Although there are references to the hard times that
people experienced in Maycomb during the Great Depression, Scout really doesn't give us
much information concerning the financial status of many of the main characters. We know
that times were hard for everyone.
A day was twenty-four hours long but seemed
longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to
buy it with... (Chapter
1)
Even
professional men like Atticus and Dr. Reynolds were forced to accept trade for their
services.
"...
Dr. Reynolds works the same way... He charges some folks a bushel of potatos for
delivery of a baby." (Chapter
2)
Unlike most
attorneys today, Atticus wasn't a wealthy man.
During his first five years in Maycomb, Atticus
practiced economy more than anything.
(Chapter1)
One
of the more affluent members of Maycomb, Dolphus Raymond nevertheless chooses to live on
the wrong side of town--with his black mistress.
"... He owns all one side of the riverbank
down there and comes from a real old family to boot." (Chapter
16)
Atticus has to
wipe away tears when he receives gifts of food from Tom's supporters on the morning
after the trial.
"Tell them I'm very grateful," he said. "Tell
them--tell them they must never do this again. Times are too hard..."
(Chapter 22)
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