Opinion of The Ewells in to Kill a Mockingbird

"The Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations." This is what Atticus Finch, the protagonist's father, says about the Ewell family in Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Throughout the story, the Ewells are depicted as a poor and dysfunctional family, known for their dishonesty and immoral behavior. However, their presence in the narrative serves a greater purpose, shedding light on the deep-rooted racial prejudices and social injustices prevalent in the town of Maycomb. This essay will explore the opinion of the Ewells as portrayed in the text, analyzing Atticus Finch's views on the family and its implications within the broader context of the novel.

Atticus Finch refers to the Ewells as the "disgrace of Maycomb," highlighting their low social status within the community. The Ewells live in a decrepit and unsanitary dwelling near the town's dump, demonstrating their poverty and marginalization. Their lack of education, hygiene, and proper parenting is evident in their lives, making them outcasts in Maycomb society. The way the Ewells are presented in the novel reflects the prevailing class divisions and prejudices of the time, where poverty was equated with immorality and inferiority.

Atticus Finch also comments on the Ewells' reputation and behavior. He states, "The Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations." This suggests that their dishonesty and immoral behavior have been known for a long time. The Ewells are known for their laziness, lack of ambition, and penchant for trouble. Bob Ewell, the head of the family, is particularly reviled by the community due to his abusive nature and his false accusations against Tom Robinson, a black man unjustly accused of rape. The Ewells' behavior exemplifies the deep-seated racism and prejudice prevalent in Maycomb, where a white man's word is often given more weight than a black man's truth.

While the Ewells are portrayed as a disreputable family, their presence in the novel serves a larger purpose. The Ewells symbolize the systemic injustices and racial prejudices deeply embedded in Maycomb's society. Their actions, such as Bob Ewell's false accusation against Tom Robinson, highlight the town's unwillingness to challenge the status quo and confront its own biases. The Ewells' behavior and the community's acceptance of it demonstrate the town's reluctance to hold its own accountable for their actions and prejudices.

Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer and the moral compass of the novel, offers his perspective on the Ewells. While he acknowledges their disgraceful behavior, he also understands the factors that contribute to their circumstances. Atticus recognizes that the Ewells are victims of poverty, ignorance, and a lack of opportunities. He tells his children, Scout and Jem, "the Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations," but he also emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding towards those less fortunate. Atticus's nuanced view of the Ewells demonstrates his belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their social standing.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, the Ewells are presented as a disgraceful and morally bankrupt family. Atticus Finch's view of the Ewells sheds light on the deep-rooted prejudices and social injustices prevalent in Maycomb. Their social standing, behavior, and reputation serve as reflections of the town's class divisions, racial biases, and reluctance to confront its own injustices. While the Ewells are portrayed as villains in the narrative, Atticus's perspective reminds us of the importance of empathy and understanding towards those less fortunate. The Ewells' presence in the novel serves as a reminder that true justice requires not only the condemnation of immoral behavior but also a recognition of the underlying systemic issues that perpetuate such behavior.

Bibliography:

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. HarperCollins, 1960.