To Kill a Mockingbird. Her reasoning is, ““Because--he--is--trash, that’s why you can’t play with him.”” (225).… What was it that upset her more than anything else? “‘Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia,’ was the first thing Aunt Alexandra said. “I had an idea, however, that Aunt Alexandra’s appearance on the scene was not so much Atticus’s doing as hers. Scout is describing her home early in the novel. What do Scout and Jem learn about one of the Cunninghams? Read More. that? Aunt Alexandra accepts that the Cunningham’s may be good people, but she still thinks “they’re not our kind of folks.” Later, she calls them “trash.” This book was first published 1960 and set in the 1930s, yet these class distinctions are still with us.. She’s gonna pour.” I tried pressing my behind against the door as Calpurnia had done, but the door didn’t budge. 10. Lula is racist. When Scout discusses bringing Walter-a Cunningham-home for dinner, Aunt Alexandra immediately disregards the idea. Aunt Alexandra thinks this because the Finches are an old and respected family that have always been a ruling, bourgeoisie like voice in the community. LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in To Kill a Mockingbird, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work. She is disgusted by the Cunningham because they are a poor farming family. In Chapter 24 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Aunt Alexandra’s tea party is ostensibly for the purpose of discussion of the missionary objectives of the ladies of the Maycomb Alabama Methodist Episcopal Church South. Why does Aunt Alexandra not want scout with Walter Cunningham? Jem and Dill: both kids. Scout one day wants to invite Walter for dinner, but Aunt Alexandra seems not so sure , ” Jean Louise, there is no doubt in my mind that they’re good folks. When Aunt Alexandra calls Walter Cunningham "trash", Jem starts thinking about the types of people in Maycomb county. 2.Is it easy to change our Constitution? This is exemplified when Aunt Alexandra calls Walter Cunningham “trash”, a term used often to describe the Ewells. Aunt Alexandra. Buy Study Guide. Why does she think this, and is she right? Aunt Alexandra's opinions on the Cunningham's. In To Kill A Mockingbird, as an additional message to the main theme of the novel, Lee seeks to show two polar reactions to poverty, that of the Cunninghams and the Ewells. ‘Jean Louise, stop scratching your head,’ was the second thing she said.”. Scout asks to spend time with Walter and her response is no. Aunt Alexandra believes the Cunninghams are of a lower social class than the Finch family. Up until now, she did not show anything for Atticus except criticism. Jem and Dill always pick on her for being a girl, which bothers her very much. Aunt Alexandra thinks this because the Finches are an old and respected family that have always been a ruling, bourgeoisie like voice in the community. Why? In Chapter 24, what does Scout do that is uncharacteristic of her? She encourages women to break the “only one bold at a time” rule and display their true self. Aunt Alexandra accepts that the Cunningham’s may be good people, but she still thinks “they’re not our kind of folks.” Later, she calls them “trash.” This book was first published 1960 and set in the 1930s, yet these class distinctions are still with us.. This difference between them is further developed through various values Lee identifies with each family. Atticus said one of the Cunninghams in the jury wanted to judge Tom as innocent. Prejudice. Can you understand why she was concerned with Atticus' parenting? That view is empowered by the discussion Jem and Scout have towards the end of the book, where Jem talks about why they are better then the Ewells and the Cunninghams, saying that it is because of the Finch family heritage, which is basically Aunt Alexandra’s opinion. She always spoke about how Atticus defending a black man might hurt the family; however, she did not really care about Atticus. Why does Aunt Alexandra not want scout with Walter Cunningham? Miss Maudie gives her a pep talk and gets her to go back to the meeting. Explain what he means by this. More about To Kill A Mockingbird Education System Analysis. The jury made their decision based of … (Lee 177) Aunt Alexandra probably thinks that Walter Cunningham is a "run-of-the-mill" person, and therefore should not be respected and is "trash". “I had an idea, however, that Aunt Alexandra’s appearance on the scene was not so much Atticus’s doing as hers. She is old-fashioned and proper, and often refers to the people of Maycomb in light of their family history. It is clear that Aunt Alexandra’s opinion of the Cunningham’s is dissatisfactory as opposed to her expectations of her family name. The reasoning behind this was because Atticus believed Scout needed a female figure to look up to, other than Calpurnia. The Cunninghams are poor farmers but good people, and they are proud. Aunt Alexandra believes the Cunninghams are "below" her on the "social ladder." 8. He tries to put his left hand upon the Bible, but it is a futile effort, as his left arm is entirely non-functional. Alexandra. Why would Lee have a single parent instead of a mom and dad raise the kids? Tom Robinson is called to the witness stand. ‘Jean Louise, stop scratching your head,’ was the second thing she said.” #2. The Ewells and the Cunninghams: both are poor. Aunt Alexandra, Atticus’s sister, is critical of the way he is bringing up his children. Of course, Atticus has done the best he can do, but Aunt Alexandra believes that she will be the one to be an influence on young Scout. In Chapter 24 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Aunt Alexandra’s tea party is ostensibly for the purpose of discussion of the missionary objectives of the ladies of the Maycomb Alabama Methodist Episcopal Church South. Most of these examples are made by Aunt Alexandra and her opinions. She was raised by Atticus, so really all she knows is how to play with the boys. Walter Cunningham is a school friend who at first she fights with but later enjoys playing with. When Aunt Alexandra comes to stay with them, she tells Atticus that Scout needs to be more ladylike; she needs a good woman's influence in her life. ... Why does Aunt Alexandra accept that the Cunninghams may be good but are not “our kind of folks”? But they’re not our kind of folks.”. Cunninghams, being shaped by the society and its inequality. When she heard that, Scout said that she wants to invite young Walter Cunningham to dinner, but Aunt Alexandra says no because the Finch family doesn’t associate with “trash.” Scout gets angry, causing Jem to take her out of the room. “Careful now, it’s heavy. Alexandra’s vision for Scout is that she do ladylike things and be … 36. In Chapter Twenty-three, when Scout wants to invite Walter Cunningham over for lunch more often, but Aunt Alexandra puts her foot down, saying that the Cunninghams aren't the right sort of people for Scout to spend time with. It is clear that Aunt Alexandra’s opinion of the Cunningham’s is dissatisfactory as opposed to her expectations of her family name. Four kinds of folks in Maycomb: ordinary, Cunninghams, Ewells, and Negroes. This Scout reacts by burying his head in Jem’s shoulder and sobbing in fury into his bedroom. Aunt Alexandra establishes herself in the neighborhood and continues to pester the children about what they should and should not do. Having children who sneak out at night. In your opinion, does the state present sufficient evidence of Tom's guilt? Using a t-chart, briefly show the difference in attitude toward the Cunninghams as expressed by Atticus and Aunt Alexandra. The arm simply slips off the Bible again and again. (Lee 300), she means that, even though the Cunninghams are dirty and poor people, that is … Scout, Arthur Radley, and the Cunninghams are examples of this destruction. An example of class prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird is when Aunt Alexandra wanted Scout to dress and act like a lady. 3)Explain how the end of this chapter parallels the mad dog scene in chapter 10. Aunt Alexandra is all about ones breeding and family history. Social hierarchy also affects Aunt Alexandra's behavior towards the Cunninghams. An intense, profane little man. A Cunningham is not … Main Character Throughline Synopsis “The events of To Kill a Mockingbird are told from the point of view of six-year-old Scout Finch, as she witnesses the transformations that take place in her small Alabama town during a controversial trial” (Angyal, 1986, p.1677). Aunt Alexandra has very strict feelings about breeding and good families versus bad families. Why can’t Jem accept Scout’s opinion that there is “just one kind of folks—folks.” Chapter 24. Atticus Finch, Aunt Alexandra, Tom Robinson, Boo Radley, Bob Ewell are paired to show similarities and differences between them. In my opinion, people from all walks of life should mix with each other..... social class is a thing of the past. Aunt Alexandra is Atticus's sister and because she is… 1)When Aunt Alexandra criticizes Atticus for allowing the children to attend the trial, how does he respond? #1. (302). Scout, at first doesn't like the cunningham's very much but later on in the book, she ends up like the cunningham's boy. Examples Of Fallacies In The Freedom Writers 1006 Words | 5 Pages; Most of these examples are made by Aunt Alexandra and her opinions. Comment on Aunt Alexandra's ideas about breeding and family. Young Walter Cunningham is the son of Walter Cunningham and are one of the poorest family’s in Maycomb. Aunt Alexandra She is very unlike Atticus in all respects, and the children do not take a liking to her in the beginning. How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Maycomb's social life? Aunt Alexandra Quotes About Her Character. 51.) 15. In fact, Scout is not the only Finch with social ignorance. The Finches and Walters’s family, the Cunninghams, are both white families; however, Aunt Alexandra considers them to be of lower class due to their financial situation. When Scout want to invite Walter over, Aunt Alexandra’s reply is “Jean Louise, there is no doubt in my mind that they’re good folks. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Aunt Alexandra is very prejudiced towards the Cunninghams and other poor people. To Kill A Mockingbird- Chapter 16-17. She also failed miserably in her attempt to impress Scout with their shared family history. When Aunt Alexandra said, "The thing is, you can scrub Walter Cunningham till he shines, you can put him in shoes and a new suit, but he'll never be like Jem." Aunt Alexandra tells Scout she may not have Walter Jr. over for dinner because he is trash! She looks down on people like the Cunninghams while Atticus sees them as simple hard working people. Which is why she tells Scout she can't play with Walter because the Cunninghams are white trash and they are below her. Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra have different roles in the Finch family. Aunt Alexandra says, " We'll see about that " (Lee 299). In contrast, Aunt Alexandra is prejudice towards the Cunningham family. Why does Atticus tell them to forget it? Kaila Lloyd 1.Is California prison system based off of circumstantial evidence? Because—he—is—trash" (Lee 301). She has no respect because of her ignorance. What did Aunt Alexandra think was a disgrace to the family? Discover and share Aunt Alexandra Quotes About Cunninghams. Aunt Alexandra’s? How, in this chapter, do we see Aunt Alexandra in a new light? A theme that relates to Aunt Alexandra is social prejudice because she believes that there are classes of people and that people should only interact with the people of their social class. Aunt Alexandra believes, “…the longer a family had been squatting on one patch of land the finer it was.” Have you ever seen anyone else, either in life or the movies, who thought like that? Approved by eNotes Editorial Team bullgatortail She wears a dress and attends Aunt Alexandra's missionary circle. For a start, her reason for coming is to bring some ‘feminine’ influence to the house, and that fact itself is negated by the children since (according to … Social hierarchy affects the justice of Maycomb in a vast variety of ways. Arteta 4 discrimination, social discrimination and gender discrimination are various forms used to show the destruction in their society. Aunt Alexandra's point of view is not like the children because they do not believe in Stereotypes. Another example is when Walter Cunningham didn’t have any lunch money. Briefly show the difference in attitude toward the Cunninghams as expressed by: Atticus. Aunt Alexandra Quotes About Her Character #1. 1) What do you think of Aunt Alexandra? Scout feels there is only one kind- FOLKS! How does Miss Maudie support her? Scout wants to be friends with Walter Cunningham, and sees no reason why she can’t be. When the family goes to Aunt Alexandra's for Christmas, Scout hits Francis for calling Atticus a"nigger-lover". Calpurnia is educated and has some common sense as well, she is usually nice to all whites. For example, because of the fact that Tom Robinson is of a low class, he is not given a fair trial. Describe the negatives that Aunt Alexandra exhibits. Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it. Aunt Alexandra's obsession with "What Is Best For the Family" (13.22)—in Scout's ears, Aunty often speaks in Capital Letters Of Doom—is part of her more general way of classifying people by family heritage. Read More. I'm nt sure Atticus states anything in the chapter but he considers the Cunninghams … The next morning, the day the trial is set to begin, Atticus and Scout talk about mob mentality, and, over Aunt Alexandra's protests, he thanks the children for appearing when they did. She views the Cunningham family as beneath them and forbids Scout from playing with Walter despite the fact that he is a well-behaved child. Are all adults good at knowing how clever young people are?