Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Maycomb society to kill a mockingbird
Maycomb society to kill a mockingbird
Character analysis to kill a mockingbird
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Maycomb society to kill a mockingbird
If the world was black and white, ninety-eight percent of the population would be gray. Only a handful would be black & white; which in this case, is a synonym for complete opposites. It just so happens that in Harper Lee’s only novel: To Kill a Mockingbird in the main setting of Maycomb County there exist a pair of opposites. Yes, Attics Finch and Bob Ewell represent the extreme opposites of Maycomb’s society; in their contrasting viewpoints, considerations/thoughtfulness and impressions.
To begin with, being opposites, they hold the different viewpoints held in Maycomb’s society. Firstly, the most influential thing concerning a person’s viewpoint is their inner psyche, which can be portrayed by a literary device which shows a person’s stream of consciousness. Now, the only character that Lee really gets into is Scout. But, through Scout’s innocent eyes we see Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell as they really are. And it shows us on many different accounts that Atticus believes in equality for all. This does concur with some of Maycomb’s residents. The evidence that Bob Ewell is totally different, however, comes in the verbal output. Where Bob Ewell explicitly says at the trial: “I seen that black nigger yonder ruttin’ on my Mayella.” We can clearly see how he regards coloured people like Tom Robinson. He cannot even be bothered to refer to him by his name, and instead uses derogatory terms. Lastly, when it comes to expressing a viewpoint, knowingly or unknowingly, body language is often the best teller. Take for example the Atticus’s cool and impeccably courteous manner, even when being shouted at by Mayella, he kept his head, or rather his body, in check. Contrastingly Bob Ewell is rather easy to read with his short temper and such. ...
... middle of paper ...
... Finally, the culmination if all the afore-mentioned aspects results in the overall personality of a person. One sees Atticus Finch: cool, calm and collected. Now take that and bury it in a pile of disgusting droppings, boil it in a pot of vile excretions, add a few drops of poison, wrap it in a pile of used bandages and throw the whole thing into a room full of decaying bodies. Perhaps that would be a fair representation of Bob Ewell.
In conclusion, one can see that there are major differences between Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell when it comes to their viewpoints, considerations, and impressions. These differences represent the diversity of the people in Maycomb in which Atticus and Bob act as the opposite poles of a magnet. Inevitably securing their paths to cross as opposites attract. Perhaps it should be said: for every view there is an equal and opposite one.
Another consequence of defending Tom Robinson in court, aside from being known as a "nigger lover" and opening himself to several other forms of racial hatred from the good people of Maycomb, Atticus was also arguing against a man who was known to be a violent drunk. Bob Ewell was a frightening man and it was noble of Atticus to put himself in a position of opposing such an unstable individual. Atticus remained a gentleman when Ewell confronted him at the post office. Most men in his position would have violently lashed out at Robert E. after being spat upon. Atticus did the right thing and remained a gentleman throughout the confrontation.
Whether we read books, watch movies, or simply live life, we cannot ignore that writers, directors or people create pairs of characters that may have things in common and characteristics that show them as opposites. Sometimes, they may seem obvious but at other times, the individuals have to be analyzed and understood. They are placed in stories to show the good and the bad in the story. However, placing similar and somewhat opposite characters together is clearly portrayed in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. These characters go through some of the same situations but they can be distinguished differently by the way they choose to deal a situation. Sometimes, their intention may be alike however, in the end, their doing is what makes them two different people. This contrast is especially evident when comparing Walter Cunningham Sr. and Bob Ewell, Boo Radely and Nathan Radely, and, lastly, Miss. Maudie and Miss. Stephanie.
Atticus is an incredible character in the book To Kill A Mockingbird. He displays three qualities that make him an incredible character. Atticus is determined. This is evident in the trial when he tries very hard to win for Tom Robinson and when he wants to take the case for an appeal. Atticus is also kind. We witness Atticus’ kindness in the way he acts and treats everyone in Maycomb. Atticus treats everyone with respect even if they don’t deserve it. Lastly, Atticus is patient. The author shows this through the way he treats Jem and Scout and everyone else in Maycomb. This essay will show that Atticus possesses the three qualities just mentioned. This essay will also show how the events and examples just mentioned show unique qualities.
Hypocrisy is as much a part of Maycomb’s society as church and community spirit. For example, Mrs. Merriweather talks about saving the poor Mruans from Africa, but she thinks black people in her community are a disgrace (p.234). The hypocrisy of this teaching is shown as soon as she mentions the word ‘persecution’. This is due to the fact that she herself is persecuting the black people of Maycomb by not raising an eyebrow at the killing of innocent black men. Furthermore, it is obvious Bob Ewell is abusive to his daughter, Mayella, and that he is the one who violated her, not Tom Robinson (p.178). Since there is such hypocrisy in Maycomb, there are excuses made for whites. The jury probably thinks that if they pronounce Tom innocent the citizens will mock them as they do to Atticus. Harper Lee uses hypocrisy to show how the people of Maycomb are so engulfed in a variety of elements that they unknowingly complete acts of unjustified discrimination.
Lee uses Atticus’ good nature and respect for people to promote the theme; being strong in one 's beliefs and honest sets a good example for society: “‘First of all,’ he spoke, ‘if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-,” (Lee 39) Atticus indicates. This quote shows how fair Atticus is, he try’s to understand other people in different situations. His advice is very true and is valid throughout the entire book, it could even be considered a theme on it’s own. Atticus’ quality of respect is very high and continues on into the trial further into the book which helps him during the case and helps Lee build to the theme: “‘Gentleman,’ he was saying ‘I shall be brief, but I would like to use my remaining time with you to remind you that this case is not a difficult one, it requires no minute sifting of complicated facts, but it does require you to be sure beyond all reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the defendant. To begin with, this case should never have come to trial. This case is as simple as black and white,” (Lee 271) Atticus voices in his final words at the trial. Lee uses Atticus’ powerful personality to express her views to the readers. In Maycomb no one ever did anything that was against the majority, so when
Throughout the novel we see the abusive behaviors of Bob Ewell towards people, especially to his daughter Mayella. When Bob Ewell saw what he did from the window he screamed “you goddamn whore, I’ll kill ya” (Lee 198). This inferred that Bob Ewell was talking to his daughter and not Tom, who later testified that when Bob yelled this he was looking right at Mayella. Atticus also makes a case on page 127 about how no one, not even Bob, called a doctor to check on Mayella. By not calling a doctor it proved Bob Ewell was only concerned for himself, not even for the own well-being of his daughter, he was a selfish and horrible father. Also, the Ewell family was one of the lowest whites in Maycomb they had no money and no education, the children only attended the first day of school every year. Bob Ewell wanted the people of Maycomb to view them higher than they do now, but was too lazy to do it himself. Mr. Ewell believed that pinning his own abusive behaviors on Tom Robinson would make people believe he saved their town from dangerous man, and they would now think highly of him. Bob Ewells selfish behavior and poor parenting skills lead to him being a responsibility in the death of Tom
A small city nestled in the state of Alabama, Maycomb has got its faults, just like any other place in the world, but one of its main faults or (pg.88) “Maycomb's usual disease,” as Atticus calls it in the book is prejudice. Jem and Scout learn a lot about prejudice when a black man named Tom Robinson is accused of raping a white woman named Mayella Ewell and their father, Atticus, is called on to be his lawyer. They realize the hate that people have buried deep within their heart when they see a black man accused of doing something only because of his color. On pg.241, Scout starts understanding this and thinks, “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men's hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.” As the case continues, up until the death of Tom Robinson, Jem and Scout learn more and more about prejudice and how the hate that people have towards others causes them to take wrong actions. They also see how unfair it is that a white man can get treated better and think of himself better than a black man only because he was born white. This prejudice and the trial cause Jem and Scout to get in argum...
Few people are the same as they are on the street in their homes. Few people can treat others equally; no matter what colour their skin is. Atticus Finch is one of those precious few. Racism in the town of Maycomb is nothing but disguised by the polite smiles and ladies missionary meetings; although it is the strongest belief that each person of the town holds apart from some such as Atticus. Racism is an issue of great importance, yet to the eye of a visitor waltzing through, it's just a slight whisk of air.
First, the trial of Tom Robinson is an eye-opening experience for Jem and Scout; there they discover hatred, child abuse, and lying. Seeing pure hate is new and strange for Jem and Scout. They know that prejudice does exist, but listening to and watching Bob Ewell during the trial is astounding to them because Bob Ewell abhors all blacks, especially Tom Robinson. Bob’s daughter, Mayella, makes an advance on Tom, which is absolutely unspeakable and shameful at that time. In addition, Bob Ewell’s hate grows (especially for Atticus) because after the trial his reputation and respect is ruined, even though he does not have a high degree of integrity to begin with. Also, through the
In To Kill a Mockingbird there can be plenty of confusion about the theme or what is going on at times but in the end, it is still a valuable book. There is a bit of problem between the Finches, Ewells, and the lower class African Americans. Also, the meaning of the mockingbird from the title comes out. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the author reveals what the mockingbird represents, as well as the theme of discrimination and racism.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, a poet who led the Transcendentalist movement, wrote this quote to inspire people to challenge the status quo and lead others to make a change. Atticus Finch, a character in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, represents Emerson’s message because he stands up for his ideals in a town where strict social standards are eminent and those who do not follow them are shunned. The novel is set in the South during the 1930’s where racial segregation is a serious occurrence, so when Atticus defends a black man, Tom Robinson, in court many of the townsfolk begin to turn their back on him. However, this treatment dose not stop Atticus from using all of his skill as a lawyer to try to set Tom free and fight for his rights. Atticus’ determination and justification toward equality ends up causing many people to rethink some of their social standards regarding the black folk, therefore; Atticus truly went where “there is no path” because no one in the town of Maycomb has ever went against the status quo like he had before. He also left a trail for other folk to follow in his children, Jem and Scout, because they demonstrate Atticus’ teachings and beliefs. They were with Atticus when he first got the court case
He treated a black man very poorly in front of dozens of people in a court trial as he was trying to prove that Tom Robinson had raped his daughter. He showed this emotion on page 231 when he said, "I seen that black nigger yonder ruttin' on my Mayella!" He and his lawyer, Mr. Gilmer, both did as much as they could to break down Tom. They called him names, treated him like dirt, and many other things to prove others that he raped his daughter. They treated him so bad that Dill got sick and had to leave the courtroom because he couldn’t stand listen to them treating Tom like they were. Later in the book, Atticus encountered Mr. Ewell on the street. As he passed by, Mr. Ewell made many horrible remarks and spat on him just because he defended a black man in court. Atticus didn’t do anything back, which made Bob Ewell even more frustrated than he was before. Later in the book, he attacked his children because he embarrassed him in court and because he proved that he raped his own daughter and hurt her, even though the jury voted it was Tom. Bob never forgave him until he accidentally killed himself when he fought Arthur Radley outside of his
When people stand before a jury, they expect to be judged on the content of their character rather than on stereotypes. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, justice fails even the most innocent of people. Harper Lee seems to be saying that justice will fail when faced with prejudice. However, Atticus Finch, a strong-willed lawyer, has full faith and confidence that the court system will always prevail. When he discovers the case of Tom Robinson, a black man who is wrongfully accused of rape, his determination to defend equity is unshaken despite the odds of winning being low. The Ewells are considered to be the trash of Maycomb. They are dirt poor, but not by choice. The father and head of the
Bob Ewell is a careless, racist man who finds unjust reasons to be proud of himself. Bob Ewell lives behind the dump, he has a yard full of garbage and too many kids to care for or even keep track of. In addition, he does not even try to work out of poverty. Atticus describes “ the Ewells [being] the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations. None of them had done an honest days work in his recollection” (40). Although he is able to work, Mr. Ewell decides not to strive for a better life, and lives indolent. Consequently, Bob gets money from the state, though he “drank it up anyway” leaving little for his children (244). Bob has no achievements and is so neglectful of his children he has nothing to be proud of, however he finds relief for this void through his race. Evidently, Bob uses his white power to fulfill his need for superiority.
In Harper Lee's novel To Kill A Mockingbird the protagonist Scout face offenses by others because of her father's justice for defending an African American in court. Scout Finch lives with her brother Jem, and their father Atticus, in the sleepy town of Maycomb during the Great Depression. As Atticus, the father of the protagonist faces the moral dilemma in chapter 29-30 of the incident with Bob Ewell. Atticus moral dilemma will reveal his character and his beliefs. Bob Ewell attempted to hurt Atticus children in order to get revenge on Atticus for defending the African American who was accused of raping his daughter in court. Atticus has a hard time of choosing whether to tell the town that Bob Ewell died of an accident, or his son or Boo Radley killed Bob Ewell. Atticus is a famous lawyer in Maycomb and he believes in legal justice.