Ewells Flashcards
“Atticus said that the Ewells had been the disgrace fo Maycomb for three generations” “They were people but lived like animals”.
The Ewells are embarrassing and dirty people. They behave and live unlike anyone else in Maycomb.
“He said that the Ewells were members of an exclusive society made up of Ewells”.
Only the Ewells behaved like this and were able to get away with it;
“The common folk judiciously allowed them certain privileges by the simple method of becoming blind to some of the Ewells’ activities”.
There was no way to stop it so they just pretended they didn’t see it or know about it.
“They were people but lived like animals”.
Ewells are compared to as animals. Seem disgusting.
The children are described as “dirty faced”.
Shows that they are neglected and may suggest that Mayella does not take good care of them.
“The Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations”.
demonstrates the negative portrayal of the Ewells as even Atticus who is described as respectable and fair considers the Ewells a “disgrace”. It seems out of character for him to judge others which further consolidates this.
Bob Ewell spends his “relief cheques on green whiskey”.
This shows how Bob is an alcoholic and how he neglects his children. He’s selfish and cruel.
“White trash”.
The Ewells are described as being “white trash” but being white still places them higher on the social hierarchy than black people such as Tom.
“No I don’t recollect if he hit me. I mean yes I do, he hit me.”
This shows the internal conflict Mayella is struggling with. She is unsure whether she should confess the truth or lie to protect her father which may prevent future abuse.
“Mayella looked as if she kept clean”.
Shows that she’s not comfortable with their way fo life and wishes for change.
“It came to me that Mayella Ewell must have been the loneliest person in the world”.
Even Scout realises how lonely Mayella must be due to her lack of parental affection.
“red geraniums” and they were “cared for as tenderly as if they belong to Miss Maudie”.
Mayella cares deeply for her flowers. This shows her desire for beauty and order in her life. It proves that she is an innocent but a victim of her circumstances.
“Took me a slap year to save seb’m nickels, but I don’t it. They all gone to town”.
This portrays Mayella as very desperate and cunning as she saves up for ages to be alone in the house by herself with Tom”.
