Walter Cunningham Character Analysis

In Harper Lee’s seminal work “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the character of Walter Cunningham serves as a subtle yet powerful embodiment of the novel’s exploration of social inequalities and human dignity. While the primary focus often lands on the more central figures like Atticus Finch and his children, Scout and Jem, Walter Cunningham’s character provides critical insights into the socio-economic underpinnings that influence the behaviors and attitudes in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama.

Walter Cunningham comes from a family that is “poor but proud.

” This description not only sets the stage for his personal circumstances but also echoes a broader theme of the novel: the struggle against economic and social prejudice. Despite his family’s financial hardship, Walter carries a quiet dignity and a strong sense of self-respect, which is most prominently displayed in his interactions with the Finch family. For instance, when he is invited to lunch at the Finch’s home, he initially baffles Scout with his manners at the table, such as requesting molasses and generously applying it all over his food. This incident is not merely a moment of childhood curiosity but also serves as a poignant reflection of the differences in upbringing and economic disparity faced by the children in Maycomb.

Furthermore, Walter’s character is instrumental in illustrating the complex layers of the Cunningham family’s moral fabric. Despite their poverty, the Cunninghams are depicted as a family that staunchly upholds their principles. This is exemplified when Atticus Finch explains to Scout that the Cunninghams never take anything they can’t pay back. Walter’s father, for example, repays Atticus for legal services with goods like hickory nuts and firewood, rather than money. This barter system highlights not only the Cunninghams’ poverty but also their integrity and insistence on maintaining their self-respect and dignity despite financial hardships.

Moreover, Walter’s interactions with the Finch children reveal the rigid class distinctions that pervade the society of Maycomb. Scout initially struggles to understand and accept Walter’s ways, highlighting her naive yet growing awareness of social divisions. Her reaction to Walter’s manners at the table provides a critical lesson from Calpurnia, their housekeeper, on empathy and respect for others’ differences. Through Walter, Lee communicates that dignity and honor are not confined to social class but are inherent qualities that individuals uphold.

In addition, Walter Cunningham’s character is significant in the context of mob mentality and individual morality. In a pivotal scene, he is present at the jailhouse among a mob intent on lynching Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Here, Walter’s presence could be seen as a moment of weakness or moral failure. However, it also underscores the intense pressure and influence of racial and social prejudices that individuals face, particularly in a tightly-knit community like Maycomb. His ultimate decision to disperse the mob after Scout’s innocent confrontation reminds readers of the power of personal connections and the potential for individual decency to overcome crowd mentality.

In conclusion, Walter Cunningham is a character that embodies the complexities of economic hardship, social inequality, and moral integrity. Through Walter, Harper Lee beautifully illustrates that dignity is not tethered to one’s financial status and that moral righteousness can often be maintained in the face of societal pressures. His character, though not as prominently featured as others, plays a crucial role in deepening the novel’s exploration of the social strata and the inherent qualities that define humanity. Walter Cunningham, therefore, is not just a peripheral character but a vital one, whose life and actions enrich the understanding of Lee’s themes and add depth to the narrative landscape of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

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