IndexIntroductionBodyConclusionBibliographyIntroduction“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is a classic novel that explores the themes of racial injustice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Within the story there are various characters who embody different aspects of society, one of which is Burris Ewell. Although Burris Ewell appears only a few times in the text, his character traits are significant in understanding the larger message of the novel. 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay BodyBurris Ewell, a member of the Ewell family, is described as one of Maycomb County's poorest residents. The Ewell family lives in a dilapidated shack near the city dump, deprived of basic necessities and living in squalor. In one scene in the novel, Burris attends school on his 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 "coots", dirty hair, and a foul odor. This physical appearance is in line with the poverty in which he lives, highlighting the cycle of poverty and its effects on individuals. Burris' character traits serve as a reminder of the socioeconomic disparities present in Maycomb County, where poverty is an unavoidable 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 tries to enforce cleanliness, Burris responds with hostility and defiance. He insults her and refuses to conform to the rules. This behavior reflects his ignorance, as he does not understand the importance of education or how it could potentially improve his circumstances. Furthermore, Burris' 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 shows similar prejudice towards others. His use of derogatory language and racially charged comments reveals his lack of understanding and empathy, further emphasizing his character trait of ignorance. Burris Ewell's character traits also align with the theme of prejudice in the novel. His derogatory language and racial slurs toward African Americans demonstrate his deeply ingrained prejudices. An example of this is when Burris refers to African Americans as “trash.” This dehumanizing language reflects the racist ideologies prevalent during the time period in which the novel is set. Furthermore, Burris' actions and words reflect the larger systemic racism that exists in Maycomb County. Despite the lack of evidence, Bob Ewell accuses Tom Robinson, an African American, of assaulting his daughter. This false accusation leads to an unfair trial and Tom's eventual conviction. Burris' character traits serve as a reminder of the racial prejudices that were deeply ingrained in the society of that period. 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 portrayal as a symbol of poverty, Burris highlights the socioeconomic disparities present in Maycomb County. His ignorance, demonstrated through his defiance, 2015.
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