Write about the differences between a Ewell, a Cunningham and a Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird.

In the book To Kill a Mockingbird one gets some insight into the different social status of some of the families within the story.

The Ewels represent uneducated poor disgusting and trashy southerners.  Mr. Ewel is an alcoholic who rapes his own daughter and beats his children.  He has no respect for the law until he needs to use it to his own advantage.  Even in the courtroom he does not demonstrate respect for the attorneys and judge.  He also does not value education or work. He is a dishonest and disrespectful man.

The Cunninghams are also a poor family but the man has dignity which he deomstrates by repaying his debt to Atticus through barter.  The children attend school even if they have no money for shoes or decent things and even food.  They have been taught to be respectful to adults.  Mr. Cunningham will not take hand-outs and has a great deal of pride.

The Finch's are a line of southerners who have the respect of the community.  They are relatively hardworking honest people who have comfortable lifestyles and respect the rights of other people.  They represent middle class America at the time of the book.  Although there is a depression, they have food and a housekeeper.