In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the Ewells are a destitute and morally questionable family in Maycomb, led by the reprehensible Bob Ewell. Burris Ewell, introduced early in the story, represents the deplorable nature of the Ewell family, known as the “disgrace of Maycomb”. The Ewells, who live behind the Maycomb dump, are known for their poor and ignorant lifestyle, belonging to the lowest circle of white Maycomb society.
Bob Ewell is an abusive and irresponsible father who spends most of his time drinking whiskey and neglecting his many children. His aggressive, drunken behavior causes people in Maycomb to give him a wide berth and allow him to break the rules, as they understand that it’s useless to. The Ewells manage to live outside local and national laws because they are so poor and ignorant, belonging to the lowest circle of white Maycomb society.
Mayella Ewell, Bob Ewell’s oldest daughter, is at the center of the case against Tom Robinson, a Black man she accuses of beating and raping her. The Ewells are white and therefore have more privilege than the Black people in the town of Maycomb. However, among white people, the Ewells have a lower status: they are poor, the kids are often unwashed, and Bob Ewell has a reputation as a troublemaker.
The Ewells have the most hatred and have had the hardest lives of all the people of Maycomb. Atticus Hill, the bad boy in the family, always dressed in all black, rode a Harley, and was known for his ruthless nature.
In summary, To Kill a Mockingbird presents a detailed description of the Ewell family, their reprehensible behavior, and their relationship with the Black community. The Ewells, despite their wealth and privilege, face numerous challenges and are seen as the lowest socioeconomic class among the white citizens of Maycomb.
| Article | Description | Site |
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| Bob & Ewell in To Kill a Mocking Bird Character Traits | His other character traits include racism, cruelty, and pride. Mayella in To Kill a Mockingbird is a far more tragic character than her father. Ostracized from … | study.com |
| To Kill a Mockingbird: Bob & Mayella Ewell | To Kill a Mockingbird · Harper Lee · Character Analysis Bob and Mayella Ewell. | cliffsnotes.com |
| Mayella Ewell Character Analysis in To Kill a Mockingbird | To Kill a MockingbirdMayella Ewell … Mayella Ewell is Bob Ewell’s oldest daughter and is at the center of the case against Tom Robinson, a Black man she accuses … | sparknotes.com |
📹 Video Sparknotes: Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird Summary
Check out Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird Video SparkNote: Quick and easy To Kill a Mockingbird synopsis, analysis, and …
Is Ewell A Hero?
Bob Ewell is depicted as a despicable and abusive figure in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," embodying the worst of human traits. Despised by the community, he is an alcoholic and a neglectful father, notably abusive towards his daughter Mayella. Despite his status as the lowest tier of white society in Maycomb, he perceives an opportunity for fame and validation by falsely accusing Tom Robinson, a Black man, of raping Mayella. Ewell's motivations are rooted in a desperate desire to elevate his social standing by portraying himself as a defender of white womanhood against a perceived black threat.
This act of accusing Tom Robinson showcases both his malicious intent and deeply ingrained racism. In court, his testimony reveals more about his character than about Tom, highlighting his dishonesty and contempt for both the law and moral standards.
Ewell’s aggressive demeanor and his role as the town’s antagonist illustrate the pervasive racial prejudices of the time. He exploits the town's racist sentiments to gain temporary recognition, rather than seeking justice for his daughter. His actions culminate in a vengeful attack on the children of Atticus Finch, further marking him as a violent and disturbed individual. Ultimately, Ewell’s character serves as a powerful representation of the social dynamics and injustices present in the narrative, while also inviting readers to critique the societal structures that enable such individuals to thrive.
How Is The Ewell Family Described?
The Ewell family, portrayed in "To Kill a Mockingbird," epitomizes poverty and moral decay, living in a shack near the Maycomb dump. Known as "white trash," the Ewells represent the community's prejudiced element, highlighted by their disregard for laws and reliance on county welfare for generations. Bob Ewell, the patriarch, is an abusive, racist drunkard despised by the townsfolk and likely his own family. His daughter, Mayella Ewell, accuses Tom Robinson of rape, serving as a pivotal character in the story.
Burris Ewell, Bob's son, instills fear in Miss Caroline on his first day at school, reinforcing the image of a neglected and dysfunctional family. The Ewells sit at the bottom of Maycomb's social hierarchy, just above the Black community, yet their inflated pride is a facade maintained by Bob's aggressive behavior and rule-breaking tendencies. As a widower, Bob neglects his children, spending welfare checks on alcohol while they suffer from hunger.
Mayella, struggling to care for her siblings, represents the cycle of their instability. The narrator, Scout Finch, captures the essence of the Ewells' downfall—marked by their education and moral failings—drawing a stark contrast with other families like the Cunninghams. Ultimately, the Ewell family's existence reflects the social truths and injustices prevalent in their community during the 1930s.
What Does The Ewell Family Look Like In Maycomb?
The Ewell family occupies one of the lowest rungs in Maycomb's social hierarchy, just above the Black community. They derive a misguided sense of superiority from their status, despite living in abject poverty behind the town garbage dump. The family, led by the vile Bob Ewell, is referred to as "white trash" and enjoys certain privileges, avoiding the consequences of their lawbreaking behavior due to their race. Bob Ewell's aggressive, drunken demeanor leads the townspeople to keep their distance, recognizing the futility of confronting him.
The narrative introduces the Ewells, particularly through their son Burris, who embody a morally questionable and destitute way of life. Harper Lee’s portrayal highlights the family's neglect and self-inflicted poverty, contrasting sharply with characters like Atticus Finch. While both the Cunninghams and Ewells represent poverty, they differ in dignity and values, illustrating the spectrum of socioeconomic struggles in Maycomb.
The Ewell property, cluttered and filthy, symbolizes their chaotic existence, showcasing the cultural and geographical divide among communities. In the context of 1930s America, the Ewells exemplify the archetype of a marginalized, disreputable family.
How Is The Ewell Family Described In Chapter 3?
Chapter 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird introduces the Ewell family, characterized as law-breaking, uneducated, and mean. The patriarch, Bob Ewell, is notorious for his heavy drinking, while his children are forced into labor instead of attending school. Burris Ewell exemplifies this family's deplorable nature when a cootie falls from his hair on Scout's first day of school, highlighting their neglect and squalor.
Described as "white trash," the Ewells live in poverty and fall below even the working-class Cunninghams on the social ladder of Maycomb. They are known for their truancy—only attending school on the first day annually. Atticus Finch's measured description of Mr. Ewell suggests that he perceives them as beyond redemption. Although the Ewells occupy a lower status among white citizens, they enjoy certain privileges, notably a lack of legal repercussions for their behavior, indicating a complicated relationship with societal laws.
Scout's desire to emulate Burris's lifestyle reflects her understanding of their societal exemption. The Ewells, particularly Bob, embody the contemptible aspects of Maycomb society, serving as villains in the narrative and highlighting themes of class, morality, and ignorance that permeate the book.
What Is The Ewells Home Life Like?
The Ewells, portrayed in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," inhabit a rundown cabin situated behind the town garbage dump in Maycomb. The family, led by the unemployed and alcoholic Bob Ewell, is characterized by poverty, neglect, and a lack of education, as the children do not attend school. Their living conditions reflect their societal status as the marginalized poor within the white community of Maycomb, often looked down upon and feared. Despite the squalor, there is a small section of their yard that is well-kept, resembling the yards of more respectable families like Miss Maudie's.
Bob Ewell is notorious for his abusive behavior and disregard for social norms, contributing to a home environment filled with dysfunction. His daughter, Mayella, is particularly affected, lacking formal education and companionship, leading Scout to consider her the loneliest person in the world.
While the Ewells share some similarities with the nearby black community, such as poverty and marginalization, their differences are stark—they live in filth and bear the stigma of being "white trash." The Ewells’ reliance on welfare and their chaotic lifestyle contrast sharply with the more harmonious lives of their neighbors. This depiction invites readers to reflect on the harsh realities of poverty and the cyclical nature of their impoverished existence, where the Ewells are trapped by their circumstances, unable to break the cycle of neglect and abuse.
How Is The Ewell Family Described In Chapter 17?
In Chapter 17 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Bob Ewell, representing one of Maycomb's impoverished families, testifies about his daughter Mayella's alleged assault. The Ewells live in a rundown cabin behind the town garbage dump, surrounded by trash and rodents. Scout describes their home as filthy, reflecting their dire poverty. The Ewell children suffer from diseases, indicative of their neglect and brutal living conditions, and they subsist on government assistance. Bob Ewell is portrayed as arrogant, exhibiting a crude demeanor during his testimony. Despite being described as "white trash," the Ewells receive limited leniency from the town. The family's living situation, held together by scavenged materials, showcases extreme poverty and a lack of care. Notably, Bob Ewell has never called a doctor for his family, emphasizing his neglect and possible guilt regarding Mayella's injuries. Atticus Finch’s cross-examination reveals the absence of witnesses when Mayella screamed, and highlights the lack of parental responsibility shown by Bob Ewell. The home life of the Ewells is characterized by a chaotic environment, with a disordered yard and unkempt children. Scout observes that the only organized part of their yard contains well-tended geraniums, rumored to belong to Mayella. This chapter paints a grim picture of the Ewell family's existence, encapsulating the squalid conditions they endure.
How Does Bob Ewell Die In To Kill A Mockingbird?
In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Bob Ewell's relentless pursuit of vengeance leads to his downfall. Although he secures a conviction against Tom Robinson, Ewell's need for retribution against those who threatened his status ultimately results in his death. Ewell attempts to attack Jem and Scout but is fatally wounded by Boo Radley, who comes to their rescue. The sheriff, Heck Tate, discovers Ewell's body with a knife lodged in his ribs and tells Atticus that Ewell fell on his knife, thereby framing the narrative to protect Boo.
Ewell's death raises moral questions about justice and innocence, paralleling the wrongful conviction of Tom Robinson. The events culminate with Boo Radley, a seemingly reclusive character who had shown kindness to the Finch children, emerging as an unlikely hero. Atticus, initially suspecting Jem or himself had killed Ewell in self-defense, arrives at the realization of Boo’s involvement. Heck Tate insists on covering up Boo’s heroism, suggesting it was a suicide to avoid the scrutiny that would come from revealing the truth. Ewell’s tragic end, punctuated by his violent actions and Boo’s defensive intervention, emphasizes the novel's themes of empathy, moral complexity, and the consequences of prejudice.
Are The Ewells Rich Or Poor?
In Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," the Ewell and Cunningham families exemplify different attitudes and behaviors despite both being poor. The Ewells, represented by Burris Ewell and led by the despicable Bob Ewell, are depicted as morally corrupt and living on the fringes of Maycomb society, often described as "white trash." They inhabit a dilapidated home near the town dump and lack education, hygiene, and basic necessities, frequently scavenging for food.
In contrast, the Cunninghams, although poor, hold themselves to a higher moral standard, reflecting dignity and hard work. This distinction underscores the idea that character is not determined by social status but by personal behavior. While the Ewells benefit from their white privilege, they remain shunned and judged by the community for their actions across generations. In this segregated society, where class and race intersect, the Ewells symbolize the negative aspects of poverty and ignorance, whereas the Cunninghams demonstrate integrity and respect.
Lee's portrayal highlights the complexities of social hierarchies within poverty and the moral implications that arise from people's choices, suggesting that true worth transcends economic status. Ultimately, the contrasting representations of these families serve to critique societal prejudices and emphasize the importance of character in defining one's place in the community.
What Actually Happened To Bob Ewell In Chapter 30?
In Chapter 30 of "To Kill a Mockingbird," Sheriff Heck Tate insists that Bob Ewell's death was an accident, claiming that Ewell fell on his own knife. Atticus, initially believing that his son Jem killed Ewell in self-defense, is determined to protect Jem from the law. Heck reveals the truth: Boo Radley, the reclusive neighbor, killed Ewell while defending Jem and Scout from Ewell's attack. To protect Boo from the public scrutiny and unwanted attention, Heck decides to cover up the incident. The confrontation between Atticus and Heck reveals the complexity of the situation, as Atticus struggles with the idea of covering up the truth.
As Scout sits with Boo on the porch, she reflects on the events leading to Ewell's death and the protective instincts of those around her. Despite her father's initial beliefs, it becomes clear to him that Ewell's death wasn't caused by Jem, but rather by Boo's act of courage. Heck's decision to label Ewell's death as an accident stems from his understanding of Boo's character and desire to spare him from the consequences of his actions.
By the end of the chapter, Scout comes to understand the depth of Boo's bravery, culminating in her appreciation for his protection of her and Jem. The chapter explores themes of innocence, protection, and moral righteousness.
📹 Character Analysis Bob Ewell To Kill A Mockingbird
You thought this was gonna be serious, huh? Well, it is.
For me, the most touching scene in the movie adaptation was when the black people stood up when Atticus Finch left the courtroom. For me, it was not the respect that they paid that touched me but the manner in which Atticus Finch left the room. It tells me that he felt guilty and ashamed that, he could not save that innocent man’s life. I guess it appeals to me because although humans have gone so far in issues like slavery and discrimination against race, religion, gender and sexual preferences, we still have so far to go. For instance. The killing and torture of animals for food. The destruction of their natural habitats and probably many other issues that I am still too naive to see. The guilt and shame I felt for being part of it allows me to empathize with the moment Atticus Finch left the room. The mocking bird in the title to me represents Atticus Finch. He is the man who who sings the ”truth”. To try to live his life in the right way in an unjust society but instead of being rewarded, he put his loved ones lives in danger. Since to kill his children’s life is to kill him, thus the title ”to kill a mocking bird.” Society’s punishment for people who speak up for what is right in a society does wrong.
“The title of To Kill a Mockingbird has very little literal connection to the plot, but it carries a great deal of symbolic weight in the book. In this story of innocents destroyed by evil, the “mockingbird” comes to represent the idea of innocence. Thus, to kill a mockingbird is to destroy innocence.”
I’ve read this book multiple times and I absolutely adore it. I really appreciate how explicit the author kept the information, but in a way that we can really infer and analyze the text. You can debate about this book, which is very nice. It leaves a big mystery to it. Because in the text, there is no obvious conflict. I believe that the conflict was that all of the lessons about the world were not yet understood until the end of the book (the conclusion) where it is understood why you shouldn’t kill mockingbirds. I’ve never personally had a lesson at school on this (probably because I’m just in seventh grade), but I still love to read this book ever once in a while.
Most article’s that summarise a book simply talk about the basic plot. Going into the growth of Scout, the moral of the story and summarising the book at the same time in 7 minutes and 24 seconds is very impressive and also super educational to the viewers. This article is actually great for test prepping.
It’s quite strange to see all these western kids saying that “we are just here because tommorow is our exam about it”. But I’m here because I’ve read this novel by myself without any teacher or institution. And I’m also a teenager. This makes u realise how the flavour of a book can be vanished if you force it into the minds of unwilling person. To anyone reading this. Takes joy in every word u read. God bless
The first time I read this book was on vacation. My dad took my phone because he didn’t want me looking at a screen the whole time and got me this book from a store across from the hotel we were staying at. I was pissed, so I decided not to read it out of pettiness, but boredom got the best of me. I started reading the book and I don’t know how much time had passed but when I finally looked up from reading, my dad had this smartass grin on his face and I couldn’t even be mad. I read the book for the entire trip back home and even after we got back. I eventually got my phone back, but I didn’t even look at it until I finished the book. If you haven’t read this book yet for yourself, go do that, I highly recommend it.
I read this book years ago when I was in Junior High (aka middle school). No one made me. I was spending a week at my grandmother’s house and was very bored. She had a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird handy so I thought I would read it. It was very interesting to me and I did not put it down until I was done. I enjoyed the story but have to admit that I cannot say that I understood all the lessons that this article presents. I was pretty young, I was just a voracious reader. The movie is pretty faithful to the book so I would recommend the movie to those who have trouble reading this book. But I would encourage people to read the book if at all possible. It is a tale well told.
Thank you so much for this recap. I haven’t touched or reviewed TKAM since my 9th grade year. Now I’m in my 11th grade year and my Advanced Placement English class is going back and reviewing the power and lessons provided by Harper Lee. You have helped me recap everything I have forgotten and learn more. Again, thanks and keep up the amazing work. Hopefully this article can help a future student much like myself acquire the same results as I.
Thank you for this article. I have read most of the book and this was in my suggestions list. I really appreciate that you took the time to do this. (Sometimes reading books and perusal summaries of the books can help me understand the story better. (It can be difficult to dissect the meanings.)) Thanks Again!
I was supposed to read To Kill A Mockingbird a few years back, but I had not yet learnt to properly analyse literature then, and could not fully comprehend and appreciate the themes and how Harper Lee brilliantly brings out her arguments and viewpoints on so many issues, packaged in such an easy-to-read narrative. Now I’ve just finished my A levels (had to read and analyse literature texts that are much tougher to read, like The Scarlet Letter) and found my copy of this book with some pages turning yellow as I had kept it in my drawers for years. It’s amazing to finish reading this book, actually understand it, analyse and formulate my own opinions on this book with my greater ability to analyse literature now. I’m enjoying this subject even after my major exams have ended 🙂
Thumbs up! Thank you for summarizing the story. I probably will not read the book because it’s a bit too much trauma. But it’s good to know what it’s about as I only found out as an adult that my nickname my entire family called me since I was born was after the older brother in this. I hated the nickname until now. My real name is Jeremy And I never realized this book was why my family always referred to me as Jem.
For any of you middle/high schoolers perusal this in lieu of reading the book. No shame. We have all been there. But after you have finished your test, which I can only assume is tomorrow, please do yourself a favour and read this touching masterpiece. It is an American classic for a reason. XOXO from the Netherlands.
I’m not in school I just work and am 30. Just wanted a refresher for my leisure. These article sparknotes are great. I’m currently reading 1984 and A Brave New World. I read Crime and Punishment over and over after ones of the saddest days of my life. I feel like I might be a Boo Radley at some point. Haha.
Excellent! Thanks for this. I am teaching the novel to a group of Grade 9 students. This is a fantastic concise encapsulation of a book that I love. I’m really looking forward to getting in their and breaking it down with the class. Salute! p.s. I am also a visual artist so the beautiful illustrations were an added bonus…
Seems a little strange that I am perusal this simply to get some additional To Kill a Mockingbird content and so many seem to be perusal this to avoid To Kill a Mockingbird content. It is such a fantastic book. If you really can’t stand to read it find the 1988 audiobook. It is the most common audiobook and easily available on youtube. Hope you kids give it a real try one day.
I’m in 8th grade reading this book, lol my brother paid me $20 to do his essay, plus I love reading anyway. I’ve read many classic books, my favorite being great expectations. BUT I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND THE BEGINNING OF THIS BOOK OMG. I PROBABLY READ IT 10 TIMES. After perusal this though, I understand due to the background information of the characters. THANK U SO MUCH!
Thought it was a bit too dramatic and complex for what should be an easy lesson to teach – but now I realize that it isn’t the book being complicated and nuanced which is the problem, it is the convoluted situation of the social world filled with the repetition of the same child-like mistakes not being unlearnt across generations, that really stands in the way of us realizing these simple yet crucial lessons. Practically speaking, the book ends on an optimistic note, however it’s warnings and subtleties should remind us that not only does the situation of this book have the potential to play out today, but it is playing out now. We have to get everybody on the same page and allow everyone to learn these lessons once and for all or millions more will die not knowing the simple message told by this book from the perspective of children, placed in the complex world that we live in *NOW*. It is because of the same reason why you can’t have a sympathetic racist vegetarian that a man spending his whole life trying to pay off debt and mortgages won’t donate to overseas charities. Priorities – and eliminating racism should be one of the first for every individual including you and me, not just *the general public*. more of a priority than token actions towards vegetarianism and more of a priority than ending wars
3:13-3:18 I remember in 10th grade english class, we were reading “of mice and men” and there was this black character called “crooks” ; he was racially abused by practically the whole ranch except for george and lennie (from what i remember, anyway) . I also remember, the n word was in the book a few times, and our teacher (who was blonde & white btw) said it, and the whole class shrieked (and rightfully so, i mean, who does that ?) . She yelled at us back, all “you guys need to mature, this happens in real life !” . She’s fired now (and good riddance too, ’cause apart from that moment, she was a spastic tyrant in general 🙄)
When enough years had gone by to enable us to look back on them, we sometimes discussed the events leading up to his accident. I maintain that the Ewells started it all, but Jem who was four years my senior, said it started it long before that. He said it began the summer Dill came to us, when Dill first gave us the idea of making Boo Radley come out.
I was waiting to hear the part about the young boy smacking the cranky lady’s flower bushes with his sister’s baton. As punishment, he has to go over to the lady’s house and help her for so many days. Only after he starts helping her, does he find out why she always seems cranky. As with many things in that town, things aren’t always as they appear. (Maybe read the book to find out what happens.)
1: it’s incredibly important that the story is told from scouts perspective. The population of Maycombe is racist as the norm but the children are yet to learn and incorporate racism. It’s important that the titular female (motherly) figure is black and also that they go to a black church. They are unbiased and can see from different perspectives. Also, Jem saids that the trial is guaranteed to end in Tom being found innocent, ie it’s clear to a child that he is innocent. 2: Boo Ridley is a mockingbird in that he’s only been good and caring towards the children (literally saving their lives), Attica as a law man should have him tried from murder, even if he was his defence, but the persists in the dilemma in that he should metaphorically shoot boo even though he only makes music for the Finch family. The Sherif choosing to alter the narrative and say Bob fell on his knife (even though its clear boo killed him) is an echo to the jury convicting Tom even though its clear he’s innocent. The tragic of Toms death (a killed mockingbird) is offset with Boo not being killed.