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Walter Cunningham Sr. - Characters, To Kill a Mockingbird | To Kill a Mockingbird - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

Mr. Cunningham is the father of Walter Cunningham, Scout's classmate. He's also a client of Atticus's, and pays Atticus for his services in goods rather than money, because that's all he can afford. In the eyes of Maycomb, the Cunninghams are a step below the townspeople (they're poor farmers), but a step above the Ewells (they eke out enough to survive from the land rather than going on welfare).

Mr. Cunningham, along with others like him, is part of the mob that tries to lynch Tom Robinson the night before the trial, putting him on the side of regressive and prejudiced values. When Scout talks to him about his son, however, he turns back and takes the rest of the mob with him. At the trial, Mr. Cunningham's double first cousin is the only one willing to acquit Tom. Mr. Cunningham and his family suggest that at least some kinds of discrimination and violence come out of ignorance, and that experience can open eyes and change minds.

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FAQs on Walter Cunningham Sr. - Characters, To Kill a Mockingbird - To Kill a Mockingbird - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels

1. Who is Walter Cunningham Sr. in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Ans. Walter Cunningham Sr. is a character in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee. He is the father of Walter Cunningham Jr. and a poor farmer in Maycomb County, Alabama.
2. What role does Walter Cunningham Sr. play in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird?
Ans. Walter Cunningham Sr. represents the working-class farmers in Maycomb County. He is a member of the mob that attempts to lynch Tom Robinson, the African American man accused of raping a white woman. However, his conscience ultimately prevails, and he disperses the mob when Scout Finch, the protagonist, innocently talks to him about his son.
3. How does Walter Cunningham Sr. contribute to the themes of social class and prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Ans. Walter Cunningham Sr.'s character highlights the deep-rooted social class divisions in Maycomb County. As a poor farmer, he is considered part of the lower class, contrasting with the wealthier and more privileged families like the Finches. The incident with the mob also reveals the influence of prejudice and racism in the town, as Walter initially succumbs to the mob mentality but is ultimately swayed by empathy and compassion.
4. What are some key characteristics of Walter Cunningham Sr. in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Ans. Walter Cunningham Sr. is portrayed as a proud and hardworking man who struggles to provide for his family. He is respectful and teaches his son the importance of good manners. Despite his poverty, he values integrity and is capable of empathy and moral growth, as demonstrated by his decision to disperse the mob.
5. How does Walter Cunningham Sr.'s character contribute to the overall message of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird?
Ans. Walter Cunningham Sr. serves as a symbol of the potential for change and redemption in a society marred by prejudice and social inequalities. His transformation from a participant in the mob to a conscience-driven individual highlights the power of empathy and the capacity for personal growth. It reinforces the novel's message of the importance of seeing beyond superficial differences and treating others with compassion and understanding.
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