The 1930s Great Depression brought financial hardship to many families, and authors often depicted their struggles through various characters in novels. One such author is Harper Lee, who portrays two poor white families, the Ewells and Cunninghams, in her novel “To Kill the Mockingbird.” These two families belong to the same social class in Maycomb but have many differences despite their shared race and economic status.
Key Takeaways
- Ewells are despised by the community, while Cunninghams are respected.
- Ewells are lazy and lack morals, whereas Cunninghams are hardworking and honest.
- Both families struggle financially, but Cunninghams handle their situation with dignity and integrity.
The Ewells are depicted as the lowest class in society, lacking education, cleanliness, and a strong work ethic. Bob Ewell, the family’s patriarch, is an irresponsible man who steals and drinks alcohol instead of providing for his family. The Ewell family is generally disliked by the community, and their actions contribute to the false accusation and lynching of Tom Robinson.
On the other hand, the Cunninghams, though also white and poor, are respected within the community due to their honesty and hard work. They have a small piece of land and barter their crops for necessary items, never accepting anything they cannot return. Despite their financial struggles, the Cunninghams maintain their pride and integrity.
The primary differences between the Ewells and Cunninghams lie in the way they handle their poverty and their interactions with the community. The Cunninghams are respected and admired for their hard work and honesty, while the Ewells are despised for their laziness and deceitful behavior.
