In Chapter 23, Atticus explains to his children that a person related to Walter Cunningham initially voted for Tom's acquittal during the trial, which is why the jury deliberated for so long. Jem and Scout are shocked to hear this, and Atticus continues to elaborate on the Cunninghams' respectable family background. Scout then mentions that as soon as school starts she is going to invite Walter over for dinner. Aunt Alexandra tells Scout, "We'll...
In Chapter 23, Atticus explains to his children that a person related to Walter Cunningham initially voted for Tom's acquittal during the trial, which is why the jury deliberated for so long. Jem and Scout are shocked to hear this, and Atticus continues to elaborate on the Cunninghams' respectable family background. Scout then mentions that as soon as school starts she is going to invite Walter over for dinner. Aunt Alexandra tells Scout, "We'll see about that," and Scout asks her why not (Lee 299). Alexandra goes on to tell Scout that the Cunninghams aren't their kind of folks. She mentions that no matter how much you scrub Walter Cunningham and dress him appropriately, he will never be like Jem. Scout gets extremely upset and asks Alexandra again why she cannot play with Walter. Aunt Alexandra responds by saying,
"Because---he---is---trash, that's why you can't play with him. I'll not have you around him, picking up his habits and learning Lord-knows-what. You're enough of a problem to your father as it is" (Lee 301).
Alexandra's prejudiced comment depicts her contempt for individuals who are considered lower-class. Alexandra believes that her family is "better" than the Cunninghams, and is prejudiced towards poorer community members.
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