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

Harper Lee’s seminal work, To Kill a Mockingbird, offers a poignant exploration of various social issues prevalent in the 1930s American South. Among these issues, the concept of poverty is a , particularly through the portrayal of the Cunningham family. Through the cunning use of characterization and , Lee provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the Cunninghams’ poverty and its implications. This essay will delve into the multifaceted nature of the Cunninghams’ poverty, examining its impact on their community, their values, and their interactions with the wider society.

Impact on the Community

The Cunninghams, a poor family residing in Maycomb County, find themselves at the bottom rung of the social ladder. However, their poverty does not diminish their significance within the community. In fact, the Cunninghams hold a unique position that allows them to bridge the gap between the wealthy and the destitute. As Atticus Finch, the novel’s moral compass, explains to his young daughter Scout, “The Cunninghams are country folks, farmers, and the crash hit them hardest” (Lee 27). This statement suggests that the Cunninghams’ poverty is not solely a result of laziness or incompetence, but rather a consequence of external factors beyond their control.

Furthermore, the Cunninghams’ poverty is not depicted as a source of shame or disgrace. Instead, it becomes a defining characteristic that unites them as a tight-knit community. This is evident when Scout’s teacher, Miss Caroline, unwittingly humiliates Walter Cunningham by offering him money to buy lunch. Scout intervenes, explaining that Walter cannot accept the money as he is a Cunningham. Miss Caroline, unaware of the social dynamics at play, fails to comprehend the gravity of her mistake. The incident highlights the pride and resilience of the Cunninghams, as well as their determination to maintain their dignity despite their financial struggles.

Moreover, Lee strategically utilizes the Cunninghams to challenge the stereotypes associated with poverty. While they may lack material wealth, the Cunninghams possess an abundance of integrity and strong moral values. In one particular instance, Scout’s father Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape. The Cunninghams, who are deeply rooted in their prejudices, initially display hostility towards Atticus for defending a black man. However, Scout’s innocent intervention during a mob attack on Atticus helps to humanize the Cunninghams, revealing their capacity for empathy and compassion. This episode illustrates that poverty does not equate to moral bankruptcy, and that individuals from all walks of life are capable of displaying virtue.

Impact on Values

The Cunninghams’ poverty also shapes their values and influences their daily lives. Because they lack financial stability, the Cunninghams must rely on bartering and trade to sustain themselves. This self-sufficiency becomes a defining characteristic of the Cunninghams, instilling in them a sense of independence and resourcefulness. As Scout narrates, “The Cunninghams never took anything they can’t pay back—no church baskets and no scrip stamps. They never took anything off of anybody, they get along on what they have” (Lee 20). This statement underscores the Cunninghams’ unwavering to self-reliance and their refusal to be burdened by charity.

Furthermore, their poverty fosters a strong sense of community and solidarity within the Cunningham family. This is exemplified through their collective participation in the entailment system, a legal arrangement that restricts the inheritance of land. The Cunninghams, unable to pay off their debts, are forced to rely on the land they own for sustenance. In order to preserve their way of life, the Cunninghams band together, working diligently to tend their crops and maintain their ancestral heritage. This unity highlights the importance of family and community support in the face of adversity.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the Cunninghams’ poverty. While their resourcefulness and resilience are admirable, their impoverished state prevents them from accessing opportunities for upward social mobility. This is evident when Scout and Jem, the novel’s young protagonists, befriend Walter Cunningham at school. Scout observes that Walter’s poverty prevents him from owning a lunch, as his family cannot afford to pay for it. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the systemic barriers that prevent individuals from escaping the cycle of poverty.

Interactions with Wider Society

The Cunninghams’ poverty not only impacts their immediate community, but also shapes their interactions with the wider society. In County, where social hierarchies are deeply ingrained, the Cunninghams find themselves marginalized and excluded due to their economic status. Despite their hard work and integrity, they are perceived as lesser individuals solely based on their financial circumstances.

Interestingly, the relationship between the Cunninghams and the Finch family serves as a microcosm of the wider social dynamics at play. The Finches, a well-respected and affluent family, offer a stark contrast to the Cunninghams. However, their interactions transcend societal barriers, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. Atticus, who represents the noblest aspects of humanity, treats the Cunninghams with respect and compassion, regardless of their financial standing. This portrayal challenges the prevalent prejudice and discrimination against the poor, urging readers to question the unjust systems that perpetuate these biases.

Moreover, the Cunninghams’ poverty serves as a lens through which the novel explores broader themes of and injustice. By juxtaposing the poverty of the Cunninghams with the racial discrimination faced by African Americans, Lee highlights the interconnectedness of these social issues. Both the Cunninghams and the African American community endure systemic oppression, albeit in different forms. This parallel underscores the universality of poverty and the urgent need for societal change.

Conclusion

Through the portrayal of the Cunninghams, Harper Lee masterfully captures the complexities of poverty and its far-reaching implications. The Cunninghams’ poverty not only impacts their community, but also shapes their values and interactions with society. Lee’s nuanced depiction challenges stereotypes associated with poverty and invites readers to question their own biases and prejudices. The Cunninghams, despite their financial struggles, embody resilience, integrity, and a sense of communal strength. Ultimately, To Kill a Mockingbird highlights the urgent need for social reform and emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in forging a more inclusive society.

Works Cited:

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Grand Central Publishing, 1960.