Why do you think Harper Lee introduces us to different kinds of poor people?

Answer 1

I think that Harper Lee introduces the reader to different kinds of poor people to show the different kinds of reactions to the great depression. The first type of poor person introduced in this book is Atticus. Atticus is an average man who has suffered from the depression, but is still able to get by and maintain his character. The second type of poor people are the Cunninghams. The Cunninghams are dirt poor, but they do not take anything without knowing that they can pay it back. While this may make life harder on them, they are able to maintain their dignity and survive at the same time. The third and final type of poor person introduced in this book is the Ewells. None of the Ewells had done an honest day's work in Atticus's recolection, allowing this group to survive, but they are forced to do so in a dishonest manner. These three groups of poor people that we are introduced to in this book show the dynamic that this town possesses as they are dealing with their financial crisis.