Characters...
A brief analysis of the main protagonists in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
The Characters in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' are known as some of 'Fiction's most mysterious characters'. Many of these characters reflect very strongly, aspects of Lee's life and problems she's come across. All of the main protagonists have characteristics that are very important to them. These characteristics help the order and way in which the novel and plot flow.
Scout Finch (Jean Louise Finch)
Played by Mary Badham in the 1962 film 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Scout Finch is one of that main protagonists in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. She is also the narrator of the book. During the three year period in which the novel takes place, Scout grows and develops from a naive six year old to a bright, smart and worldly nine year old.
Scout is a very respectful girl but occasionally breaks the rules like any child does. Throughout the novel she asks many questions to help her in her understanding of what's going on around her. Compassion and curiosity are what drive her.
One of Scout's strong traits is that she's a fighter. She fights for what she wants and is determined to get it. An example of this is when she beats Walter Cunningham in the schoolyard for calling Atticus a 'Nigger-Lover'. Scout sticks up for her family and will not allow them to be insulted. They are one of the most important aspects of her life. Scout will go to any length to protect her father Atticus and her brother Jem. Throughout the novel, Scout uses violence against numerous characters. She also beats up her friend Dill when he isn't paying enough attention and when her brother's life at risk when he's grabbed by one of the members of the lynch mob she kicks them. It is her way of protecting herself, others around her and expressing her strong feelings against others.
Scout starts out as being very innocent and doesn't understand the full severity of the Tom Robinson case. As she grows, she learns more about the trial and how serious things can be. When Scout witnesses the lynch mob, her naivety saves them. She talks to Mr. Cunningham (a mob member) and humanizes him (identifiying him as an individual and not just as another member of the mob) . This causes the mob to retreat and Atticus and Tom's well-being were spared.
Throughout Scout's childhood the mystery as to what's behind the Radley's front door trigger her imaginations and wild stories. As Scout grows, so do her perceptions of what's happening around her. The mysterious Boo Radley;the monster who comes out at night to peep through windows, becomes more human. By the end of the novel Scout realises that he's just another human who has been brought to injustice by rumours and stories.
Scout is a character full of compassion and curiosity who brings the reader lots joy but also through her, life lessons are learnt.
Played by Mary Badham in the 1962 film 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Scout Finch is one of that main protagonists in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. She is also the narrator of the book. During the three year period in which the novel takes place, Scout grows and develops from a naive six year old to a bright, smart and worldly nine year old.
Scout is a very respectful girl but occasionally breaks the rules like any child does. Throughout the novel she asks many questions to help her in her understanding of what's going on around her. Compassion and curiosity are what drive her.
One of Scout's strong traits is that she's a fighter. She fights for what she wants and is determined to get it. An example of this is when she beats Walter Cunningham in the schoolyard for calling Atticus a 'Nigger-Lover'. Scout sticks up for her family and will not allow them to be insulted. They are one of the most important aspects of her life. Scout will go to any length to protect her father Atticus and her brother Jem. Throughout the novel, Scout uses violence against numerous characters. She also beats up her friend Dill when he isn't paying enough attention and when her brother's life at risk when he's grabbed by one of the members of the lynch mob she kicks them. It is her way of protecting herself, others around her and expressing her strong feelings against others.
Scout starts out as being very innocent and doesn't understand the full severity of the Tom Robinson case. As she grows, she learns more about the trial and how serious things can be. When Scout witnesses the lynch mob, her naivety saves them. She talks to Mr. Cunningham (a mob member) and humanizes him (identifiying him as an individual and not just as another member of the mob) . This causes the mob to retreat and Atticus and Tom's well-being were spared.
Throughout Scout's childhood the mystery as to what's behind the Radley's front door trigger her imaginations and wild stories. As Scout grows, so do her perceptions of what's happening around her. The mysterious Boo Radley;the monster who comes out at night to peep through windows, becomes more human. By the end of the novel Scout realises that he's just another human who has been brought to injustice by rumours and stories.
Scout is a character full of compassion and curiosity who brings the reader lots joy but also through her, life lessons are learnt.
Jem Finch (Jeremy Finch)
Played by Phillip Alford in the 1962 film version of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Jem Finch (Jeremy), Scout's older brother is very much a role model or a figure to look up to for Scout. At nine years old at the beginning of the novel, Jem is very eager to please his father Atticus and fears disappointing him. By the end Jem, being 12 years old, has matured and knows more about the world around him and the happenings in Maycomb County.
Jem is seen through a different perspective, seen through the eyes of his little sister, as he matures Scout points out finer details that most people wouldn't point out.
In 'To Kill a Mockingbird" Jem represents lots of central themes and ideas. A strong example of this is his bravery. Jem is always testing his and other people's bravery. An example of this is when Dill dares him to touch the Radley House, a the house of a mysterious recluse. Jem gathers his courage and touches the house, to Scout this is an act of great bravery and heroism. "In all his life, Jem had never declined a dare."(exert from To Kill a Mockingbird) In Jem's eyes, bravery changes and forms. Examples of these such things are when Atticus faces the Rabid Dog and puts his life at risk to protect people around him. Jem not only learns that Atticus has hidden talents, but learns that bravery requires sacrifice.
As the novel progresses Jem goes from being a naïve, young boy doing role-plays with his sister and friend, to a matured young man who protects his sister when her life is threatened.
Played by Phillip Alford in the 1962 film version of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Jem Finch (Jeremy), Scout's older brother is very much a role model or a figure to look up to for Scout. At nine years old at the beginning of the novel, Jem is very eager to please his father Atticus and fears disappointing him. By the end Jem, being 12 years old, has matured and knows more about the world around him and the happenings in Maycomb County.
Jem is seen through a different perspective, seen through the eyes of his little sister, as he matures Scout points out finer details that most people wouldn't point out.
In 'To Kill a Mockingbird" Jem represents lots of central themes and ideas. A strong example of this is his bravery. Jem is always testing his and other people's bravery. An example of this is when Dill dares him to touch the Radley House, a the house of a mysterious recluse. Jem gathers his courage and touches the house, to Scout this is an act of great bravery and heroism. "In all his life, Jem had never declined a dare."(exert from To Kill a Mockingbird) In Jem's eyes, bravery changes and forms. Examples of these such things are when Atticus faces the Rabid Dog and puts his life at risk to protect people around him. Jem not only learns that Atticus has hidden talents, but learns that bravery requires sacrifice.
As the novel progresses Jem goes from being a naïve, young boy doing role-plays with his sister and friend, to a matured young man who protects his sister when her life is threatened.
Atticus Finch
Played by Gregory Peck in the 1962 film version
Atticus Finch, the father of Scout and Jem, is a wise and humble character. He is said to be one of the wisest characters in Western literature . Atticus remains calm in the face of danger or threat. An example of this is when The rabid Dog enters the town, Atticus is the one who in the end shoots and puts his life in danger. He remains calm throughout the whole ordeal. When Jem asks why he can shoot and has never taught him, Atticus explains how he doesn't like to kill. Atticus is the one who says the famous quote "It is a sin to kill a mockingbird...they don't do anything but sing their hearts out for us."
Being one of the main protagonists, Atticus Finch represents many themes evident throughout the novel. One of these themes that he represents is equity. "Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets." During Tom Robinson's trial, Atticus proves that Robinson is innocent, he uses the same calm, methodical that he would use to talk to Jem, or Calpurnia. Atticus is a man of the law and believes very strongly that the law is right and will bring justice. Only once throughout the whole novel, does he rethink opinion.
Atticus is a very fair and patient man, giving everyone a fair go. Whilst others are quick to judge and quickly label people 'trash' or 'nigger-lover', Atticus keeps his opinion to himself.
When it comes to raising Jem and Scout, Atticus uses different parenting methods compared to other more traditional parents. Jem is constantly complaining that Atticus won't play football with him or take him shooting like other father's. Atticus' strengths are not mentally but physically, it takes Jem and Scout a long while to realise that their father does have his talents, he just doesn't gloat.
Played by Gregory Peck in the 1962 film version
Atticus Finch, the father of Scout and Jem, is a wise and humble character. He is said to be one of the wisest characters in Western literature . Atticus remains calm in the face of danger or threat. An example of this is when The rabid Dog enters the town, Atticus is the one who in the end shoots and puts his life in danger. He remains calm throughout the whole ordeal. When Jem asks why he can shoot and has never taught him, Atticus explains how he doesn't like to kill. Atticus is the one who says the famous quote "It is a sin to kill a mockingbird...they don't do anything but sing their hearts out for us."
Being one of the main protagonists, Atticus Finch represents many themes evident throughout the novel. One of these themes that he represents is equity. "Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets." During Tom Robinson's trial, Atticus proves that Robinson is innocent, he uses the same calm, methodical that he would use to talk to Jem, or Calpurnia. Atticus is a man of the law and believes very strongly that the law is right and will bring justice. Only once throughout the whole novel, does he rethink opinion.
Atticus is a very fair and patient man, giving everyone a fair go. Whilst others are quick to judge and quickly label people 'trash' or 'nigger-lover', Atticus keeps his opinion to himself.
When it comes to raising Jem and Scout, Atticus uses different parenting methods compared to other more traditional parents. Jem is constantly complaining that Atticus won't play football with him or take him shooting like other father's. Atticus' strengths are not mentally but physically, it takes Jem and Scout a long while to realise that their father does have his talents, he just doesn't gloat.
Boo Radley (Arthur Radley)
Played by Robert Duvall in the 1962 film
Boo Radley, or Arthur Radley as he's known to adults around Maycomb County, is the figure of children's nightmares. Around Maycomb County, Boo Radley is known as a recluse who rebelled in his teenage years. His father has kept him confined to the house in the years since the incident.
To the children, Boo Radley is a monster, escaping from the house at night, peeping in windows. Scout and Jem are ever so curious as towards what happens inside the Radley House. Over a period of a few months, Boo leaves gifts for Scout and Jem in the hollow of a tree outside the lot. This symbolises Arthur Radley's innocence and the fact that he's been incarcerated since a young age. Leaving presents for the children is one of his only windows of contact to the outside world. This was short lived, Mr. Radley soon cemented up the tree hollow barring any contact that Arthur had wit the world surrounding him. Due to his incarceration, Arthur Radley has never been given the opportunity to learn to socialise properly, he is almost childlike in ways. An example of this is when he pats Jem's hair whilst Jem's unconscious. He tentatively reaches out his hand as if something unexpected will happen. He lets Scout look after him and guide him around whilst he's in the Finch's residence, the movements he makes are again childlike and full of innocence.
In many senses Boo Radley and Tom Robinson share many similarities. They are both represented by the book title. Mockingbirds. Even though one man is black and the other white they are both brought injustice through prejudice and rumours. The allegations against Tom Robinson aren't just racism, they're due to human prejudice. Humans take forms of evil in ways they don't even realise, convicting an innocent man because it's socially correct. This is the same for Arthur Radley. Lee shows the themes of racism, prejudice and condemning the innocent through these characters.
Arthur Radley is a good person, damaged by rumours and the evil of people, he's emotionally damaged by his father who's also his captor. He is treated just like Tom Robinson, with prejudice, by the children. When Jem and Scout realise the injustice that Tom Robinson suffers they understand that Boo Radley isn't forced to stay inside, he wants to stay inside to dodge criticism and ridicule.
Boo Radley also represents bravery like other characters in the book. He puts his life in danger to protect Scout and Jem when Mr Ewell tries to kill them. Even after all of the ridicule thrown at him, Boo Radley is still brave and selfless.
Played by Robert Duvall in the 1962 film
Boo Radley, or Arthur Radley as he's known to adults around Maycomb County, is the figure of children's nightmares. Around Maycomb County, Boo Radley is known as a recluse who rebelled in his teenage years. His father has kept him confined to the house in the years since the incident.
To the children, Boo Radley is a monster, escaping from the house at night, peeping in windows. Scout and Jem are ever so curious as towards what happens inside the Radley House. Over a period of a few months, Boo leaves gifts for Scout and Jem in the hollow of a tree outside the lot. This symbolises Arthur Radley's innocence and the fact that he's been incarcerated since a young age. Leaving presents for the children is one of his only windows of contact to the outside world. This was short lived, Mr. Radley soon cemented up the tree hollow barring any contact that Arthur had wit the world surrounding him. Due to his incarceration, Arthur Radley has never been given the opportunity to learn to socialise properly, he is almost childlike in ways. An example of this is when he pats Jem's hair whilst Jem's unconscious. He tentatively reaches out his hand as if something unexpected will happen. He lets Scout look after him and guide him around whilst he's in the Finch's residence, the movements he makes are again childlike and full of innocence.
In many senses Boo Radley and Tom Robinson share many similarities. They are both represented by the book title. Mockingbirds. Even though one man is black and the other white they are both brought injustice through prejudice and rumours. The allegations against Tom Robinson aren't just racism, they're due to human prejudice. Humans take forms of evil in ways they don't even realise, convicting an innocent man because it's socially correct. This is the same for Arthur Radley. Lee shows the themes of racism, prejudice and condemning the innocent through these characters.
Arthur Radley is a good person, damaged by rumours and the evil of people, he's emotionally damaged by his father who's also his captor. He is treated just like Tom Robinson, with prejudice, by the children. When Jem and Scout realise the injustice that Tom Robinson suffers they understand that Boo Radley isn't forced to stay inside, he wants to stay inside to dodge criticism and ridicule.
Boo Radley also represents bravery like other characters in the book. He puts his life in danger to protect Scout and Jem when Mr Ewell tries to kill them. Even after all of the ridicule thrown at him, Boo Radley is still brave and selfless.
Tom Robinson
Played by Brock Peters in the 1962 film 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Tom Robinson is one characters that has been brought so much injustice. He is also one of the most innocent characters. Being a protagonist, Tom Robinson's character brings across many morals and themes. Some of these things include racism, prejudice, innocence and breaking out of routine.
Before Tom has even been convicted, people around Maycomb talk and beset their judgement upon him. Their prejudices again overrule their judgement and their sense of morality. Tom's innocence is shown through Atticus. Because of his skin colour, people are quick to judge. Even though Tom's up against 'white-trash' Mayella Ewell, Atticus still has to fight hard to get across his point. Racism is strong in Maycomb County, which in the end is what kills Tom Robinson.
During the trial, the county hears the Ewell's side of the story, the one that everyone intended to hear and believe. It's not until Tom Robinson presents his story that the jury start to change their way. He genuinely delivers his case and makes a point that he was only helping Mayella because of his compassion to help a person in need. Lee uses this part of the story to show that people care and are good no matter what race.
Tom Robinson represents hope. Even though this hope is lost it is a spark of change. During the trial there is so much hope for Tom Robinson. He is proven innocent, and has people on his side. In the end it is the people who are set in their ways that convict him. The short moment of hope that is shown in this part of the story is enough to start a change in people and how they think towards people of other races. The jury had the choice between taking the easy path and going with the story that is socially right (black man is guilty) or the difficult story that uses evidence that is correct but forces people to stand up for what is right and fight their fears of unconformity.
Tom Robinson represents many themes and morals but the main ones he represent are racism, prejudice, innocence and breaking out of routine and believing in change.
Played by Brock Peters in the 1962 film 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Tom Robinson is one characters that has been brought so much injustice. He is also one of the most innocent characters. Being a protagonist, Tom Robinson's character brings across many morals and themes. Some of these things include racism, prejudice, innocence and breaking out of routine.
Before Tom has even been convicted, people around Maycomb talk and beset their judgement upon him. Their prejudices again overrule their judgement and their sense of morality. Tom's innocence is shown through Atticus. Because of his skin colour, people are quick to judge. Even though Tom's up against 'white-trash' Mayella Ewell, Atticus still has to fight hard to get across his point. Racism is strong in Maycomb County, which in the end is what kills Tom Robinson.
During the trial, the county hears the Ewell's side of the story, the one that everyone intended to hear and believe. It's not until Tom Robinson presents his story that the jury start to change their way. He genuinely delivers his case and makes a point that he was only helping Mayella because of his compassion to help a person in need. Lee uses this part of the story to show that people care and are good no matter what race.
Tom Robinson represents hope. Even though this hope is lost it is a spark of change. During the trial there is so much hope for Tom Robinson. He is proven innocent, and has people on his side. In the end it is the people who are set in their ways that convict him. The short moment of hope that is shown in this part of the story is enough to start a change in people and how they think towards people of other races. The jury had the choice between taking the easy path and going with the story that is socially right (black man is guilty) or the difficult story that uses evidence that is correct but forces people to stand up for what is right and fight their fears of unconformity.
Tom Robinson represents many themes and morals but the main ones he represent are racism, prejudice, innocence and breaking out of routine and believing in change.
Calpurnia
Played By Estelle Evans in the film
Calpurnia, the Finch's black maid, although not a major character in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', does portray important themes and messages. Some of these include love and care and being cared for despite her racial status. Calpurnia represents having different community values.
Through Scout's eyes, Calpurnia has always been a figure of authority although she's not Scout's parent. Calpurnia spends the majority of her time in the Finch household performing jobs and tasks to keep the one-parent family running well. Calpurnia believes in strict discipline and expects Scout and Jem to act upon this. At the beginning of the novel, Scout thinks of Calpurnia very much as a wicked step-mother, telling her what to do and punishing her for misbehaving. It’s not until Calpurnia brings the children to visit her local (Negro) church one Sunday, that the children realise that she leads a different life outside of their house. Scout and Jem come to understand that's she's only tough on them because she loves and cares for them as if they were her own children. 'The idea that Calpurnia led a modest double life never dawned on me. The idea that she had a separate existence outside our household was a novel one, to say nothing of her having command of two languages.'(pg. 138)
When Aunt Alexandra comes to stay with the Finch Family, she states that Atticus barely needs Calpurnia now that she's here. Atticus remains firm in his position saying that they are keeping Calpurnia. As the reader gets to understand Atticus and his ways further, they realise that Atticus is doing this for several reasons. One of these being that he cares for her as if she were his family. Atticus also keeps Calpurnia because that's a small effort for him to make to maintain Calpurnia's financial wellbeing and employment. Calpurnia represents being privileged and cared for despite her racial status.
When Scout and Jem visit Calpurnia's church one Sunday, they are introduced to the other side of Calpurnia. The children are taken by surprise when Calpurnia begins speaking like all of the other Negroes. When Scout asks why she is doing so and that she knows better than to speak like that Calpurnia replies 'It's not necessary to tell all you know. It's not ladylike – in the second place, folks don't like to have somebody around knowin' more than they do. It aggravates 'em. You're not gonna change any of them by talkin' right, they've got to want to learn themselves, and when they don't want to learn there's nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language.' (pg. 144)This quote shows that Calpurnia is very wise but also humble. She doesn't like to gloat and brag about how fortunate she is to be employed and treated well. Calpurnia teaches the children about having community values and doing what is right and adapting, to suit your surroundings.
Through characters such as Scout, Jem and Atticus, it is made evident that Calpurnia represents love and care. She also represents being treated as an equal despite having black skin. She represents having two characters and doing what is right to fit in with both communities.
Played By Estelle Evans in the film
Calpurnia, the Finch's black maid, although not a major character in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', does portray important themes and messages. Some of these include love and care and being cared for despite her racial status. Calpurnia represents having different community values.
Through Scout's eyes, Calpurnia has always been a figure of authority although she's not Scout's parent. Calpurnia spends the majority of her time in the Finch household performing jobs and tasks to keep the one-parent family running well. Calpurnia believes in strict discipline and expects Scout and Jem to act upon this. At the beginning of the novel, Scout thinks of Calpurnia very much as a wicked step-mother, telling her what to do and punishing her for misbehaving. It’s not until Calpurnia brings the children to visit her local (Negro) church one Sunday, that the children realise that she leads a different life outside of their house. Scout and Jem come to understand that's she's only tough on them because she loves and cares for them as if they were her own children. 'The idea that Calpurnia led a modest double life never dawned on me. The idea that she had a separate existence outside our household was a novel one, to say nothing of her having command of two languages.'(pg. 138)
When Aunt Alexandra comes to stay with the Finch Family, she states that Atticus barely needs Calpurnia now that she's here. Atticus remains firm in his position saying that they are keeping Calpurnia. As the reader gets to understand Atticus and his ways further, they realise that Atticus is doing this for several reasons. One of these being that he cares for her as if she were his family. Atticus also keeps Calpurnia because that's a small effort for him to make to maintain Calpurnia's financial wellbeing and employment. Calpurnia represents being privileged and cared for despite her racial status.
When Scout and Jem visit Calpurnia's church one Sunday, they are introduced to the other side of Calpurnia. The children are taken by surprise when Calpurnia begins speaking like all of the other Negroes. When Scout asks why she is doing so and that she knows better than to speak like that Calpurnia replies 'It's not necessary to tell all you know. It's not ladylike – in the second place, folks don't like to have somebody around knowin' more than they do. It aggravates 'em. You're not gonna change any of them by talkin' right, they've got to want to learn themselves, and when they don't want to learn there's nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language.' (pg. 144)This quote shows that Calpurnia is very wise but also humble. She doesn't like to gloat and brag about how fortunate she is to be employed and treated well. Calpurnia teaches the children about having community values and doing what is right and adapting, to suit your surroundings.
Through characters such as Scout, Jem and Atticus, it is made evident that Calpurnia represents love and care. She also represents being treated as an equal despite having black skin. She represents having two characters and doing what is right to fit in with both communities.
Dill (Charles Baker 'Dill' Harris)
Played by John Megna in the 1962 film version
Dill, Scout and Jem's friend who takes up residence with his aunt every summer in Maycomb, and a minor character, represents mainly neglect and keeping positive in tough situations.
Charles Baker Harris, called Dill fills his summer days telling stories and making up plays. He fills his imagination with things he's going to do with his family and places he's been and going to go. Dill does this because at home his parents don't pay him adequate attention. Most of the time Dill remains positive despite the circumstances and being palmed off to his relatives and spending no time with his real parents.
Dill remains with the Finch family over a period of a few months after running away from his mother who has just recently remarried. He is upset when he arrives. After having so many expectations of his new father Dill is let down. Dill explains to Jem that he and his father were going to go flying because he's a pilot and that Dill never did anything with them because they had no time for him.
Dill isn't a major character in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' but does play a big role in exploring the theme of neglect and keeping positive despite the circumstances. Dill is full of naivety and is youthful. He hasn't yet been tarnished by the weight that adults carry on their shoulders.
Played by John Megna in the 1962 film version
Dill, Scout and Jem's friend who takes up residence with his aunt every summer in Maycomb, and a minor character, represents mainly neglect and keeping positive in tough situations.
Charles Baker Harris, called Dill fills his summer days telling stories and making up plays. He fills his imagination with things he's going to do with his family and places he's been and going to go. Dill does this because at home his parents don't pay him adequate attention. Most of the time Dill remains positive despite the circumstances and being palmed off to his relatives and spending no time with his real parents.
Dill remains with the Finch family over a period of a few months after running away from his mother who has just recently remarried. He is upset when he arrives. After having so many expectations of his new father Dill is let down. Dill explains to Jem that he and his father were going to go flying because he's a pilot and that Dill never did anything with them because they had no time for him.
Dill isn't a major character in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' but does play a big role in exploring the theme of neglect and keeping positive despite the circumstances. Dill is full of naivety and is youthful. He hasn't yet been tarnished by the weight that adults carry on their shoulders.
Bob Ewell
Played by James Anderson in the 1962 film 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Bob Ewell, a member of one of the most disrespected families in Maycomb County. Bob Ewell represents greed, selfishness and having bad morals. Bob Ewell is the father of eight children with whom have no mother. He spends his welfare checks on whiskey and acts abusively towards his family. He leaves all of the parenting up to helpless Mayella, his oldest daughter.
When the talk of the Tom Robinson's trial arises in Maycomb, Bob is quick to act and threaten Atticus if he dares to make him look bad. In the lead up to the trial Ewell's presence in the novel is scarce. After Tom Robinson had been convicted, Bob Ewell poses more threats towards Atticus and his children. This is because after the occurrence of the recent events, Ewell feels as though he has been embarrassed. In the weeks following the trial, Mr. Ewell threatens Atticus, gives Tom Robinson's widowed wife grief, breaks into the County Judge's house and attack's Jem and Scout. In the end this event becomes fatal for Ewell. During the trial Atticus makes evident that Bob Ewell abuses his daughter. Mayella gets abused physically by Ewell and also sexually. This angers Ewell and leads him to acting out these such things.
Ewell's greed and selfishness causes his children to be under privileged and mistreated. An example of this is when Tom Robinson asks Mayella where her siblings are and she replies that they are in town getting and ice-cream. When he asks where she got the money she says that it took her a year to save the money. Bob's selfishness causes his children lots of harm and hardship.
Lee uses this character to portray forms of evil people can take. Bob Ewell possess so many bad characteristics. Greed, selfishness and having bad morals-this character is designed for the reader to dislike.
Played by James Anderson in the 1962 film 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Bob Ewell, a member of one of the most disrespected families in Maycomb County. Bob Ewell represents greed, selfishness and having bad morals. Bob Ewell is the father of eight children with whom have no mother. He spends his welfare checks on whiskey and acts abusively towards his family. He leaves all of the parenting up to helpless Mayella, his oldest daughter.
When the talk of the Tom Robinson's trial arises in Maycomb, Bob is quick to act and threaten Atticus if he dares to make him look bad. In the lead up to the trial Ewell's presence in the novel is scarce. After Tom Robinson had been convicted, Bob Ewell poses more threats towards Atticus and his children. This is because after the occurrence of the recent events, Ewell feels as though he has been embarrassed. In the weeks following the trial, Mr. Ewell threatens Atticus, gives Tom Robinson's widowed wife grief, breaks into the County Judge's house and attack's Jem and Scout. In the end this event becomes fatal for Ewell. During the trial Atticus makes evident that Bob Ewell abuses his daughter. Mayella gets abused physically by Ewell and also sexually. This angers Ewell and leads him to acting out these such things.
Ewell's greed and selfishness causes his children to be under privileged and mistreated. An example of this is when Tom Robinson asks Mayella where her siblings are and she replies that they are in town getting and ice-cream. When he asks where she got the money she says that it took her a year to save the money. Bob's selfishness causes his children lots of harm and hardship.
Lee uses this character to portray forms of evil people can take. Bob Ewell possess so many bad characteristics. Greed, selfishness and having bad morals-this character is designed for the reader to dislike.
Mayella Violet Ewell
Played by Collin Wilcox Paxton in the 1962 film
“Against the fence, in a line, were six chipped-enamel slop jars holding brilliant red geraniums, cared for as tenderly as if they belonged to Miss Maudie Atkinson, had Miss Maudie deigned to permit a geranium on her premises. People said they were Mayella Ewell's.” (pg. 64)
Amongst all of the members of the trashy Ewell family, Mayella is the only one with whom the reader empathises. Trapped in her family's ways, Mayella tries for a better life. She's lonely, abused, helpless and mistreated. Lee portrays these characteristics using Mayella's actions towards Tom Robinson and the way in which she acts during the trial. The geraniums from the quote above show that Mayella is the one piece of beauty underneath the layers of rubbish that are her family.
At the beginning of the trial Mayella looks like a timid, fragile-looking girl but as she is questioned by Atticus Finch, she gets cornered with questions and becomes nervous about the truth becoming revealed. "I got somethin' to say an' then I ain't gonna say no more. That nigger yonder took advantage of me an' if you fine fancy gentlemen don't wanta do nothin' about it then you're all yellow stinkin' cowards, stinkin' cowards, the lot of you. Your fancy airs don't come to nothin' – your ma'amin' and Miss Mayellerin' don't come to nothin', Mr. Finch-" Then she burst into real tears.(pg., 167) This evidence suggests that Mayella is under pressure, she becomes very distressed by being addressed as 'Miss Mayella' or 'M'am'. Lee uses this to show that Mayella is mistreated and isn't accustomed to being addressed politely or talked to with respect. She acts in this manner because she doesn't recognise these names as being talked to politely but more as being made fun of.
Mayella Ewell is a helpless charcacter, that represents beauty, being mistreated and misunderstood and being neglected.
Played by Collin Wilcox Paxton in the 1962 film
“Against the fence, in a line, were six chipped-enamel slop jars holding brilliant red geraniums, cared for as tenderly as if they belonged to Miss Maudie Atkinson, had Miss Maudie deigned to permit a geranium on her premises. People said they were Mayella Ewell's.” (pg. 64)
Amongst all of the members of the trashy Ewell family, Mayella is the only one with whom the reader empathises. Trapped in her family's ways, Mayella tries for a better life. She's lonely, abused, helpless and mistreated. Lee portrays these characteristics using Mayella's actions towards Tom Robinson and the way in which she acts during the trial. The geraniums from the quote above show that Mayella is the one piece of beauty underneath the layers of rubbish that are her family.
At the beginning of the trial Mayella looks like a timid, fragile-looking girl but as she is questioned by Atticus Finch, she gets cornered with questions and becomes nervous about the truth becoming revealed. "I got somethin' to say an' then I ain't gonna say no more. That nigger yonder took advantage of me an' if you fine fancy gentlemen don't wanta do nothin' about it then you're all yellow stinkin' cowards, stinkin' cowards, the lot of you. Your fancy airs don't come to nothin' – your ma'amin' and Miss Mayellerin' don't come to nothin', Mr. Finch-" Then she burst into real tears.(pg., 167) This evidence suggests that Mayella is under pressure, she becomes very distressed by being addressed as 'Miss Mayella' or 'M'am'. Lee uses this to show that Mayella is mistreated and isn't accustomed to being addressed politely or talked to with respect. She acts in this manner because she doesn't recognise these names as being talked to politely but more as being made fun of.
Mayella Ewell is a helpless charcacter, that represents beauty, being mistreated and misunderstood and being neglected.