After Atticus reveals that the Cunninghams were in the jury, Scout asks Atticus a question. They are trustworthy. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It does not store any personal data. "Why didn't Tom's jury made up of folks like the Cunninghams, acquit Tom to spite the Ewells" (Lee 226). Scout and Jem s father. Since the Cunningham had been in the mob, Jem had labeled him as obviously someone who would convict Tom. were lucky to have the jury out so long. Aunt Alexandra is a formidable lady and is the only Finch sibling who stayed at Finchs Landing, the familys old plantation. Aunt Alexandra is all about ones breeding and family history. Part Two Chapter 16. 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. Atticus said that while Mr. Cunningham was part of a group, he was still an individual. From the incident during Walter's stay, it becomes clear both Calpurnia and Atticus feel it is critical that no matter what people do that is uncustomary to them, you must respect the person and not comment rudely. Atticus Finch. Atticus is older than most fathers in Maycomb at almost 50 years old, and as a lawyer, Scout and Jem initially believe that Atticus doesnt do anything of import. Con Jonno Davies, Adrian Bouchet, Peter Ormond, Alan Calton. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. She acts as parent; constantly teaching the kids lessons about life and race. 1.) Atticus Finch Character Analysis. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Many professionals in the town charge their country clients in farm produce rather . When Walter comes over for lunch, Scout criticizes him but, Atticus Finch also shows the characteristics of a truly selfless person as well. 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. The Cunninghams are country folks, farmers, and the crash5 hit them hardest." 34 Atticus said professional people were poor because the farmers were poor. Ms. Caroline also has a certain amount of power. 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". When Atticus and Calpurnia arrive at Helen Robinson's house, some boys are out front playing a game. Calpurnia could be the mother Jem and Scout never had because she is wise, caring, and patient with the kids. 10 Who is Walter Cunningham in the book scout? "-Chapter 16. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Atticus Finch is talking to daughter Scout (age 8) and son Jem about Mr. Cunningham. They always repay for services and never take anything they cant give back. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. After Scout mentions Walter Cunningham Jr., Mr. Cunningham is reminded that he is also a father like Atticus and sympathizes with him on a paternal level. After the verdict, Atticus left the courtroom, but not by his usual exit. Atticus is older than most fathers in Maycomb at almost 50 years old, and as a lawyer, Scout and Jem initially believe that Atticus doesn't do anything of import. The last sentence of the chapter, "Atticus was right," applies not only to his prediction that Jem will come down from his tree house if left alone, but also to most issues of character judgment. Atticus is nice and polite and does his best trying to instill those qualities into his children. We learn at the beginning of Harper Lee . In chapter 16, Harper Lee describes the views that the men in the Idler's Club have on Atticus defending a black man and their views on black people in general. The Ewells are seen as lazy, and Atticus Finch, Scouts father, saying that the Ewells had been a shame to Maycomb County, living like animals, and not even wanting an education (Lee 40). Walter didnt bring a lunch to school, and when he is eating at Scouts house, he asks Calpurnia for molasses. Atticus on the other hand thinks that the cunninghams aren't bad people, doesn't have one bad thought, and thinks that they are just misunderstood. 6 What lesson does Scout learn in Chapter 3? so that is why he has a different opinion about them. Even though he doesnt have money, he makes sure that his children survive well enough and that they are respectful and honorable. Scout wants to know this Cunninghams relationship to, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Atticus understands the Cunninghams cannot pay him back but shows he is contempt doing whatever he can for them. Atticus is willing to explain everything to Jem and Scout. He sent crops after each harvest until Atticus received more than enough. They always repay for services and never take anything they cant give back. 9 How are Bob Ewell and Atticus Cunningham alike? The Cunninghams can look down on the Ewells because they do live in a much rougher way. Why did Atticus put one of the Cunninghams on the jury? . Which have the least power and status? If they need to hire people, they pay in crops because that is all they can do. Note that some questions have several parts. Staged in the early 1930s in southern Alabama, racism was still undeniably present. In this chapter we learn about more about the Finches, the Cunninghams, and the Ewells. 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. When Jem asked if they could have Walter home for diner . Who wrote the music and lyrics for Kinky Boots? The finches have no reason to disrespect them only because of their. How do you I stop my TV from turning off at a time dish? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What does Atticus say about the Cunninghams? Shes a rebel in other ways that are partially innate, and partially a result of Atticus raising her. Describe the Cunninghams. "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . Atticus: Mr. Cunningham's basically a good man. Atticus treats Walter with respect and speaks to him in an adult fashion. Atticus Finch Character Analysis. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 7. 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 This passage, quote, or excerpt is significant because this passage shows the bond between Atticus and Scout. Atticus nodded. Although Atticus and Mr. Ewell have some similarities, but not many. . What does it mean that the Bible was divinely inspired? She simply asks Mr. Cunningham how Walter is doing and it snaps in back into his humanity enough to make the mob leave. As Maycomb County was farm country, nickels and dimes were hard to come by for doctors and dentists and lawyers. Complete your free account to request a guide. This is a very contrary view to what most people believed at that time, especially in the South. 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. In To kill a mockingbird, two farmers were greatly affected by the depression. Atticus is characterized as an angel. What are 2 negative effects of using oil on the environment? 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. This is one of the reasons why there is a . 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. He's also a client of Atticus's, and pays Atticus for his services in goods rather . Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. To the consternation of Maycombs racist white network, Atticus is of the same opinion to shield a black guy named Tom Robinson, who has been accused of raping a white woman. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. In 1968, Cunningham was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA. That you never really know a person unless you see the world in their point of view. Atticus has a unique, amicable relationship with the Cunninghams throughout the novel. Along with the Finches, Calpurnia works as a cook in their household, but is held as a motherly figure in the childrens eyes. Throughout day she learns a lesson that money does not determine a person's personality or how they act. "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." Explain why Harper Lee chooses to end the first part here. However, when Scout is upset about her neighbors disrespectful comments regarding this case, Atticus reminds her that they are not her enemies but rather, her friends and Maycomb County is still their home. 1 What makes Atticus and the Cunninghams different? . "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. He is trying to get Jem to consider the situation from Bob's point of view, and understand the humiliation and rage Bob must feel as a result of the trial. Later, Scout asks her father if Mr. Cunningham would ever pay them back; "Not in money, but before the year's out I'll have been paid," her father answers. Scout is flabbergasted (full context) Atticus asks Mayella to identify her rapist, so she points at Tom. She said to Calpurnia, he aint company, Cal, hes just a Cunningham. She also says that he looks like he was raised on fish food. Mr. Cunningham does just this as he appears in the mob that night at Tom Robinson's jail cell. Atticus said the Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations. Since he is portrayed this way Atticus takes the role as an intelligent, exemplary individual. How are Bob Ewell and Atticus Cunningham alike? "Mommy, I love you" The Hours written by Michael Cunningham focuses on three different women, Clarissa Vaughan, Laura Brown, and Virginia Woolf to show how they react differently to different things of daily events. Miss Caroline Fisher, a first-grade teacher indigenous to North Alabama, mistakenly hands Walter Cunningham, a student, quarters in order to purchase lunch. What does Atticus think of the Cunninghams? That was enough. The best scene in the film in my personal opinion was the final closing argument that Atticus had in court. While at the jail the mob encounter Jem, Scout, Dill, and Atticus Finch. two classmates support Atticuss opinion about the Ewell family? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Source(s) The book and myself . 42 of the best book quotes from Atticus Finch. The author of this book is Harper Lee. 5 Why did Atticus put one of the Cunninghams on the jury? Atticus said that while Mr. Cunningham was part of a group, he was still an individual. Scout recognizes him from the lynch mob who tried to attack Tom Robinson before the trial even started. Atticus' Parenting Style in To Kill a Mocking Bird. After their near altercation with the mob at the jail, Scout asked Atticus why Mr. Cunningham, one of their friends, wanted to hurt him. they are the Cunninghams (A family of white farmers) and the Robbinsons ( An African American family). Looking at these things, one can only imagine the upheaval when a Negro was accused of raping a white woman: but did this stop Atticus from standing up for justice? Being a Cunningham couldnt be any harder than it was today. Atticus Finch is the father of Scout and Jem. To Kill a Mockingbird When Scout asks if the Cunninghams are still their friends, Atticus responds, Mr. Scout is too young to understand why he is acting this way. What is the relationship between Atticus and Mr Cunningham? How is Scout different from her classmates? 3 How is Scout different from her classmates? The climax of this story was when Tom Robinson was found guilty of raping Mayella Ewell. If it is the Cunninghams, Ewells, or Negroes he treats them all with respect and equally. As Maycomb County was farm country, nickels and dimes were hard to come by for doctors and dentists and lawyers. They discuss farming, something neither of his own children understand, and Walter explains to Atticus how helping his father with the crops keeps him out of school. The three women change their perspectives as the story goes on. What can be said about Walter Cunningham character? A mockingbird is someone innocent and pure of heart like Atticus, Boo Radley, and Tom Robinson. Mr. Cunningham What accounts for those differences? 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. Another reason is Scout has the nerve or courage at that moment in time to simply strike up conversation with one of the men in the mob. When Scout asked Mr. Cunningham about his entailment, she forced him to have empathy for the Finches who have shown kindness to his family. He simply uses their checks on alcohol for his own uses. Shoot all the Bluejays you want, if you can hit em but remember its a sin to kill a mockingbird (Lee, page 103). From the incident during Walter's stay, it becomes clear both Calpurnia and Atticus feel it is critical that no matter what people do that is uncustomary to them, you must respect the person and not comment rudely. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Atticus put a Cunningham on the jury because he knew that they were fair-minded. He shows his children what it means to be kind, good people, and he expects them to act this way. Why did Atticus select a Cunningham for the jury? Mr. Ewell uses, abuses, and manipulates to get his way. When Calpurnia sees this, she pulls Scout aside and gives her a lecture that reads, Hush your mouth! She is educated and from a much bigger town than Maycomb. Book page count:323. Chapter 23. How does Atticus suggest Levy made the Klansmen feel ashamed? Subsequently, Atticus chooses to defend Tom Robinson, an African American accused of beating and raping a white lady, Mayella Ewell. Maycomb County High School is just a block or two away from the Finch house, and the elementary school is adjacent to the high school. The children come to Atticus for advice, problems . what specific evidence from the text helps explain why his opinion of the two families differs? What lesson does Scout learn in Chapter 3? She knew that they were proud people. The Cunninghams are near the bottom but the lowest are the Ewells. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 5 What does Atticus reveal about his character in his dealing with Mr Cunningham? 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. Atticus Finch is presented as seeker of justice that believes in equality for all, as well as one of the few characters to never rethink an opinion. Needless to say, they both appear to represent the hardworking, but poor, and hungry farmers of the 1930s in the United States. The Ewells are filthy. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Their dad, Bob Ewell, hunts in the winter, which is against the law, and gets away with it because his kids would starve otherwise. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Cunninghams have pride despite their poverty, in contrast to the Ewells' complete absence of self-respect. 3. Yo folks might be bettern the Cunninghams but it dont count for nothin the way youre disgracin em if you can't act fit to eat at the table you can just sit here and eat in the kitchen! This is just one of the many examples Calpurnia sets for the children. Near the start of the story, Jem and Scout invite Walter over to the Finch home for dinner, during which Scout begins to taunt Walter for pouring syrup all over his food. Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, reveals Atticus' use of his career to teach his children to be mature and respectful, as shown through his involvement in Tom Robinson's case, the Cunninghams, and his virtuous actions against society. What lesson does Scout learn in Chapter 2 and 3? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Why does Walter pour syrup on everything and why does Atticus get angry at Scout for noticing? Another mob tries to kill Tom in prison. The relationships established by Atticus Finch with his children, the Ewells, and the rest of the town, including the black community, are a large reason why he is known as the moral center, and why it seems all immoral conflict revolves around him. 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. they have a business relationship. The reader can also see Atticus' good nature portrayed in how he treats his kids. Atticus says they are poor farmers, but want to get by on their own. Atticus aimed to defend him. opinions. and The Radley Place jutted into a sharp curve beyond our house. From her treehouse, Scout could see the schoolyard where the children played. In contrast, Aunt Alexandra is prejudice towards the Cunningham family. Tom is now at the Enfield Prison Farm seventy miles away, where his family can't visit him. 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 . He doesn't retaliate when Bob Ewell spits in his face because he understands that he has wounded Ewell's pride the only real possession this man has. Next. 706 Words3 Pages. Why does Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a bag? Atticus tells Jem that once a person earns the respect of a Cunningham, the whole clan becomes fiercely loyal to that person. In To Kill a Mockingbird, there are two Walter Cunninghams-a father and a son of the same name. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Atticus just jokes about the attack, even though his kids are really terrified that Mr. Ewell will follow through on his threat. Although Atticus did not want his children in court, he defends Jems right to know what has happened. Along the way, he teaches them lessons, like how its, Explain What Words Do Atticus Use To Describe The Cunninghams In To Kill A Mockingbird. Times were hard back then, even for a young lawyer such as Atticus. The Finchs family life is then juxtaposed with the life of the black population of the town. Therefore Atticus was explaining to Jem and Scout that the crash hit the Cunninghams the hardest and that their hardship affects the towns economy. The black community has a lower social class than the white, Folks." These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. As he. The cunninghams are poor and of lowest class, while the Finches are in between and have more money. Jem refused to leave the jailhouse because because the men were going to hurt or kill Atticus and Tom Robinson. They do not contribute to society. The Cunninghams are country folks, farmers, and the crash5 hit them hardest." 34 Atticus said professional people were poor because the farmers were poor. Explain how did racism impact the scene following: a mob almost attacks Atticus in order to enter the jail to lynch Tom Robinson.