Cunninghams vs. Ewells

Attribute	Cunninghams	Ewells
Family	Cunninghams are a poor but respected family in Maycomb.	Ewells are a poor and disreputable family in Maycomb.
Education	The Cunninghams value education and try to attend school regularly.	The Ewells do not prioritize education and often skip school.
Behavior	The Cunninghams are generally well-behaved and respectful.	The Ewells are known for their unruly and disrespectful behavior.
Attitude towards others	The Cunninghams treat others with kindness and empathy.	The Ewells often display prejudice and mistreat others.
Financial situation	The Cunninghams struggle financially but work hard to make a living.	The Ewells rely on welfare and engage in illegal activities to survive.

Introduction

In Harper Lee's classic novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," the Cunninghams and the Ewells are two families that play significant roles in the story. While both families reside in Maycomb County and face similar economic challenges, they differ greatly in their values, behavior, and social standing. This article aims to explore and compare the attributes of the Cunninghams and the Ewells, shedding light on their distinct characteristics.

Economic Background

The Cunninghams and the Ewells share a common economic struggle, living in poverty-stricken conditions. However, their approaches to dealing with their circumstances differ significantly. The Cunninghams, led by Walter Cunningham Sr., are hardworking and pride themselves on their self-sufficiency. They are known for their willingness to work on others' behalf, often repaying debts through manual labor or crops. In contrast, the Ewells, headed by Bob Ewell, are notorious for their laziness and unwillingness to work. They rely on welfare and charity, showing no desire to improve their situation.

Education and Intelligence

When it comes to education, the Cunninghams and the Ewells display contrasting attitudes and levels of intelligence. The Cunninghams, despite their limited access to formal education, value learning and strive to educate their children. They understand the importance of knowledge and encourage their offspring to attend school regularly. This emphasis on education is evident in the character of Walter Cunningham Jr., who demonstrates intelligence and a desire to learn. On the other hand, the Ewells show little regard for education. Bob Ewell's children, including Mayella Ewell, rarely attend school and lack basic literacy skills. Their ignorance is a stark contrast to the Cunninghams' pursuit of knowledge.

Morality and Values

The Cunninghams and the Ewells also differ significantly in terms of their moral compass and values. The Cunninghams are known for their strong sense of integrity and honesty. They prioritize doing what is right, even if it means making personal sacrifices. This is exemplified by Walter Cunningham Sr.'s refusal to accept charity he cannot repay and Atticus Finch's trust in the Cunninghams' word. In contrast, the Ewells lack any moral compass. Bob Ewell is a deceitful and abusive individual who manipulates the justice system for personal gain. Mayella Ewell's false accusations against Tom Robinson further highlight the Ewells' lack of integrity and disregard for the truth.

Social Standing and Reputation

The Cunninghams and the Ewells occupy different positions in Maycomb's social hierarchy, which greatly influences their reputation within the community. The Cunninghams, despite their poverty, are respected by the townspeople. They are considered hardworking, honest, and trustworthy individuals. Their reputation is built on their actions and the respect they show others. On the other hand, the Ewells are widely despised and viewed as the town's "trash." Their reputation is tarnished by their laziness, dishonesty, and involvement in criminal activities. The Ewells' low social standing is evident in the way they are treated by others, including the African American community, who still show them more respect than they deserve.

Parenting and Family Dynamics

The Cunninghams and the Ewells also differ in their parenting styles and family dynamics. The Cunninghams prioritize instilling values of hard work, respect, and responsibility in their children. They lead by example and actively participate in their children's lives, fostering a sense of unity and support within the family. This is evident in the relationship between Walter Cunningham Jr. and his father, where mutual respect and understanding are present. In contrast, the Ewells lack any positive family dynamics. Bob Ewell is an abusive and neglectful father, failing to provide a safe and nurturing environment for his children. Mayella Ewell, deprived of love and care, seeks attention in harmful ways, leading to the tragic events of the novel.

Conclusion

While the Cunninghams and the Ewells face similar economic challenges, their attributes and behaviors set them apart. The Cunninghams, characterized by their hard work, integrity, and pursuit of education, are respected members of the community. In contrast, the Ewells, known for their laziness, deceit, and disregard for education, are despised and viewed as social outcasts. Harper Lee skillfully uses these two families to explore themes of poverty, morality, and social standing in "To Kill a Mockingbird," providing readers with a thought-provoking portrayal of contrasting attributes and values.