Atticus Finch Foil

A minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that emphasize, by contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the novel portrays a society that is remarkably unfair: in the 1930’s in the Southern United States in a small town where racism is part of the very fabric of society. Bob Ewell demonstrates the theme racial prejudice through his racial slurs, while the main character Atticus Finch is a respectable man. Throughout the novel the author emphasizes the importance of overcoming adversity although it may come with defeat. Atticus Finch is a successful lawyer and well known man of Maycomb County. Judge Taylor gives Atticus the task of defending Tom Robinson, an African American man who allegedly raped the daughter of Bob Ewell. Nevertheless, this comes with Maycomb's usual disease of racism. There are several instances in To Kill a Mockingbird that illustrate the many ways in which Bob Ewell is racist. For example, “ I seen that black nigger yonder ruttin’ on my Mayella!” (Lee 231). Bob Ewells use of the words “ that black n…. yonder” , instead of calling Tom Robinson by his name, makes the accused to look beneath Bob Ewell because of Tom Robinson skin color. Atticus states "There's something in our world that makes men
Atticus continues to stand by his values although it may come with racist remarks and threatening comments. The presentation of Atticus as a respectable man opens up his personality to responders and the contrast of him and Bob Ewell emphasise their importance in the novel. The novel highlights the significance of racial prejudice by using Bob Ewell as the antagonist to demonstrate how discrimination was a major issue in the 1930’s. Nevertheless, Atticus Finch continues to fight for equality although he may lose his