To Kill a Mockingbird Burris Ewell Character

Introduction

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is a classic novel that explores themes of racial injustice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Within the story, there are various characters that embody different aspects of society, one of which is Burris Ewell. Although Burris Ewell only appears a few times in the text, his character traits are significant in understanding the larger message of the novel. This essay will analyze Burris Ewell's character traits and their implications, highlighting his role as a symbol of poverty, ignorance, and prejudice.

Body

Burris Ewell, a member of the Ewell family, is portrayed as one of the poorest residents of Maycomb County. The Ewell family lives in a run-down shack near the town dump, lacking basic necessities and living in squalor. In a scene from the novel, Burris attends school on the first day, only to be ridiculed by Miss Caroline, his teacher. This incident reveals the extent of the Ewell family's poverty and the impact it has on Burris' character.

According to the text, Burris is described as having "cooties," filthy hair, and a foul smell. This physical appearance aligns with the poverty in which he lives, emphasizing the cycle of poverty and its effects on individuals. Burris' character traits serve as a reminder of the socio-economic disparities present in Maycomb County, where poverty is an inescapable reality for some families.

Burris Ewell's character traits also highlight his ignorance, which is a result of his upbringing and lack of education. In the scene at school, when Miss Caroline tries to enforce cleanliness, Burris responds with hostility and defiance. He insults her and refuses to conform to the rules. This behavior reflects his ignorance, as he does not understand the importance of education or how it could potentially improve his circumstances.

Furthermore, Burris' ignorance is evident in his father's actions. Bob Ewell, Burris' father, is known for being racist and prejudiced against African Americans. This attitude is passed down to Burris, who displays a similar prejudice towards others. His use of derogatory language and racially charged remarks reveals his lack of understanding and empathy, further emphasizing his character trait of ignorance.

Burris Ewell's character traits also align with the theme of prejudice in the novel. His derogatory language and racial slurs towards African Americans demonstrate his deep-rooted prejudice. One instance of this is when Burris refers to African Americans as "trash." This dehumanizing language reflects the racist ideologies that were prevalent during the time period in which the novel is set.

Additionally, Burris' actions and words reflect the larger systemic racism that exists in Maycomb County. Despite the lack of evidence, Bob Ewell accuses Tom Robinson, an African American man, of assaulting his daughter. This false accusation leads to Tom's unjust trial and eventual conviction. Burris' character traits serve as a reminder of the racial prejudices that were deeply ingrained in society during that time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Burris Ewell's character traits in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" align with the novel's themes of poverty, ignorance, and prejudice. Through his portrayal as a symbol of poverty, Burris highlights the socio-economic disparities present in Maycomb County. His ignorance, demonstrated through his defiance towards education and adoption of his father's racist beliefs, further emphasizes the impact of upbringing on an individual's character. Finally, Burris' character traits reflect the larger issue of prejudice and racism, showcasing the deeply ingrained discriminatory ideologies of Maycomb County. Through the analysis of Burris Ewell's character, readers gain a deeper understanding of the novel's message and the societal issues it addresses.

Bibliography

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Grand Central Publishing, 2015.