Question

How are the townspeople different from the country people in Maycomb? How long do you think these differences between the town and country people have existed? Why are a person’s family name and reputation important? (To Kill a Mockingbird)

Answer 1

The main difference between the townspeople in Maycomb and the country people is that the latter are more direct in their expressions.  Both are equally prejudiced against the black population. However, townspeople go through the motions of a "fair" trial, even though in spite of the clear evidence of the innocence of Tom Robinson, the jury will still condemn him because he is black), or they will ostracize those with whom they disgree, as they have done to Arthur Radley or to Dolphus Raymond, or else through vicious speech, like cousin Francis or Mrs. Dubose, who criticise Atticus Finch for defending a black man when talking to his children, or Burris Eweller as he insults the schoolteacher. Robert Eweller threatens Helen Robinson as she takes the shorter road to work, and he wishes to take revenge on Atticus Finch by attacking his children. There are exceptions to the prejudiced townspeople, like Atticus Finch and  Miss Maudie, who are cultured and therefore unprejudiced. Unlike most townspeople, country people are direct. The Cunningham child explains that he has failed in school because he must help his father in the field. His father, Arthur Cunningham, takes part in a mob that intends to lynch Tom Robinson at the local jail, but responds also directly, as a human being, when Scout inquires after his son. Later, at court, the Cunningham's make an attempt to obtain acquittal for Tom Robinson.

Maycomb townspeople believe that families have "streaks", so that the children will necessarily inherit the faults of their parents. Also, the white townspeople believe that there is some sort of nobility attached to the antiquity of a family in the town. This is one of the reasons why family names are considered so important. Also, for racist whites, it is important to have no racial mix in their family. Atticus Finch is influential in town because he belongs to one of the wealthiest families there. This makes him respectable in the eyes of the townspeople, even to those who criticize him for defending Tom Robinson.