Scout is more educated than Walter Cunningham. Walter has received more of an education than Burris Ewell. Their levels of education reveal their places in Maycomb society.
Before Scout even starts school, she knows how to read well. She gets in trouble with her teacher, Miss Caroline, because of this. Nightly, Scout reads with her father. She is intellectually advanced for her age. Atticus is a respected figure in Maycomb. He has a college education and professional career. Education is promoted in the Finch household.
Walter Cunningham is from a poor, less-respected family in Maycomb. The Cunninghams are hard workers and do not believe in owing anyone anything. They have a sense of dignity. Aunt Alexandra considers them trash, but many people in town do not. Atticus respects the Cunninghams. Walter is intelligent, but he often has to miss school to help on the farm. He enjoys going to school when he can. He is behind because of missing so much school. Education is valued somewhat in the Cunningham home.
Burris Ewell is still in first grade, though he is much older than the other students in the class. His family does not value education. As one student in his class explains to Miss Caroline,
"He's one of the Ewells. . . Whole school's full of 'em. They come first day every year and then leave. The truant lady gets 'em here 'cause she threatens 'em with the sheriff, but she's give up tryin' to hold 'em. She reckons she's carried out the law just gettin' their names on the roll and runnin' 'em here the first day. You're supposed to mark ’em absent the rest of the year" (Chapter 3).
The Ewells are not respected in Maycomb. They are considered the lowest of the low in Maycomb society. Burris has no desire to be in school, and he is several years behind.
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