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  • Essay / To Kill a Mockingbird Burris Ewell Character

    Table of ContentsIntroductionBodyConclusionBibliographyIntroduction“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is a classic novel that explores themes of racial injustice, morality, and the loss of innocence. In the story, there are different characters who embody different aspects of society, including Burris Ewell. Although Burris Ewell only appears a few times in the text, his character traits are important in understanding the novel's larger message. This essay will analyze Burris Ewell's character traits and their implications, highlighting his role as a symbol of poverty, ignorance and prejudice. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayBodyBurris Ewell, a member of the Ewell family, is described as one of the poorest residents of Maycomb County. The Ewell family lives in a dilapidated cabin near the town dump, lacking basic necessities and living in squalor. In one scene in the novel, Burris goes to school on the first day, only to be ridiculed by Miss Caroline, his teacher. This incident reveals the extent of the Ewell family's poverty and the impact it has on Burris' character. According to the text, Burris is described as having “cooties,” dirty hair and a foul odor. This physical appearance corresponds to the poverty he lives in, emphasizing the cycle of poverty and its effects on individuals. Burris' character traits are reminiscent of the socioeconomic disparities present in Maycomb County, where poverty is an inescapable reality for some families. Burris Ewell's character traits also highlight his ignorance, which is a result of his upbringing and lack of education. In the scene at school, when Miss Caroline attempts to enforce cleanliness, Burris responds with hostility and defiance. He insults her and refuses to follow the rules. This behavior reflects his ignorance, as he does not understand the importance of education or how it could potentially improve his situation. Furthermore, Burris's ignorance is evident in his father's actions. Bob Ewell, Burris' father, is known to be racist and prejudiced against African Americans. This attitude is passed on to Burris, who displays a similar prejudice towards others. His use of derogatory language and racist remarks reveals his lack of understanding and empathy, further highlighting his character trait of ignorance. Burris Ewell's character traits also align with the theme of prejudice in the novel. His derogatory language and racist insults toward African Americans demonstrate his deep-rooted prejudices. An example of this is when Burris refers to African Americans as “trash.” This dehumanizing language reflects the racist ideologies that were prevalent in the era in which the novel takes place. Additionally, Burris's actions and words reflect the broader systemic racism that exists in Maycomb County. Despite a lack of evidence, Bob Ewell accuses Tom Robinson, an African-American, of molesting his daughter. This false accusation leads to an unfair trial and Tom's eventual conviction. Burris's character traits are reminiscent of the racial prejudices that were deeply rooted in society at that time. Conclusion In conclusion, Burris Ewell's character traits in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" align with the novel's themes of poverty, ignorance, and prejudice. . Through his portrait as a symbol of poverty, Burris highlights the socio-economic disparities present in Maycomb County. His ignorance, demonstrated, 2015.