Mockingbird, The Ewells

989 Words4 Pages
Bob Ewell Robert E Lee "Bob" Ewell is the main antagonist of To Kill a Mockingbird. He has a daughter named Mayella, and a younger son named Burris, as well as six other unnamed children. He is an alcoholic who poaches game to feed his family, because he spends whatever money they legally gain (via "relief checks" from the government) on alcohol. He accuses Tom Robinson of raping his daughter and eventually has him thrown in jail, where Tom is subsequently killed while allegedly trying to escape. Everyone in the town knows the Ewells are not to be trusted. It is clear that Tom Robinson is convicted because he's black, and not because of Bob Ewells testimony. Upon hearing about Tom's death, he is absolutely gleeful, gloating about his success. After being humiliated at the trial, however, Bob Ewell goes on a murderous rampage for revenge, becoming increasingly violent. He begins by spitting in Atticus' face, followed by a failed attempt at breaking into Judge Taylor's house, and finally menacing Tom's widow. He then attempts to murder Jem and Scout Finch with a knife. However, Arthur "Boo" Radley arrives, and is able to save Jem and Scout. Heck Tate, the sheriff, then puts in the official report that Bob Ewell fell on his own knife and died after lying on the street for 45 minutes. They decided upon saying that Ewell fell on his own knife not due to fears that Boo Radley would be convicted of murder, but because "It is a sin to kill a mockingbird". That is, metaphorically speaking, Tom's innocence would be destroyed by "throwing a man who has done this town a great service into the spotlight regardless of his shy ways" as Tate puts it, adding that "all the women in town including Tate's wife would be going over and giving Boo cakes and thank yous no matter how much he just wants to be left alone." Mayella Violet Ewell Mayella Violet Ewell is Tom Robinson's

More about Mockingbird, The Ewells

Open Document