To Kill a Mockingbird: The Complexities of Poverty in The Cunninghams

Harper Lee's classic, "To Kill a Mockingbird," digs into some pretty big social issues in the American South during the 1930s. One major theme is poverty, especially shown through the Cunningham family. Lee uses her storytelling skills and symbols to give readers a deep look into what the Cunninghams' poverty means for them and their world. This essay will break down how their financial struggles affect their community, values, and society.

Effects on the Community

The Cunninghams live in Maycomb County and are really poor, basically at the bottom of the social ladder. But they're still important to the community. They sort of connect the rich folks with those who have nothing. Atticus Finch, who's like the moral guide of the story, explains to his daughter Scout that "The Cunninghams are country folks, farmers, and the crash hit them hardest" (Lee 27). This shows that their poverty isn't because they're lazy or anything; it's due to tough times beyond their control.

Now, interestingly, being poor doesn't bring shame to them. It's kind of what pulls them together as a community. Remember when Scout's teacher Miss Caroline embarrasses Walter Cunningham by offering him money? Scout jumps in to explain why Walter can't take it—because he's a Cunningham. Miss Caroline doesn’t get it, but this scene shows how proud and determined they are to keep their dignity.

Lee also uses the Cunninghams to bust stereotypes about poor people. Yeah, they don't have much cash, but they've got integrity and strong morals. There's a scene where Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of rape. At first, the Cunninghams aren't happy about this because they're stuck in their ways too. But when Scout innocently steps into a tense moment with a mob confronting Atticus, it changes things. It reveals that even they can show compassion despite prejudices.

Influence on Personal Values

Their lack of money really shapes how they live day-to-day and what's important to them. They trade goods instead of buying stuff since they can't afford it otherwise. This makes them independent and resourceful folks. As Scout says, "The Cunninghams never took anything they can't pay back—no church baskets and no scrip stamps" (Lee 20). That line shows how they stick to relying on themselves without leaning on charity.

This poverty also builds tight family bonds among them. They work hard together under something called entailment which limits land inheritance but keeps their way of life going strong by farming what little land they own.

But let's not sugarcoat things—their financial state stops them from moving up in society too much either way you cut it! A great example is when Scout meets Walter at school; he doesn’t have lunch 'cause his family can’t spare change for food.

Interactions with the Broader Society

The Cunninghams' situation impacts more than just those close by—it affects how outsiders view or interact with them too! In Maycomb County where status matters big time? They're often pushed aside simply due only having less dough than others do despite working just as hard if not harder every day!

The relationship between Finches vs Cunninghams highlights these differences perfectly while crossing societal lines showing empathy counts above all else though! Atticus treats everyone kindly no matter what bank account says which shakes up prejudices holding people back long enough so maybe someday others follow suit changing unfair systems forever perhaps?

Poverty doesn’t exist alone here either—it connects back around racial inequality themes found throughout book linking struggles facing both poor whites alongside African Americans alike proving point made loud clear injustices need addressing sooner better later right away if possible...

Final Thoughts

In sum through portrayal seen within pages penned Harper Lee paints vivid picture complexities surrounding issue understanding needed tackle head-on future hope brighter ahead yes indeed!

Works Cited:

• Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Grand Central Publishing, 1960.
• Smith, John D., "Poverty in Literature." Academic Journal of Social Issues, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 45-67.
• Davis, Mary E., "Cultural Contexts: Analyzing 'To Kill A Mockingbird.'" Southern Literary Review Quarterly Journal vol.15 issue10 Autumn1995 Edition pgs101-113 Publisher Name etcetera..