Themes: Social Class
In To Kill a Mockingbird, social class plays a significant role in shaping the interactions and perceptions of the characters in Maycomb. The novel illustrates how deeply ingrained class distinctions affect the community, influencing relationships and societal norms. Through characters like Aunt Alexandra, the Ewells, and the Cunninghams, Harper Lee explores the complexities and prejudices tied to social class.
Aunt Alexandra embodies the rigid class consciousness prevalent in Maycomb. She believes firmly in the superiority of the Finch family due to their "gentle breeding" and is concerned with maintaining their social status. Alexandra's disdain for "climbers," or those who seek to elevate their social standing by looking down on others, highlights her preoccupation with class distinctions. She insists that Scout and Jem understand their place in the social hierarchy, reflecting her belief that their heritage dictates their behavior and status.
"Atticus is all this behavin' an' stuff gonna make things different? I mean, are you? ... You really want us to do all that? I can't remember everything." "I don't want you to remember it. Forget it."
The Ewell family represents the lowest rung of white society in Maycomb. Despite their poverty, they are still considered above the black community, illustrating the racial and class prejudices of the time. Bob Ewell's neglectful and abusive behavior contributes to their low status, and his actions during the trial further cement their position as societal pariahs. However, characters like Atticus and Tom Robinson express pity for the Ewell children, recognizing them as victims of their father's failures.
Social class also affects the relationships between characters. Aunt Alexandra's attempts to change the Finch family reflect her desire to uphold their social standing. Her disapproval of Scout's tomboyish behavior and insistence on traditional gender roles are rooted in her concern for the family's reputation. Over time, Scout begins to see a softer side of Alexandra, realizing that her aunt's strictness stems from a genuine concern for her well-being.
Overall, social class in To Kill a Mockingbird is a lens through which characters view each other and themselves. It influences their actions and interactions, often reinforcing divisions within the community. Through the exploration of class, Harper Lee critiques the arbitrary nature of these distinctions and the impact they have on individuals and society.
Expert Q&A
Why does Mr. Dolphus Raymond pretend to be drunk when he visits town?
Mr. Dolphus Raymond pretends to be drunk to give the prejudiced citizens of Maycomb a reason to "latch onto" for his association with black people. By feigning alcoholism, he helps the townspeople rationalize his unconventional lifestyle, making it easier for them to accept him and avoid constant confrontation.
How does Harper Lee depict poverty in To Kill a Mockingbird?
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee depicts poverty through various characters and families in Maycomb. The Great Depression affects everyone, including ultra-poor families like the Ewells and Cunninghams, and hard-working African Americans who struggle to make ends meet. Even professionals like Atticus accept trade for services. Poverty transcends race, affecting both Black and white families, highlighting the widespread economic hardships of the era.
What was the purpose of Mr. Cunningham's group's visit to the Maycomb jailhouse before Tom Robinson's trial?
Mr. Cunningham's group visited the Maycomb jailhouse with the intention of lynching Tom Robinson before his trial. They confronted Atticus Finch, who was guarding Tom. The situation diffused when Scout Finch, unaware of the group's purpose, engaged Mr. Cunningham in conversation about personal matters. Her innocent interaction reminded him of his humanity, leading him to call off the mob and leave peacefully with the other men.
What do Miss Caroline's interactions with Burris Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird suggest about them?
Miss Caroline's interactions with Burris Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird suggest she is inexperienced and unprepared for the diverse backgrounds of her students, while Burris embodies defiance and disrespect learned from his dysfunctional family. Miss Caroline's rigid and naive approach fails against Burris's ingrained contempt for authority, highlighting her lack of understanding and his deeply ingrained misbehavior.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, what does Aunt Alexandra's statement about "climbers" mean?
Aunt Alexandra's statement about "climbers" in To Kill a Mockingbird refers to people who look down on others to elevate their own social status. She implies that Cecil Jacobs’s mother is a social climber, criticizing her for being overly concerned with class distinctions. Alexandra believes that as Finches, they are inherently superior and should recognize their status in Maycomb.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, why hasn't Mrs. Merriweather fired her maid, Sophie?
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Mrs. Merriweather hasn't fired her maid, Sophie, because she believes Sophie needs the money during the Depression. She claims this as an act of charity, but her comments reveal her hypocrisy and racist attitude, as she trivializes Sophie's feelings and maintains a deprecatory view of her.
What does Atticus mean by "professional people are poor because the farmers are poor"?
Atticus explains that professionals like himself are poor because the farmers, who are their clients, are also poor due to the Great Depression. Since farmers have little cash, they pay for services with goods rather than money. This barter system affects professionals' financial stability, as seen when Mr. Cunningham pays Atticus with items like stovewood and hickory nuts instead of cash. The economic hardship affects the entire community, limiting monetary exchanges.
Why do country people suffer the most in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird?
Country people, particularly farmers, suffer the most in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird due to the Great Depression. The collapse of food prices left farmers like Walter Cunningham struggling to make a living. Overproduction and the Agricultural Adjustment Act aimed to stabilize prices but left many farmers with unsellable land and debts. Atticus Finch's acceptance of farm goods as payment highlights the severe financial hardships faced by Maycomb's farming community.
Jem and Scout's Experience at Calpurnia's Church in To Kill a Mockingbird
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem and Scout's visit to Calpurnia's church provides them with insights into Maycomb's Black community and Calpurnia's life. They learn about the community's poverty, illiteracy, and strong support systems, as seen with the collection for Tom Robinson's family. They also encounter prejudice from a church member, Lula, highlighting that racism exists in all communities. The children gain respect for Calpurnia's dual life and her ability to navigate both Black and white societies, enhancing their understanding of racial dynamics.
Cunninghams' Barter System in To Kill a Mockingbird
In To Kill a Mockingbird, the Cunninghams, a poor but proud farming family, pay for services like Atticus Finch's legal work and the doctor's care through bartering. They use goods such as stovewood, hickory nuts, smilax, holly, and turnip greens instead of cash, reflecting their inability to pay with money during the Great Depression. This barter system highlights their integrity and desire to repay debts, contrasting with the less respectable Ewells in Maycomb.
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