Hospitality is a word people almost invariably use to describe the south without a second thought. The times, culture and mindset of hospitality have changed over the years, but in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill A Mockingbird hospitality was one the things most people practiced even in trying times. With racial discrimination, social class disparity, The Great Depression, and a criminal trial that divided the small town of Maycomb, readers still witness true acts of southern hospitality. One of the earliest examples of southern hospitality that readers sense is when lower class Walter Cunningham does not have any lunch or lunch money. Jem invites him home for dinner with him, Scout and the rest of the family after school that morning, not out of pity but knowing it was the right thing to do. This was especially endearing because the invitation was initiated by a child. “Come home to dinner with us, Walter,” he said. “We’d be glad to have you” (30) Jem knew that Atticus and Calpurnia wound not mind having Walter come home for dinner with them. And he also knew that it would probably be the first nutritious meal Walter had eaten in a long time. Even at a young age, the importance of hospitality had been instilled in Jem.…show more content… Aunt Alexandria is a proper southern lady who was very proud of her fine southern heritage. She is a gracious hostess who knows about proper etiquette and hospitality, and she delights in giving lavish parties to ladies of similar social status. Her form of hospitality is not as genuine or sincere as Jem’s, but it is certainty proper. “Her Missionary Society refreshments added to her reputation as a hostess… To all parties present and participating in the life of the county, Aunt Alexandria was one of the last of her kind:..”
