Stereotypes In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

541 Words3 Pages

Atticus Finch prioritizes his role of father in that his responsibility teach his kids right from wrong takes precedence over all other things. Respect for all neighbors, in spite of Maycomb stereotypes, its a requirement in their household as the kids learn to accept the Cunningham's social class, Dolphus Raymond's lifestyle, and Boo Radley's eccentric Behavior. The Cunningham family is look down upon because of their low social class. Since they are so poor they are viewed as a different type of folk. Jem says, ‘“There are four kinds of folks in the world. There’s the ordinary kind like us and the neighbors, there’s the kind like the Cunningham's out in the woods, the kind like the Ewells down in the dump and the Negroes”’ (226). Scout was upset that the Cunningham's were viewed as trash, but Jem assured her they weren't. He did this by explaining they weren't like the Ewells they were their own type of folk. There is a certain stereotype in Maycomb that doesn't allow the Cunningham's to be accepted. Cal teaches Scout, ‘“He …show more content…

Jem explains to dill, ‘“Why’s he always sittin with the colored folks?” “Always does. He likes ‘em better'n he likes us, I reckon.” [...] “Doesn't look like trash,” said Dill. “He's not, he owns all one side of the riverbank down there…”(161). Jem’s opinion toward Dolphus Raymond is respectful even though Dill views him as trash, because of the people Dolphus associate himself with. Scout and the other children were listening to Dolphus’s stories. They knew they shouldn't be but that didn't stop them. Scout thought, “I had a feeling that I shouldn't be here listening to this sinful man who had mixed children and didn't care who knew it, but he was fascinating”(201). Regardless of Dolphus’s family’s race the children found him fascinating. They listened to his stories and didn't mind that the rest of the town didn't like