1. Intro: Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell appear to be polar opposites. But they also have similarities
A. Similarities – Both men are white, single parents, exert a strong influence on their children, and are protective of their daughters
B. Differences - Atticus is selfless and Bob is selfish; Atticus is courageous while Bob is cowardly; Atticus’ actions demonstrate his law-abiding nature while Bob Ewell’s actions portray his law-breaking tendencies; Atticus is honest, truthful and demonstrates love while Bob Ewell is deceitful and hateful
2. Body: Compare and contrast the two men in general, and then in relation to the major themes of the book
A. Family situations and personality characteristics and tendencies of each man
B. Atticus’ courage vs. Bob Ewell’s fear. Give example of each from book
C. Atticus’ love and selflessness vs. Bob Ewell’s hate and selfishness
D. Atticus dedication to truth and justice vs. Bob’s deceitful law-breaking tendencies
Kaitlyn Collins
3/20/12
CP English 9
Mr. Walsh
To Kill a Mockingbird Essay
In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell are two characters who are polar opposites, but they share some major similarities in their lives. Both are single parents. Both are white men in a story whose theme surrounds the issue of race. Both men have a strong influence on their children and are protective of their daughters. However, that is where the similarities end. Atticus is selfless and courageous while Bob is selfish and cowardly. Atticus’ actions demonstrate his law-abiding nature while Bob Ewell’s actions portray his law-breaking tendencies. Atticus’ personality exudes honesty, truthfulness and love while Bob Ewell’s personality exhibits deceitfulness and hatred.
Atticus Finch is a single dad with two children, Jem and Scout. He cares for them with the help of a housekeeper named Calpurnia. Atticus is the moral backbone of Maycomb, He is the town’s attorney and is respected by everyone, even the poor.
Bob Ewell, while also a single dad, is an extreme racist that beats his children in a drunken rage rather than caring for them they way they deserve. His eldest daughter, Mayella is the parental figure in the family.
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