To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee :: Kill Mockingbird essays

To Kill a Mockingbird Comparison and Contrast of the Characters of Bob Ewell and Atticus Finch    In this essay I will introduce you to the dickens main characters in Harper Lees book To kill a mockingbird, comparing them in their attitudes and actions. Atticus Finch is a single father raising both children in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus works as a lawyer believing in equal aloneice for all Americans regardless of wake or religion. Bob Ewell is also a single father raising eight children who also lives in Maycomb. Bob is unemployed collecting welfare who believes in racial segregation. He believes in different modes of justice for blacks and whites.   Atticus is very compassionate while talking to his thirteen-year-old son Jem. Atticus was explaining to him that he would do anything just for Bob to stop beating his kids. As he said, So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella one extra beating, thats something Ill gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and Id rather it be me than that houseful of children out there.(Pg. 221) In addition Atticus explains to Jem that he had to do what he had to do because he destroyed Bobs last shred of credibility, whereas Bob is a coward who doesnt deal with the matter but makes things worse.   Bob proves himself to be very cowardly. He doesnt think before fashioning his actions. As a result of this he tried to kill Atticus children, Jem and Scout. As they were walking home from the Halloween pageant, Bob came out and tried to kill them. Bob got what he deserved when Boo Radley, a neighbor who hides his identity, came out and saved the children, killing Bob. Atticus and Sheriff Tate, the officer of Maycomb, proved to be fair and told Maycomb that Bob fell on his knife to help Boo from public recognition.   Tom Robinson was accused of raping Bob Ewells daughter Mayella. Tom Robinson is a black man who is defending himself against white bulk to win the case. Atticus has taken on the case to defend Tom because he treats everyone as equals and it was important for his self-esteem.