Table of ContentsThe Cunninghams: The Virtuous PoorThe Impact of Poverty on MoralityConclusionBibliographyHarper Lee's novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," explores the complex dynamics of race, class and morality. set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s. Two families, the Cunninghams and the Ewells, play important roles in the narrative, representing contrasting aspects of poverty and morality. While the Cunninghams are portrayed as honorable, hard-working individuals who prioritize family values, the Ewells are portrayed as immobile and morally bankrupt individuals. Through their contrasting behaviors and interactions with the protagonist, Scout Finch, Lee highlights the consequences of poverty on the character and morality of the individual. This essay will analyze the depiction of the Cunningham family in "To Kill a Mockingbird," exploring their impact on the narrative and their role in shaping the novel's themes of poverty and morality. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"?Get the original essayThe Cunninghams: The Righteous PoorThe Cunninghams, particularly Walter Cunningham Sr. and his son, Walter Cunningham Jr., are introduced at the beginning of the novel as poor but virtuous individuals. Their poverty is compounded by their inability to repay small cash loans and their reliance on barter for goods and services. However, their moral character shines through their actions and interactions with other members of the community. For example, when Scout's teacher, Miss Caroline, offers Walter Jr. lunch money but does not understand the social implications of his refusal, Scout steps in to explain the Cunningham family's situation. Scout says: “The Cunninghams never took anything they couldn't repay: no church baskets and no stamps. They have never taken anything from anyone, they are content with what they have” (Lee, 26 years old). This incident establishes the Cunninghams as proud and self-sufficient, refusing to accept charity they cannot repay. Additionally, the Cunninghams' sense of community is evident in their participation in the crowd that gathers at Maycomb Prison to confront Atticus Finch, who is defending Tom Robinson, an African American accused of raping a white woman. Although their intentions are misguided, their actions reflect their commitment to protecting their own and upholding their moral values, even if it means resorting to violence. Atticus recognizes the inherent goodness of the Cunningham family and manages to diffuse the tense situation by appealing to Walter Cunningham Sr.'s sense of honor and reminding him of their shared history. This episode demonstrates the Cunninghams' loyalty to their community and their willingness to stand up for what they believe in, albeit through misguided means. The Impact of Poverty on Morality The portrait of the Cunningham family in "To Kill a Mockingbird" raises important questions about the relationship between poverty and morality. The Cunninghams, despite their destitution, remain morally upright and maintain a strong sense of integrity. Their poverty does not define their character; rather, it reveals their resilience and determination to defend their values. This challenges the dominant stereotype that poverty is directly linked to moral depravity. Additionally, the Cunninghams' unwavering commitment to their community suggests that poverty can foster a sense of unity and loyalty, as individuals rely on each other for support. From another, 1960.