Burris Ewell: A Mirror of Maycomb’s Prejudices in “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Introduction

Literature often provides a lens through which we can scrutinize society, especially in the hands of novelists like Harper Lee. As I delve deeper into "To Kill a Mockingbird" amidst my college readings, a character that stands out, though not as prominently discussed as the protagonists, is Burris Ewell. At first glance, he might appear to be a mere side character; however, upon closer examination, Ewell's role in the novel serves as a reflection of Maycomb's deeply entrenched prejudices. This essay seeks to analyze the character of Burris Ewell, shedding light on how he encapsulates the broader societal issues present in the fictional town of Maycomb.

Burris Ewell, one of Bob Ewell's eight children, only appears in the novel during Scout's first day at school. He's immediately characterized by his filthiness, rudeness, and overall defiance. He stands out as a student who only attends the first day of school each year, fulfilling the legal requirement before disappearing again until the next year.

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Symbolism of Poverty and Neglect

The Ewell family, as depicted in the novel, is one of the poorest in Maycomb. Their state of poverty transcends material deprivation and extends to emotional and moral bankruptcy. Burris, with his lice-infested hair and unwashed appearance, symbolizes the neglect and lack of guidance in his life. While the town acknowledges the family's decrepit state, they're met more with disdain than empathy, highlighting the town's failure to address the very societal issues it perpetuates.

In a town rife with racial prejudice, it's essential to note that classism is equally palpable. Burris, being from the most despised family in town, represents this underbelly of Maycomb society. While the town's racial prejudice is central to the story, Burris's character underscores that even within the white community, stringent hierarchies of worth and value exist.

The Cycle of Prejudice

Burris's defiant attitude, especially towards the teacher Miss Caroline, can be read as a result of the repeated humiliation and marginalization he faces. His aggressive demeanor is a defense mechanism, a facade to combat the world that looks down upon him. Thus, Burris's character showcases how prejudice perpetuates a cycle of bitterness and rebellion in its victims.

The contrast between the Ewells and the Finch family serves to further accentuate societal prejudices. While both families have lost their motherly figure, the Finch children, Scout and Jem, are brought up with moral guidance and love from Atticus. In contrast, Burris and his siblings suffer from Bob Ewell's neglectful, if not harmful, presence, emphasizing how societal perceptions and treatments can alter family dynamics.

Conclusion

Burris Ewell's character, though fleeting in "To Kill a Mockingbird", serves a critical purpose. He exemplifies the societal prejudices deeply rooted in Maycomb's fabric, highlighting that the town's biases aren't limited to race alone. The neglect, humiliation, and subsequent defiance exhibited by Burris mirror the cycle of prejudice and its impact on the marginalized. As students and readers, recognizing such nuances in literature allows us to reflect on and challenge the biases present in our own societies, making classics like "To Kill a Mockingbird" perpetually relevant.

References

• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.
• "Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird: New Essays" edited by Michael J. Meyer.
• "Reading Harper Lee: Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman" by Claudia Durst Johnson.
• "The Mockingbird Paradoxes: Adaptation, Authorship, and America's Favorite Novel" by Jon Michael Varese.

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