Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird: Contrasting Differences with Atticus Finch

Inconspicuously, it is strange how two men from the same town can be such polar opposites. In terms of being highly discriminated, ethnic views, and socioeconomic status, a strong comparison can be made. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell share the bond of a high level of discrimination, but differ in their place in society, and their opinions on the matter of racial affairs. First of all, Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell severely differ in their socioeconomic status.

\Atticus is considered a very respectable person, and the highest class of Maycomb. This is made clear the night Uncle Jack gives Jem and Scout their air rifles. Shortly after Scout says that Atticus can't do anything, to which Miss Maudie replies "There's life in him yet,' 'What can he do?' 'Well he can make someone's will so air tight can't anybody meddle with it.' 'Shoot...' 'Well, did you know he's the best checker player in this town?" (Lee 20). It is evident that Miss Maudie has immense respect for Atticus since she denies Scouts assumption of her father, and explains to her who he really is.

Bob Ewell on the contrary is seen as a low class citizen in Maycomb. For example, when Scout asks Atticus about the Ewell family, Atticus responds "It's against the law, all right,' said my father, 'and it's certainly bad, but when a man spends his relief checks on green whiskey, his children have a way of crying from hunger pains" (Lee 40). It is obvious that the general consensus of Maycomb is that Bob Ewell is of low societal status, since even Atticus Finch one of the most respected men in Maycomb, can utter discriminating information about him. Both Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell differ immensely in their socioeconomic status in Maycomb, which is the overall consensus of the town.

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Secondly, Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell differ immensely in their opinions on racial matters. Atticus Finch can look past race and help anyone in need, no matter what. Scout one night was curious about the meaning of "nigger-lover". As Atticus gave her the correct definition of a nigger-lover, Scout asked Atticus "You aren't really a nigger lover, than are you?' 'I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody... It's hard put, sometimes-baby, it's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you" (Lee 144-145).

In expressing his vast love for everybody, Atticus reveals that he does not discriminate and can look past race and focus on the person as a whole. On the other hand, Bob Ewell cannot, as he uses Tom Robinson as an easy target. This is seen during Bob Ewell's testimony, as he describes a previous altercation with Tom by saying, "-I see that black nigger yonder ruttin on my Mayella" (Lee 231). It is made clear that Bob Ewell automatically assumed that because Tom Robinson is a Negro that he was ruttin after his daughter. In turn assuming that he was capable of something such as rape, based on his ethnicity. Atticus Finch is a very accepting and fair individual, while Bob Ewell has very racist and derogatory beliefs.

Lastly, Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell are both discriminated against in the town of Maycomb. Atticus Finch is judged due to the Tom Robinson trial. This is seen during Jem and Scout Finch's confrontation with Mrs.Dubose, which Mrs. Dubose says "Yes indeed, what as the world come to when a Finch goes against his raising? I'll tell you!' 'Your fathers no better than the niggers and trash he work for!" (Lee 135). Through this confrontation it is obvious that Mrs.Dubose has judged Atticus Finch based on the core fact that he is representing a Negro.

Similarly, Bob Ewell is discriminated against based on the conditions, him and his children live in. For example, presumptively following Mr. Heck Tates testimony, Scout described the situation Bob Ewell has put his children in by saying "Maycomb's Ewell's lived behind the town garbage dump in what was once a Negro cabin" (Lee 227). It is evident that Scout has a pre- conceived notion with regards to Bob Ewell. Scout without actually knowing Bob Ewell, assumes he lives like this a result of careless spending, with no insight into his true situation.

Thus, both Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell are both highly discriminated by the town of Maycomb. Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell both share a tough life of societal discrimination, but have immense differences in terms of their socioeconomic status and their racial views. Societal discrimination, local economic status and controversial racial views give a sanctioned means for comparison between two very different characters. Forging a juxtaposition between two grave opposites allows true insight to be gained from these characters.

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