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At the heart of To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, is the relationship between Atticus and Bob. Before the trial, Atticus is well respected by Mr. Ewell, but he soon turns sour upon the realization that Atticus is actually going to fight for a black man against him. This relationship is used to portray the books key themes of understanding and tolerance, values, and reactions when morals are questioned. One of the novels key themes is the theme of understanding and tolerance. Lee is able to show that even in the most unpleasant of situations, that men with good values can see things from another persons view.
When Bob Ewell spits on Atticus face, instead of retaliating, Atticus simply returns home and simply says, I wish he would stop chewing tobacco. This shows his great degree of tolerance. His behavior in this situation also shows his understanding. Atticus destroyed [Bobs] last shred of credibility, and as he understands where Bob Ewell is coming from, he takes it in his stride.
Throughout the novel, the theme of values, respect and morals is brought up regularly. Once again, a clear example of this is when Bob Ewell meets Atticus outside the courthouse. Despite being harassed and being called a nigger lovin bastard and other obscenities by Mr. Ewell, he holds his head up high and does not sink to Bob Ewell's level. Instead, he lets Bob Ewell take out his anger on himself, in the hope that [Atticus] saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating. This shows Atticus good values and priorities.
At the end of the novel, the relationship between Bob Ewell and Atticus ends with a twist. Atticus is faced to chose between his family and his morals in his decision as to who killed Bob Ewell. When the sheriff, Heck Tate, suggests that someone else may have killed Mr. Ewell, Atticus says that he wont have it, and clearly shows that his morals and values are fair and are held against all people, even his own family. Despite his anger, over not thinking about Jem, when finding out what happens, he still sticks to his original statement. He tries to show his children that values are everything, and that if [my children dont trust me [ (Atticus) ], then they wont trust anybody.
The Relationship between Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell is certainly, in my opinion, the heart of To Kill A Mockingbird. Although Bob Ewell is a stark contrast to Atticus, the relationship these two share is used by Harper Lee is to showcase his views and ideas. Even in Bob Ewell's death, Lee is able to show us the true meaning of values and shows how under pressure, men of high moral standard will react to the situation without bias.
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Research essay sample on Kill A Mockingbird Bob Ewell
