What Does Bob Ewell Symbolize In To Kill A Mockingbird

Symbolism is truly a magnificent part of literature. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, the author shows plenty of symbolic literary elements. One is the symbolism of the mockingbird. People like Boo Radley, Atticus Finch, and Tom Robinson all symbolize mockingbirds with their traits and characteristics. In the novel, Atticus Finch is defending a black man accused of raping a white woman, a terrible crime in the racist south. He is not accepted by some for defending Tom, while others praise his graciousness. Atticus has two kids, Scout and Jem, whom he’d do anything to protect. Throughout the novel, it shows that mockingbirds get shot at, and persecuted, as is Atticus Finch. In this book, To Kill A Mockingbird, the symbolism of the mockingbird is an expression of the character, Atticus Finch, and his

In addition to that, Bob Ewell also spits on Atticus after he defends Tom Robinson against his daughter. “It was Miss Stephanie's pleasure to tell us: this morning Mr. Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he’d get him if it took the rest of his life” (290). Bob Ewell has unnecessarily harmed Atticus because Atticus has defended Tom against Mayella Ewell, Bob’s Daughter. So, despite what Bob Ewell might think, Atticus is innocent and very frequently unnecessarily harmed. Another similarity Atticus shares with the mockingbird is that they both benefit others. In nature, one hears a mockingbird singing. In this book, Atticus does plenty of good things, all for the benefit of others. An example of Atticus benefiting others is when Atticus defends Tom.

“I looked around. They were standing. All around us and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet. Reverend Sykes’s voice was as distant as Judge Taylor’s: “Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father’s passin’”