Who Is Bob Ewell

Vindication Station: The Bob Ewell Story
“Treat others the way you want to be treated” is a phrase that children have heard since kindergarten. “Minimizing” one’s reactions in response to a certain situation is an idea taught from birth, as an individual’s actions have enormous impacts on the people around them. But what is it that makes one react in a volatile manner? In the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” we are presented with a variety of characters who respond to adverse situations with poise and thoughtfulness about how they should choose to act. However, some characters are not so considerate. A certain Bob Ewell comes to mind; he is someone whose own lack of self-awareness prevents him from realizing the detrimental effects that his actions
Glaring daggers at Mayella as she testifies, he makes it clear that what goes on in his household is a subject not to be publicly discussed or, for that matter, discussed whatsoever. Seemingly, he walks out of the courtroom unscathed, but an anger unbeknownst to any other is boiling inside of Bob Ewell the moment the accusation is spoken. One can imply this by reviewing the violent behaviours that he exhibits following the trial. He simply cannot handle the fact that he, in his own eyes, is being treated more poorly than Tom Robinson, a crippled black man accused of rape. This demonstrates the idea of harbouring hate, and how it clouds one’s vision when dealing with adverse
In the book “To Kill a Mockingbird,” we are presented with a spectrum of characters. Some are mild-mannered and patient while others are boisterous and outspoken, such as Bob Ewell. Through his narrative, Harper demonstrates that hatred is a learned behaviour that affects all aspects of one’s life, especially their perceptions of different events and how they react to adversity. Obviously, one’s response equates to how they see the world, but being overly hyperbolic defines the magnitude of this response. Furthermore, growing up in a place where behaviour like this is prevalent and even encouraged creates this over-exaggeration. Being a man with no redeeming qualities to speak of, Ewell’s actions are violent and uncalled for. He is unable to catch glimpse of the damage he is doing. A crude and despicable man, he lacks the self-awareness to realize his flaws and continues to drive his family further into the hole already dug by their ancestors. “Treat others the way you want to be treated” is a phrase learned by all kindergarten children: perhaps if Bob Ewell had received any sort of a decent education, he would know this as