Describe the Cunningham clan.
The Cunningham clan is a poor but proud family from Maycomb, Alabama. They are known for their strong sense of integrity and self-reliance; they refuse to accept anything they can't pay back. The family is represented by Walter Cunningham, a classmate of Scout's, who exemplifies their values by not taking lunch money from Miss Caroline, knowing he cannot repay it.
How did Scout learn to read and write?
Scout learned to read and write at a young age, primarily through her father, Atticus Finch, who read to her daily. She also picked up skills by observing her older brother Jem and from her interactions with her environment. This early literacy led her to be advanced compared to her peers, which sometimes caused issues at school.
Why does Miss Caroline punish Scout?
Miss Caroline punishes Scout because she doesn’t understand Scout's background and her ability to read. When Scout tries to explain Walter Cunningham's situation and help her by writing in cursive, Miss Caroline perceives her comments as disruptive and disrespectful, leading to Scout being reprimanded for her supposed insolence.