I learned more about the poor Mrunas' social life from listening to Mrs. Merriweather: they had so little sense of family that the whole tribe was one big family. A child had as many fathers as there were men in the community, as many mothers as there were women

I learned more about the poor Mrunas’ social life from listening to Mrs. Merriweather: they had so little sense of family that the whole tribe was one big family. A child had as many fathers as there were men in the community, as many mothers as there were women. J. Grimes Everett was doing his utmost to change this state of affairs, and desperately needed our prayers.

– Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 27. Scout reveals what she has learned about African Mruna family life from listening to the white middleclass ladies at their missionary tea meeting. Doesn’t paint a pretty picture. But they’re rather judgemental ladies full of small southern town prejudices.

Harper Lee Quotes