Social Classes in Maycomb, to Kill a Mockingbird
SOCIAL CLASSES IN MAYCOMB
Even among whites, social hierarchy is evident. Each class looks down on the one below it-
AS EVIDENT IN PG 249, “THERE ARE FOUR KINDS OF FOLKS IN THE WORLD..”
There are many different social classes in “To Kill A Mockingbird.” The factors that separate people into these social classes are their skin color and their occupation.
First social class- Respectable White-collar workers; professionals
For example, Atticus, Scout, and Jem are part of the highest social class. They are part of this social class because Atticus is a lawyer, which makes him a highly respected person in the community. This is also one of the highest-ranking jobs in Maycomb society Scout and Jem are his children and therefore also part of this social class by birth.
Another person in this same social class is Miss Maudie Atkinson. She grew up with the Finch’s and is an old friend of theirs. She is now Atticus’s neighbor and is loved by his children.
Aunt Alexandra is also part if this because she is known as the “perfect example of what a southern lady should act like.” She is part of the Finch’s family and is highly respected by the community.
Second class: The Cunninghams
Many of the class distinctions in Maycomb, Alabama are based upon family history. Some families are considered better than others. Aunt Alexandra brings this to Scout’s attention after Scout wishes to invite a Cunningham over, “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” (256). 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. The Cunninghams, on the other hand, have always been working class and inferior to Finches; and in her opinion their working class status means the two families can never be the same. She even goes so far as to label them ‘trash,’ showing just how much she believes in the Finches’
Even among whites, social hierarchy is evident. Each class looks down on the one below it-
AS EVIDENT IN PG 249, “THERE ARE FOUR KINDS OF FOLKS IN THE WORLD..”
There are many different social classes in “To Kill A Mockingbird.” The factors that separate people into these social classes are their skin color and their occupation.
First social class- Respectable White-collar workers; professionals
For example, Atticus, Scout, and Jem are part of the highest social class. They are part of this social class because Atticus is a lawyer, which makes him a highly respected person in the community. This is also one of the highest-ranking jobs in Maycomb society Scout and Jem are his children and therefore also part of this social class by birth.
Another person in this same social class is Miss Maudie Atkinson. She grew up with the Finch’s and is an old friend of theirs. She is now Atticus’s neighbor and is loved by his children.
Aunt Alexandra is also part if this because she is known as the “perfect example of what a southern lady should act like.” She is part of the Finch’s family and is highly respected by the community.
Second class: The Cunninghams
Many of the class distinctions in Maycomb, Alabama are based upon family history. Some families are considered better than others. Aunt Alexandra brings this to Scout’s attention after Scout wishes to invite a Cunningham over, “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” (256). 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. The Cunninghams, on the other hand, have always been working class and inferior to Finches; and in her opinion their working class status means the two families can never be the same. She even goes so far as to label them ‘trash,’ showing just how much she believes in the Finches’