Thursday, September 17, 2009

What are quotes Bob Ewell says that demonstrate he is bitter and the main antagonist in To Kill a Mockingbird?

It is after the trial that Bob Ewell lashes out at Atticus and seeks retaliation against those involved.


  • In Chapter 22 the neighborhood scold, Miss Stephanie, cannot wait to knock on the Finch door and report what has happened that morning: Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he'd get him if it took the rest of his life.

  • In Chapter 27, Bob Ewell acquires a job with the WPA but is soon fired for laziness. When he reports to the welfare office for his check, Ewell "openly accused Atticus of getting his job." 

  • Later in Chapter 27 after Mr. Link Deas hires Helen Robinson as his cook, she is harassed as she walks past the Ewell place. After Mr. Deas accompanies Helen home one evening, he calls to Bob Ewell on his way back and tells him he will have him in jail if he does not stop harassing Helen.
    As Helen walks to work the next morning, Ewell follows her from a distance until she reaches the house of Mr. Deas. Helen calls Mr. Deas at his store, and he hurries to his house. 
    When Mr. Deas tells Ewell he will have him arrested for assault if Helen is frightened anymore, Ewell sourly calls out as he leans on the fence,


"Don't you look at me, Link Deas, like I was dirt. I ain't jumped your—"

"You don't have to touch her, all you have to do is make her afraid, an' if assault ain't enough to keep you locked up awhile, I'll get you on the Ladies Law, so get outa my sight!



It is clear Bob Ewell seeks to harm those who have brought him embarrassment or challenged him during the trial. He even snuck around Judge Taylor's house on a Sunday evening when the judge was alone (Chapter 27).

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