Student Question
What does the quote “Hey, Mr. Cunningham. How's your entailment gettin' along?” mean in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Quick answer:
The quote "Hey, Mr. Cunningham. How's your entailment gettin' along?" from To Kill a Mockingbird is spoken by Scout during a tense confrontation outside the jailhouse. She uses the term "entailment" to reference a prior conversation about Mr. Cunningham's financial struggles, which Atticus had helped him navigate. This mention of his personal situation reminds Mr. Cunningham of Atticus's kindness, humanizing him and diffusing the mob's aggression, ultimately leading to their departure.
This line spoken by Scout comes from Chapter 15 in which the mob of country men come to the jail house and threaten Atticus as they demand the release of Tom Robinson to them.
When Atticus goes out for a walk and does not return, Jem becomes concerned, and Scout insists upon accompanying him in his search for their father. After they see him sitting under a bald light bulb before the jailhouse, they turn to leave. However, as they take a short cut across the square, four dusty cars stop before the jail, and many men get out, smelling of whiskey and speaking in threatening whispers. Sensing that their father is endangered, Jem comes forward, but Atticus tells his son to go home. When a burly man grabs Jem roughly, Scout gives the man a swift kick. Despite his father's order, Jem refuses to leave.
Just then, Scout recognizes...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
Mr. Cunningham and asks him about his "entailment." This word is familiar to Scout because she has overheard Mr. Cunningham and her father discuss the little land that he does own and the other acreage that is mortgaged. When Scout alludes to this conversation in which Mr. Cunningham has paid a visit to Atticus in payment for services, giving Atticus some of his crop, the farmer becomes uncomfortable since his conscience now bothers him. He looks away in shame as he feels guilty for threatened the kind man who has allowed him to offer food in payment for his legal services.
This individualizing of Mr. Cunningham, humanizes the entire mob. As Scout continues speaking of entailment, the men all look at her "with their mouths half-open." Innocently, Scout draws all of them, including Atticus together as she says,
"Well, Atticus, I was just sayin' to Mr. Cunningham that entailments are bad an' all that, but you said not to worry...that you all'd ride it out together...."
Scout's use of entailment and her reminder of what Atticus has said ties all the people their together in their financial plight because of the Great Depression. Now they are unified, and the men can no longer threaten one who is with them in spirit.