"The Ewells were the shame of Maycomb for three generations." This is what Atticus Finch, the protagonist's father, says about the Ewell family in Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Throughout the story, the Ewells are depicted as a poor, dysfunctional family, known for their dishonesty and immoral behavior. However, their presence in the narrative serves a greater purpose, shedding light on the deep-rooted racial prejudices and social injustices prevalent in the town of Maycomb. This essay will explore the Ewells' views as depicted in the text, analyzing Atticus Finch's views on family and its implications within the broader context of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"?Get the original essayAtticus Finch calls the Ewells the "disgrace of Maycomb," emphasizing their low social status within the community. The Ewells live in a decrepit and unsanitary dwelling near the town dump, demonstrating their poverty and marginalization. Their lack of education, hygiene, and proper upbringing is evident in their lives, making them outcasts in Maycomb society. The way the Ewells are presented in the novel reflects the prevailing class divisions and prejudices of the time, where poverty was equated with immorality and inferiority. Atticus Finch also comments on the Ewells' reputation and behavior. He says: “The Ewells were the shame of Maycomb for three generations. » This suggests that their dishonesty and immoral behavior has long been known. The Ewells are known for their laziness, lack of ambition, and penchant for getting into trouble. Bob Ewell, the head of the family, is particularly vilified by the community because of his abusive nature and his false accusations against Tom Robinson, a black man unjustly accused of rape. The Ewells' behavior illustrates the deep-rooted racism and prejudices prevalent in Maycomb, where a white man's word often carries more weight than a black man's truth. While the Ewells are portrayed as an unsavory family, their presence in the novel serves a larger purpose. aim. The Ewells symbolize the systemic injustices and racial prejudices deeply rooted in Maycomb society. Their actions, like Bob Ewell's false accusation against Tom Robinson, highlight the city's unwillingness to challenge the status quo and confront its own prejudices. The Ewells' behavior and the community's acceptance of it demonstrate the town's unwillingness to hold itself accountable for its actions and prejudices. Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer and the moral compass of the novel, offers his perspective on the Ewells. While recognizing their shameful behavior, he also understands the factors that contribute to their situation. Atticus recognizes that the Ewells are victims of poverty, ignorance, and lack of opportunity. He tells his children, Scout and Jem, that "the Ewells were the shame of Maycomb for three generations," but he also emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding toward those less fortunate. Atticus's nuanced view of the Ewells demonstrates his belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their social position. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the Ewells are presented as a shameful and morally bankrupt family. Atticus Finch's view of the Ewells highlights the deep-rooted prejudices and social injustices prevalent in Maycomb. Their social status, behavior and reputation reflect class divisions, racial prejudice and reluctance to confront, 1960.