Cross Creek: Economics

In order to understand Cross-Creek economics one must understand the concept of trust. Trust is defined as confidence or faith in a person or thing; in Cross Creek the system of trade is based on need and trust. If anyone needs anything, usually the person who can give it, does so freely on the understanding and mutual agreement that the giver will eventually receive payment. Unlike modern economics, in which payment usually refers to some sort of monetary exchange, in Cross Creek payment rarely results in paper currency. More often than not, payment is resolved through trade of either goods or services of some sort; the long-term effects of this system help maintain the basic lifesyle. Rawlings learns how these values extend far beyond monetary worth, because the system is dependent on individual integrity.

Due to the intimacy of the people at Cross Creek, newcomers are quickly identified and often judged by their ability to handle Creek living. When Rawlings comes to Cross Creek, she brings with her, money and status. She lacks much of the knowledge needed to survive and thrive in the rural South and, therefore, must learn from those residents around her. Inhabitants of the Creek soon realize that Rawlings has come to Cross Creek to stay. Her willingness to learn, help, and partake in the community's economic system is looked upon favorably by the citizens as an effort to better herself and, more importantly, those around her.

Early on, Rawlings learns the ways of Cross Creek through new experiences and by example. She openly trusts the invitations offered to her and often gains more knowledge and insight than she can give. In the chapter entitled, "The Pound Party," she learns that the true meaning behind the party is for the Townsends to gain food and money. She gives both, thus, providing a temporary solution to their hunger, but she is specifically concerned with the children's long-term health and education. Her idea of payment in this instance is that if she provides the children with the necessities, i.e. medicine, food, and clothes; the parents should pursue and continue the children's education. Ultimately, Rawlings' efforts are in vain. Here she learns that the Townsends's priorities and their understanding of worldly importance are completely different than hers. This becomes Rawlings's first lesson of Creek living.

The most poignant instance demonstrating the power of trade is found in the chapter entitled, "A Pig Is Paid For." In this chapter, Rawlings shows her naivetι when dealing with Mr. Martin after killing and eating his pet pig. The Northern elitist comes out in her when she assumes that money will solve everything. She doesn't realize how much the pig truly means to Mr. Martin. This is the first time that she learns the meaning and value of the economic system at Cross Creek. The loan that she makes to Mr. Higgenbotham and his subsequent pig trade to Mr. Martin settle the debt she owes him. By her trust in Mr. Higgenbotham's words, "in a pinch, I could work it out," her debt is simply resolved in a manner that benefits everyone. Not only is the debit absolved, but Rawlings will continue to benefit from her relationship with both men.

Ironically, the long-term benefits of payment (according to Cross Creek economics) are more fruitful than the original trade. This is not only apparent in the chapter, "A Pig Is Paid For," but also in Rawlings's friendship with Moe. Her first instinctual kindness toward Moe leads to his continuous help with chores and work that Rawlings needs and can't do alone. Their friendship blossoms out of what she describes as "mutual helpfulness." At times Rawlings needs not only goods and services but help with money, too, and she again turns to the residents of the Creek. In these instances when Rawlings goes to her neighbors for help, the Giver (Rawlings) becomes part of the Needy (the community). This arrangement further helps Rawlings identify with the natives of Cross Creek and also gives her a better appreciation and understanding of the economic system of "mutual helpfulness" at Cross Creek.

Having previously lived in the North and now living in the South, Rawlings sees both sides of economics; the North, is solely based on monetary gain and Cross Creek (the South) is based on mutual trust and long-term benefit. While she has her bad moments when trusting the wrong people, she does not become bitter and seems continuously to maintain a confident outlook on her life at the Creek. She learns that money, while both necessary and useful, is not the most important thing in life. She also learns that payment at Cross Creek is often a very individualized thing; it comes in various forms, many times unexpectedly, and is a continuous process.

--Stephanie Torres

Works Cited

• Rawlings, Marjorie Kinnan. Cross Creek. Ballantine Books: New York, 1942.