Aunt Alexandra thinks that someone is “trash” if they are poor and don’t have much social status, while Atticus believes that someone is “trash” if their personality is wrong or if they have bad morals. When talking about the trial, Atticus tells Jem that one of the Cunninghams was in the jury and almost acquitted Tom Robinson. After hearing this, Scout wants to bring Walter to dinner. Not happy about Scout’s idea, Aunt Alexandra says, “We’ll see about that… They’re not our kind of folks” (Lee 298). Scout interrupts, “But I want to play with Walter, Aunty, why can’t I?” (Lee 301). Aunt Alexandra says blatantly, “Because-he-is-trash, that’s why you can’t play with him” (Lee 301). This shows that Aunt Alexandra doesn’t view someone by their personality or kindness, she cares about whether or not they have money and have high social status. In other words, she thinks about how others would make her look in Maycomb. Aunt Alexandra wants to be “above” other people in Maycomb, therefore she can’t be associated with people like the Cunninghams. When Aunt Alexandra first arrives at the Finch’s she asks Atticus to tell the children, “You must try to behave like the little lady and gentleman that you are” (Lee 177). This demonstrates how Aunt Alexandra is “proud” of the family name and wants to pass it down with dignity, rather than with disgust and distaste. On the other hand, Atticus’ definition of “trash” does not depend on their social status or wealth, but how they treat others and behave themselves. Although the Cunninghams don’t have much, Atticus admires their loyalty and their willingness to fight tooth and nail for someone they have respect for. Aunt Alexandra and Atticus both consider the Ewell’s trash, but for different reasons. Aunt Alexandra considers the Ewells trash because they are dirty, have no money, and are viewed as garbage. However, Atticus considers the Ewells trash because they took advantage of an African-American. Although Atticus doesn’t specifically say that he thinks Mr. Ewell is trash, Atticus does say, “there's nothing more sickening to me than a low-grade white man who'll take advantage of a negro's ignorance” (Lee 296). Aunt Alexandra and Atticus have different definitions of trash because Aunt Alexandra view people by their wealth and social status, while Atticus view people by their morals and behavior.
What do you think are Jem and Scout definitions of “trash”? Who would you consider trash if you were to use Atticus’ definition? Do you think Aunt Alexandra’s definition of trash is justifiable?
In this books time, both explanations of trash by Atticus and Aunt Alexandra have some form of legitimacy. Atticus knows the tough times and even at the start of the book recognizes how poor the Cunningham's are, having to pay back people in food. They don't accept any handouts, especially money, showing their morals and Atticus's respect. "Drinking streak in that family a mile wide. Finch women aren't interested in that sort of people." Aunt Alexandra doesn't only care about wealth and class, she also thinks of the Cunningham's in terms of what they would be like with the Finch's. Although there is a difference between their definitions of trash, both are fitting in some sense of the word.
ReplyDeleteTo add on to what you were saying Dylan, Alexandria is very insensitive towards others because she must know why the Cunningham's are poor, because the crash in the economy hit them the most, and it's plain out disrespect that she can't see that. On the other hand with Atticus, he is very sensitive and he looks for what's on the inside, not the outside (I know its cliché).
ReplyDeleteTo add on to what you were saying Dylan, Alexandria is very insensitive towards others because she must know why the Cunningham's are poor, because the crash in the economy hit them the most, and it's plain out disrespect that she can't see that. On the other hand with Atticus, he is very sensitive and he looks for what's on the inside, not the outside (I know its cliché).
ReplyDelete