Character's Analysis: Bob Ewell

The character of Bob Ewell serves the most condemnable one in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960). Hence, the author, with the help of this character, has attempted to condemn and discourage the infliction of injustice and discrimination towards the minority groups and communities co-existing with the mainstream population under the same social environment. It was Bob Ewell, false allegation of which gives a go to the future developments to be made in the novel. Even Ewell does not belong to the affluent stratum of society; somehow, he looks down upon the poor and particularly considers African Americans as inferior individuals. It is Bob Ewell, who is responsible for indictment and eventual conviction of Tom Robinson by putting allegations on Tom of raping his daughter.

He appears to be a cunning, revengeful and vindictive man, who does not have mercy or care for the children even. That is not the only that indicates his racial bias by blaming Tom for raping Mayella. He also demonstrates his vindictiveness, when spitting on Finch as well as attacking his children during the night hours with the aim of killing the children in cold blood. Besides, he is a lazy man and habitual drunkard and has been fired from his job because of his sluggish nature and addiction.

However, his act of uniting the white community under one banner, and convincing the jury to issue the verdict against the black accused proves him a successful statesman, who contains the capabilities of winning the favors of the masses, and mobilizing them in support of his stance, whether just or unjust. Hence, his shrewdness and cunningness assess the sentiments and emotional condition of the narrow-mindedness of the town people. They would not allow an African American even to think about tempting a white girl  Hence, despite having low financial and social status, he is in a position of winning the jury’s side. Thus, Ewell’s character maintains profound significance in nature and scope, which provides the readers with the opportunity of making a distinction between right and wrong.