Question

How does atticus distinguish between the cunninghams and the ewells? is either family part of the "common folk" of maycomb? how do the two families differ in class and status from each other and from the finches? what specific evidence from the text helps explain why his opinion of the two families differs?

Answer 1

1. According to Atticus, the  Cunninghams family are a group of 'proud people'. They work really hard for their allowance, follow the law, and take care of the people around them. The ewells on the other hand, are filled with law breakers and entitled people who believe they could do whatever they pleases.

2. No. Eventhough the Ewells is indeed poor, the town do not treat them as commonfolk.
The regulators in the city know that if they do not bend the rules for Bob Ewell, he is cruel enough to let his children starve to death.

3. Both of the cunninghams and the Ewell are considered poor. But the cunninghams are considered even more poor than the Ewells.
The Finch family is not particularly rich, but they are considerably more well-off compared to cunninghams and Ewell.

4. It is how Atticus see the attittude of both families. Despite being poor, The cunninghams keep their human dignity and always try their best to become decent citizens, the Ewell on the other hand are really lazy and always break the law.