Atticus courageously opposes Bob Ewell throughout the novel by defending Tom Robinson and exposing Bob as the violent alcoholic that he truly is in front of Maycomb's community during the trial. In Chapter 23, Bob Ewell spits in Atticus' face while he is leaving the post office. Atticus remains calm and allows Bob to verbally insult him in public. When Bob asks, "Too proud to fight, you nigger-lovin' bastard?" (Lee 291). Atticus responds by saying, "Nope, too old" (Lee 291). Atticus' children are worried about their father and petition him to borrow a gun for protection. Atticus dismisses their idea but notices that they are sincerely upset. When Jem tells Atticus that they are scared for him, Atticus says,
"Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that's something I'll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I'd rather it be me than that houseful of children out there" (Lee 293).
Atticus demonstrates the importance of remaining tolerant and not harboring negative feelings towards prejudiced individuals through his interactions with Bob Ewell. He also shows Jem and Scout that morally upright people have nothing to fear when they interact with racist individuals. Atticus does a great job of keeping his composure and thinking of Bob's children while he is being verbally attacked. Atticus also encourages Jem and Scout to view situations from other people's point of view and peacefully oppose prejudice and racism.
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