To Kill a Mockingbird Group

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a12345
a12345
Student

What evidence is there in Chapter 2 of widespread poverty in the Maycomb area in "To Kill a Mockingbird"?

In Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'

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Posted by a12345 on Wednesday January 7, 2009 at 3:18 AM and tagged with chapter 2, maycomb, poverty, signs, to kill a mockingbird.

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  1. parkerlee
    parkerlee Teacher

    eNotes Editor

    The story is historically set during the Great Depression of the 30s. As Atticus explains to Scout, even otherwise 'rich' people are 'poor' during this time. Cash flow is at a stalemate. For instance, Atticus Finch accepts food instead of money in return for legal services rendered to Mr Cunningham since he has no money with which to pay. The old sytem of barter is one way people accomodate one another during this economic crunch.

    It is also mentioned that the Maycomb courthouse is less run down that public buildings in other small towns since it is the county seat. Evidently, even the budget of the state has been "hard hit" since the usual renovation of public buildings hasn't been done. Just the buildings bearing the most prestige can afford a facelift!

    Later the reader learns that the Ewell children don't have to go to school since they need to help out at the farm just to be able to get by. It is more urgent that they have something to eat than to be able to go to school.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/mockingbird/class-system-maycomb-co...

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    Posted by parkerlee on Wednesday January 7, 2009 at 8:18 AM