Sunday, December 6, 2015

In "To Kill a Mockingbird" what does Harper Lee make you feel about Robert Ewell?

The way Lee describes Ewell, it is hard to imagine that she wants us liking him.  At best, she wants us to be amused with his antics, and at worst, to hate the guy.  She isn't very flattering in describing any of the Ewells, and when Bob gets up on the stand, the descriptions aren't any better:



"a little bantam cock of a man rose and strutted to the stand...his face was red...his nose was thin, pointed, and shiny; he had no chin to speak of-it seemed to be a part of his crepey neck...he reminded me of a deaf-mute."



This description, coupled with the antics he pulls on the stand, making abrasive and shocking comments to rile the crowd up, being defensive during Atticus's cross-examination, and not understanding half of the words spoken to him, make for a not-so-pleasant impression.  Later, when he curses at Atticus at the post office, spitting right in his face, we dislike him even more.  Then, of course, is the traumatic ending and Bob Ewell's role in it all.  We also hear, through Mayella's testimony, about how he beats her, is a drunkard, and never takes care of his children.  So, if Lee wanted us to think kindly on Mr. Robert Ewell, she included all of the wrong details!  I hope that helps.

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