Saturday, April 9, 2016

How are Walter Cunningham Jr. and Burris Ewell similar in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird?

Although Walter Cunningham Jr. and Burris Ewell act differently, they happen to share several similarities throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Both boys come from rural backgrounds and are relatively poor. The Cunningham farm has been drastically affected by the Depression, and Burris Ewell's father simply chooses not to work. Scout also mentions that Walter has hookworms and a "cootie" crawls out of Burris Ewell's hair during class. Both boys had parasitic insects living on them because they lack the modern amenities provided to the "town folk" with money. Walter and Burris' fathers both are known to drink and make rash decisions. Walter's father attempts to lynch Tom Robinson along with the Old Sarum bunch, and Burris' father attempts to murder Scout and Jem at the end of the novel. Both boys also come from prejudiced families. The Cunninghams and Ewells oppose Atticus' decision to defend Tom Robinson, and they both have run-ins with the Finches.

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