Bob and Atticus Comparison

Bob and Atticus both live in the same town in Southern Alabama, which is a physical similarity.They both become involved in the same court case (the trial of Tom Robinson), and both play an important part in the scenes in the courtroom, on opposing sides however. The similarities between the two men are largely superficial, and the differences are in connection with their actions and their personalities. Both of the men suffer due to the effects of the depression that hit America in 1929; meaning neither of them have much money to their name. However, where Atticus uses his money wisely, spending it on important things such as education, clothes, etc. Bob spends his money, coming from welfare checks, on whiskey, as opposed to his children. Atticus works to earn money which as mentioned previously, he spends wisely, whereas Bob receives the equivalent of our benefits, which he then spends on alcohol. Already you can see just how different the two men are. Atticus is hard working, and his job helps the community therefore they value him, whereas the town often comment on how they haven't seen the Ewells do one honest day of work. This shows us how differently the men are perceived by the community. Both of the men are single fathers and both of their wives died before the novel started, so we don't get to meet them. Atticus wisely employs help, in the form of Calpurnia, who takes the motherly role in the family. Bob, however doesn't seem to care at all about his children. He doesn't encourage them to go to school, and Burris Ewell, one of his sons, is described as "the filthiest human" by Scout. We get the impression Bob's children aren't getting a good upbringing, whereas Atticus's children are. Atticus's children are treated with respect, thus, show respect in return. Whereas, Bob's children aren't treated with respect, and don't show any either. However, Atticus isn't a perfect father. He doesn't think about the safety of the children on the night of the pageant,