preview

Similarities And Differences Between Robert Ewell And To Kill A Mockingbird

Decent Essays

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee tells the tragic story of the overall loss of innocence in 1930’s Alabama. Atticus Finch fathers two children while working as an overworked but ethical lawyer. His law practice prevents his presence at home. Robert Ewell fathers eight children, whom he raises on his own due to the death of his wife. Robert Ewell lives as a poor man who rarely receives respect in Maycomb County, the town of which they live. Though they may share the similarity of living as fathers, Atticus Finch and Robert Ewell greatly contrast in their morals and views, parenting styles, and in the outcome of their children. Atticus Finch, a character grounded in his respect and morals, centers on his belief in self-respect. That is, self-respect draws from the actions and choices he makes in life. Should Atticus stray from this path, he believes he would lose his right of authority (Lee 78). Along with this, Atticus speaks against racism, stating that though some black people may do wrong, the same goes for whites and every other race. Additionally, every group of people contains its good and bad, and of the immorality of convicting Tom Robinson based solely on his race (Lee 208). When Atticus hears his daughter Scout saying the “n-word”, he elucidates to her its impropriety and expresses his belief in loving all people regardless of color (Lee 112). Robert Ewell embodies the adverse of Atticus. Robert Ewell routinely dehumanizes Tom Robinson within the court's

Get Access