Generosity and Honesty:
* Walter Cunningham Jr.: He's the son of the family, known for his honesty and integrity. He refuses to accept charity, even when he's hungry and needs help. This highlights his family's pride and aversion to being seen as indebted.
* Walter Cunningham Sr.: He's a farmer struggling to make ends meet during the Depression. He's fiercely independent and values hard work, but also demonstrates kindness by paying back his debts, even with small gifts like a sack of hickory nuts.
Pride and Tradition:
* The Cunningham Family: They are deeply rooted in their traditions and beliefs, even if they are outdated or unfair. They cling to the idea of racial superiority and are resistant to change. Their stubbornness is both a strength and a weakness.
* Walter Cunningham Sr.: He's a staunch defender of the old ways, even when they clash with justice and fairness. His limited education and conservative views influence his perspective on the world.
Poverty and Marginalization:
* The Cunningham Family: They are living in poverty due to the Depression and the harsh economic realities of their rural community. Their struggles highlight the socioeconomic inequality prevalent in Maycomb.
* Walter Cunningham Jr.: His worn-out shoes and clothes demonstrate the family's limited resources. Despite their struggles, they maintain a sense of dignity and pride.
Understanding their Complexity:
The Cunninghams are a multifaceted family, representing the complex realities of white Southerners during the Depression. Their story reminds us that prejudice and poverty can be intertwined, making it difficult to easily categorize individuals. They are not purely villains, nor are they purely victims. They are human beings struggling to navigate a challenging world, grappling with their own beliefs and circumstances.
Their Role in the Story:
The Cunninghams play a significant role in shaping Scout's understanding of the world. They help her to recognize the complexities of poverty, prejudice, and the various forms of injustice prevalent in Maycomb. Their actions demonstrate the importance of compassion and understanding, even when it's challenging.