Harper Lee’s seminal novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” paints a vivid picture of racial tensions, childhood innocence, and societal prejudices in the American South during the 1930s. Among the numerous characters who embody Maycomb’s deeply ingrained biases is Burris Ewell, a minor but crucial character. Although his role in the novel is limited, Burris Ewell serves as a stark reminder of the systemic poverty and prejudice that persist in Maycomb County.
A Product of His Environment
Burris Ewell’s upbringing in the Ewell household, known in Maycomb as a family that “lived as guests of the county,” shapes much of his ill-mannered and aggressive demeanor. His father, Bob Ewell, notorious for his racist views and lack of integrity, sets a poor example for Burris. The Ewell residence, located near the town dump, mirrors their social standing and the bleak prospects the children have due to their family name.
A Snapshot of Poverty
Burris’s attendance at school for just one day a year signifies the depth of poverty and lack of prioritization for education within the Ewell family. His ragged appearance, coupled with the explicit description of his “cootie” incident, accentuates the dire economic circumstances in which he lives. This incident not only demonstrates the physical manifestations of his impoverished life but also showcases the general apathy of the community towards the Ewell children’s well-being.
A Manifestation of Prejudice
While racism stands as the primary prejudice explored in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the character of Burris Ewell illuminates the other biases that pervade Maycomb society. The town’s residents seem to accept, without question, the established social hierarchy, with the Ewells almost universally looked down upon. Burris’s surly attitude and reluctance to attend school can be viewed as a defensive reaction to the disdain he constantly encounters.
Contrast with the Finch Family: The juxtaposition between the Finch children and Burris Ewell is palpable. While Scout and Jem Finch grow up with the moral guidance of Atticus and learn the values of empathy and understanding, Burris lacks any such positive influence in his life. This comparison highlights how the cycle of poverty and prejudice perpetuates itself from one generation to the next.
Conclusion:
Burris Ewell, though not central to the primary narrative of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” serves as a poignant reflection of the multi-faceted prejudices present in Maycomb society. He embodies the tragedy of a child born into an environment of poverty, neglect, and prejudice with little hope of breaking free. Lee uses his character to emphasize that while racial prejudice is a significant issue in Maycomb, classism and systemic neglect of the impoverished are equally damaging forces. Through the sad reality of Burris Ewell’s existence, readers are prompted to reflect upon the broader societal issues and the cyclical nature of prejudice. And and the bleak prospects the children have due.
References:
- Lee, Harper. “To Kill a Mockingbird.” J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1960.
- Johnson, Claudia. “Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historic Documents.” Greenwood Publishing Group, 1994.
- Shields, Charles J. “Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee.” Holt Paperbacks, 2007.
