninghams and the Ewells dislike one another, but does not understand that both of these families. Struggling with distance learning? What do Atticus' comments about the Ewell family and the law suggest about his views on justice? He is a single father and works a full time job as a lawyer and is Tom Robinson's lawyer in the story when he is accused of rape. Which have the least power and status? This scene shows that human malevolence can change Atticus attitude, despite how strongly he feels that every human has a part of them that is pure. They are, and have been, the rudest and most disrespectful family in Maycomb for three generations. woman jumps off carquinez bridge 2021 aunt alexandra's opinion of the cunninghams. While conversing with Scout, Jem says "If there's just one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each other? The greatest difference between the two families is their hygiene. Atticus Finch. From what little we see of the Cunninghams in the novel, they do. There is a lot of prejudice throughout the book To Kill a Mockingbird. The way that they are dress also indicate their current state of mind. Group thinking lacks consideration. Answered by jill d #170087 10 years ago 1/9/2012 9:04 AM 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. To what is he referring? Why does Walter pour syrup on everything and why does Atticus get angry at Scout for noticing? 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. Scout then argues, "But last night he wanted to hurt you.". She thinksvery very low of them and thinks that scout should not have anything to do with the cunninghams PERIOD! He was all for finding him innocent and showing good sense regardless of the opinions and racism of everyone else. They will not take something they cant pay back and have a demonstrated history of paying Atticus back in produce as opposed to dollars. Who is Walter Cunningham in the book scout? They only go on the first day because the truant lady threatens to report them to the police. 3 How is Scout different from her classmates? 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). Scout even states that he, was the filthiest human I had ever seenHis neck was dark gray his fingernails were black (Lee 29). Most people in Maycomb work hard for a small income, while Bob lives off welfare and does not have to work for his money. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. . Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. Cunningham then ends the confrontation. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is about a young white girl named Scout who has a brother Jem, and a father, Atticus. Shoot all the Bluejays you want, if you can hit em but remember its a sin to kill a mockingbird (Lee, page 103). It was published in 1960 and was a book based around the Great depression. In chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout is attempting to explain to Miss Caroline why Walter Cunningham will not accept money for lunch. If it is the Cunninghams, Ewells, or Negroes he treats them all with respect and equally. View Answer Describe how Theme differs from the subject or topic of a literary work in that it involves an opinion or statement about the topic but not every literary work has a theme. Atticus put a Cunningham on the jury because he knew that they were fair-minded. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. To begin, I will be discussing the similarities and differences between Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell. On the other hand, Scout, the protagonist, understands the Cunningham culture in Maycomb: one lives with what one has and does not take what one cannot repay. Cousin, Halfway through the novel, Scout encounters complications when she visits her relatives at Christmas and becomes entangled in a fistfight with her cousin over Atticus defending Tom Robinson. For example, Walter refused to take a quarter from Miss Caroline because he could return it back to her. The Ewells, on the other hand, break the law and feel entitled to take what they want, as well as do what they want. 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. While Atticus is empathetic to Bob's experience, he underestimates the . Expert Answers Atticus and Mr. Cunningham have a business relationship, but also a friendship. Aunt Alexandra is a formidable lady and is the only Finch sibling who stayed at Finchs Landing, the familys old plantation. The novel is about the main character, Scouts, experiences and learning about her community and world around her. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Tom is now at the Enfield Prison Farm seventy miles away, where his family can't visit him. The Cunninghams' pride is so strong they will not accept outside help, as shown when Scout tells her teacher, "the Cunninghams never took anything they can't pay back". How is Scout different from her classmates? Book page count:323. In 1968, Cunningham was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA. Atticus wants Jem to learn and make preperations for the real world had whats to come. In real life Harper Lee grew up in Alabama and her father was a lawyer who became caught up in a rape case similar to that featured in the book. He just has his blind spots along . Who wrote the music and lyrics for Kinky Boots? The Cunninghams are one of the poorest family's in Maycomb. Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he defends Jems right to know what has happened. Mr. Ewell spent their relief checks on green whiskey while his children cried in pain from hunger. The Cunninghams are country folks, farmers, and the crash5 hit them hardest." 34 Atticus said professional people were poor because the farmers were poor. Complete your free account to request a guide. They are known to not use the proper term of the time, Negro, but the more racist, Id rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know youll go after birds. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". He said Atticus never talked much about the Radleys: when Jem would question him Atticuss only answer was for him to mind his own business and let the Radleys mind theirs, they had a right to; but when it happened Jem said Atticus shook his head and said, Mm, mm, mm. They are trustworthy. Atticus Finch, recognizing Toms helpless situation, accepted because he knew nobody would stand up for Tom. Jem: Don't call that a blind spot. Therefore Atticus was explaining to Jem and Scout that the crash hit the Cunninghams the hardest and that their hardship affects the towns economy. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Atticus' opinion of the Cunninghams is better because they are kind people. It must have been through respect of Atticus that the men followed Atticuss order. When Scout asked Mr. Cunningham about his entailment, she forced him to have empathy . That was enough. Atticus says they are poor farmers, but want to get by on their own. The jury is made up of farmers, and the Cunninghams are farmers. His calm and wise nature gives the town a backbone and causes them to rely on him for many things, thus putting him in the position to change Maycomb citizens ways., A major theme in To Kill a Mockingbird is the moral nature of humans. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Mark 12:31b states, "'Love your . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Covering themes of love and hate, innocence and experience, and kindness and cruelty, Harper Lee's book goes to the heart . To Kill a Mockingbird. In the Name of Ben Hur: Dirigido por Mark Atkins. In response, he replied, "he still is.". Explain, in your own words, Atticus's views on people's being equal. He says he doesn't leave the house because he chooses not to. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. they are the Cunninghams (A family of white farmers) and the Robbinsons ( An African American family). The Cunningham Family. The classic novel focuses around Jean Louise Finch, who is commonly known as Scout. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. "The Cunninghams never took anything they can't pay back." When Mr. Cunningham was one of Atticus' clients, he made sure he paid him plenty. Mr. Cunningham is one of the locals who shows up at the jail in an attempt to lynch Tom Robinson. To Kill a Mockingbird When Scout asks if the Cunninghams are still their friends, Atticus responds, Mr. He doesnt understand that when Atticus stared down the mob, he accomplished more than making them go away. To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 23. He is unarmed, and instead relies on peaceful methods such as talking to the mob to appeal to their human side. "You children last night made Walter Cunningham stand in my shoes for a minute. What do Atticus's comments about the Ewell family and the law suggest about his view of justice Support your answer with a quote from the text? If parents can influence a child of their own this situation can be for the better or the worse. atticus opinion of the cunninghamswho would you save on a sinking ship activity. If they need to hire people, they pay in crops because that is all they can do. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout witnesses many different types of prejudiceand even promotes these attitudes herselfincluding classism, sexism, and racism. is either family part of the "common folk" of maycomb? 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. Atticus Finch. The men mutter. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This is definitely one of the most important Atticus Finch quotes to know. Burris Ewells Neck was dark grey, the backs of his hands were rusty, and his fingernails were black deep into the quick (27). For instance, "Jean Louise said, 'Don't worry, Cal. Chapter 15 A mob warns Atticus about Tom Robinson being transferred prisons. Wiki User. Bob Ewell has no qualms about living like a parasite, and none of his family care that they are seen as the lowest level of society, apart from blacks. Why did Atticus select a Cunningham for the jury? Aunt Alexandra has a sense of social hierarchy. Words and phrases that Scout and Atticus use to describe the Cunninghams in this chapter are farmers, country folks, poor, and saying that they cant repay anything given to them. He just has his blind spots along with the rest of us. In addition, Atticus is shown to have a kind, patient tone, which emphasizes his role as a father figure in this book. To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) is one of the most influential American novels ever written. Though coming to kill a man they mustered the respect to speak quietly as not to wake that very same man. Atticus himself is a mockingbird because sees the best in everyone. Please advise. They are relatively respectful, quiet individuals who Atticus thinks are a bit misguided. Many professionals in the town charge their country clients in farm produce rather . 1 What makes Atticus and the Cunninghams different? This is a very contrary view to what most people believed at that time, especially in the South. Walters visit in Chapter 3 provides Scout insight into the lives of lower-class farming families. "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." two classmates support Atticuss opinion about the Ewell family? What does Atticus tell Scout about why the jury took so long to convict Tom? Atticus is referring to Black Tuesday, the stock market crash of 1929.